I had a chat with UK alternative pop 4-piece Alvarez Kings last week about the bands new single ‘Words I Couldn’t Say’, their upcoming album and touring.
Four lads from South Yorkshire, UK who gleefully share their moniker with an infamous old school South American gang, Alvarez Kings summon pop power through timeless analog synth and guitar magic. The quartet—brothers Simon [vocals, guitar] and Paul Thompson [bass, keys, backup vocals], Aidan Thompson [guitar, keys, production], and Richard Walker [drums, samples, pads] have quietly built up an international buzz since their 2012 formation.
You guys have just released a new single titled “Words I Couldn’t Say” tell us about that track and how you wrote it?
“It was a song that as soon as we created the idea of it we knew that we had to finish it. Simon had the initial idea of it when making his spare room into his baby daughters nursery. He said when the room was empty, he found the acoustics awesome and he started firing voice memos over. And yes, the acoustics did sound great! The song is a story of an uncontrollable collision course of self-destruction from drug and alcohol abuse. We like to think of it as the desolation of a failed relationship, and self-blame.”
Your tracks have vibrant and rich soundscapes with synths and luscious rhythmic textures. Did you always plan to bring synths into your sound or was it something you discovered worked when you were experimenting?
“It has been something we have developed over time. We like to push the boundaries of production and our overall sound. We also try not to do an Oasis and release the same sounding record every time.”
How do you guys tackle the production of your songs do you get a producer in to help or is it something you tackle yourselves?
“On our ‘Somewhere Between’ album we worked with producer Carlos de la Garza who was outstanding, however with the new album and us not being able to travel to LA we have kept it all within the band. From writing and recording to mixing and mastering. We had a lot tracks already recorded before COVID hit so luckily we could mix from home. Through lockdown our group chat has constantly been lit up with new mixes and new songs. “
How do you write your songs, do you write elements separately and bring them together to work on or does the magic happen when you guys are all together?
“It all happens when inspiration strikes really. When we are on tour we always like to play backstage on new song starts together, be that a guitar riff, melody ideas or some bass lines. Then when we come home, we like to focus and finish writing them up.“
Up until 2018, you toured your debut album extensively, playing sold-out headline shows across Europe, UK and the United States along with some of your biggest festival appearances to date including Firefly and Summerfest. How do you find touring ? and how do you deal with the challenges that come from being on the road all the time?
“We like to see touring as the success of all the hard work and long hours we put into our music. Its great how we can see how our music effects people lives and we love that we can meet friends and fans along the way. The main challenges are being away from home. You can hear this on a lot of the lyrical content from us. From sending ‘Postcards from Berlin’ to ‘Sleepwalking PT I’“
I bet you guys have had some crazy experiences while on tour or onstage what is the most bizarre thing to happen while you were on tour?
“One that sticks out the most was in 2018, we were playing a show in Atlanta and a mosh Pitt started. One young guy was being really rowdy and starting fighting with people in the front row and tried to get on stage but got met by the headstock of Pauls bass guitar. Everyone cheered and the bouncers took the guy out. “
You have experienced both performing as a main act and a support act with the likes of Melanie Martinez, PVRIS, and Echosmith – two very different experiences for artists. With a support slot you have to appeal to fans who might not be yours yet and win them over and with a headline slot it’s almost like a party with people who love and appreciate your music. Do you find the support slots daunting?
“Yes you’re right. They are both different. Sometimes we prefer the support slot -mainly away from home as we can go on stage, deliver energy for 30-35 minutes and have time to talk to fans after. If your headlining sometimes it’s hard to make time for that sort of thing. “
Do you get nervous before shows and if so how do you deal with nerves?
“We used to in the early days but not so much anymore. We have a beer and do our pre show routine. “
You guys are currently working on your second studio album, which is currently anticipated for a 2020 release. What can we expect from the album?
“You can expect lots of exciting new sounds/songs but still staying loyal with some classic Alvarez Easter eggs. “
Has the writing or forming of these tracks been different to how you created your debut album ‘Somewhere Between’?
“With the addition of Aidan we have been doing a lot of writing with him. A lot of the songs on the previous album were written over 5 years ago, so it’s been awesome writing fresh songs but our process has still remained the same. “
How have you guys been keeping busy during this crazy covid- 19 time?
“We’ve been busy with a new addition to our Alvarez family – baby Pippa. Also we’ve been writing back and forth through WhatsApp and voice memos. We’ve been doing a lot of live-streams and have some great ones coming up, so keep your eyes peeled for those! “
What advice would you give someone who wants to start a band or career in music?
“Practice, play and write as much as you can. “
What’s next for you guys?
“We will be back touring and playing shows whenever it is safe to do so. We also have lots of new music coming your way!“
Stream ‘Words I Couldn’t Say’ below
Author : Danu
