Nuns Of The Tundra – Interview

Bristol newcomers NUNS OF THE TUNDRA release their electric new single, Pray 4 U, Slay 4 U, on Friday 7th December. We had the guys over for a chat, and here’s what happened:

What is the full band line-up, who plays what?

Troy Tittley – Lead vocal and guitar, Arran Davies – Guitar and backing vocal, Jim Smith – Bass and backing vocal, James Gray – Drums.

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

The first incarnation of Nuns of the Tundra was first formed under the name of The Dead Seeds in 2013, a pet project shared between childhood friends Troy Tittley and Arran Davies. After separate circumstances took them back to their hometown, they took the opportunity to work together on music for the first time. After gaining experience in different bands and storing all the biggest riffs for their own projects, the Dead Seeds quickly became a release for both members to sharpen their songwriting skills. After posting countless demos and developing a solid following on Reddit, Soundcloud and other social media platforms, their songwriting began to focus to a refined British take on the American Desert Rock scene, and the foundations of Nuns of the Tundra’s sound were formed.

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

After an early demo of their now second single ‘Minds Eye’ hit the front page of Reddit’s music forum, they knew they were getting closer to cracking that sound they’d been working on, as their work began to resonate with others before a band was even formed. For the next year, the first bands line-up began practising for live gigs to act on the hype and hit the ground running.

Who are your musical influences?

Queens of the Stone Age are by far our biggest influence. Other influences: Arctic Monkeys, The Marmozets, Foo Fighters, Biffy Clyro, Nine Inch Nails, Tame Impala, Royal Blood.

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

Troy and Arran went to the same primary school and grew up listening to the same bands. Jim also went to the same secondary school and later reconnected when they were on the lookout for a bassist.

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

I think what makes us different is how we try and change our approach to songwriting and recording constantly, we see each song as one frame in a kaleidoscope, each one is a separate entity, but very much seen through the same lense. We aren’t afraid to really experiment with dynamics, change up our sound or try something fresh, in fact my favourite thing is doing something daring and not knowing how it will turn out.

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

Like a surfer bombing down a wave, cutting the water with a chainsaw in hand, the sun setting with a storm brewing on the horizon, and a hand from the deep reaching up to grab him from below. Also there’s a few dogs surfing too, for kicks.

Do you have a tour on the horizon?

Releasing 2 further singles early 2019, with a tour supporting the 3rd release. Possible December launch gig for this single (looking to book this in so will keep you up to date).

Where can we find your social media sites?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com
Twitter: @NunsOfTheTundra
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/nunsofthetundra
Website: https://www.nunsofthetundra.com