Sweet Ignitions – Interview

Welsh fuzzed-up tunesmiths SWEET IGNITIONS have just revealed a new track and video, Daggers.

We interviewed the guys and asked them to fill us in on their background…..

What is the full band line-up, who sings and who plays which instrument?

The full band line up is Matthew Phillips on lead vox and guitar, Lino Malnati on main backing vox and guitar, Huw Thomas on bass and vox, Ty Walker drums and vox.

How and when did the band form? Tell us anything interesting about your hometown.

The band formed late 2017 when Matt and Lino had a few jams with no aspirations other than just having a knock around together. They had played together previously in Ruby Cruiser who were signed to One Little Indian but hadn’t done anything musically. In over 10 years. Some good ideas came out, so Huw was asked to come for a jam too – they quickly realised that there was the start of a promising band there. After came the search for a drummer and a few unsuccessful auditions they found Ty in February 2018. They haven’t looked Bach since. Abergavenny hosts the Food festival every September which is now internationally recognised and attracts 30,000 visitors and the top chefs. Marty Wilde also had a hit with the song – Taking a trip down to Abergavenny!

When and how did the band really start gelling and solidifying?

It was a really quick process. There was a connection between Matt, Lino and Huw which made them want to form a band and within 2 minutes of the first rehearsal with Ty it just felt right. The first demo was recorded just 4 weeks after Ty joining and within 4 weeks after that they had landed a 4-single deal with Animal Farm Records. They played around 20 shows in 2018 and the band are now a tight live act. It came together quickly; they were tight after the first handful of shows.

Who are your musical influences?

We are definitely influenced by the 90s explosion of guitar bands such as QOTSA, Soundgarden, Screaming Tree etc but then all of us have grown up on classic rock bands like the Stones, Beatles, Zeppelin. Everything you listen to influences you though from Soul to rock to pop. It all plays its part.

Where did the name of the band come from?

It’s so tough to name a band, trying to put together 2 or 3 words. We just emailed each other so many combinations of words and attempts at band names then decided to take out all the words that we liked. Somehow, we pieced those 2 together and it just sounded right.

How far back does your history with each other (the band members) extend? Are you friends from school or any family relations?

Matt and Lino have known each other since they were 15 in school and both have known Huw from their early 20’s. Matt and Lino played in Ruby Cruiser together recording an album with Chris Sheldon and touring the country to promote it supporting bands like The Yo-yos, Idlewild, The Crocketts. We all met Ty last year, but he’s quickly become a close friend.

Where have you played or toured? Please name all countries / regions and recognised bands that you have played with.

As we’re still a relatively new band we’ve been limited to just playing mainly South Wales and a few shows in England. We’ve supported The Virgin Marys, Hands off Gretel and an acoustic show supporting Tony Wright of Terrorvision.

In your opinion, how is your band different from all the other bands out there?

It’s hard to be very different these days but we try to be the best that we can within the genre that we’re doing. There is definitely a sound to Sweet Ignitions though as we can play in E, Drop D or Drop C and it still sounds like the same band.

If a deaf person were to ask you to describe the sound of your music, how would you describe it?

Music that will make you move that’s for sure. The lyrics can be slightly morose and intense but the energy of the music almost has a party vibe. Kind of an oxymoron really. All coated with power, energy, rage but sweet harmonies and melodies.

Where can we find your social media sites?

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are the sites that we use. Facebook would be the one where you would find out the most information and news about the band closely followed by Instagram