News Starshapes

We catch up with Andy Hobson, drummer and backing vocalist for electronica indie band Starshapes, to give us a heads up on what’s on the horizon for this hard-working trio.

Quick, tell us who you are and what you all do.
We’ve been together as Starshapes for about a year now. It all started with me and Rob [Taylor, vocals, guitar and programming] sketching out some ideas round at his house with some bits of percussion, a laptop and a guitar. After a few low key gigs Neil [Quinlan, synths] joined and we started building up a collection of songs for live shows.

What were you all up to before Starshapes?
We’ve all been involved in various bands and the music industry for a while now. Rob was previously a solo artist, whilst Neil was and still is a studio engineer who has worked with various big name producers over the years. Both of them have been remixing a number of bands, so it made sense to bring the programming element into what we do. I’ve been in various bands over the last 15 years having played everything from the Water Rats to Wembley Arena with the Departure!

How would you describe your sound? What are the band’s influences?
We’re all fairly eclectic in what we like and bring into the band. We’re currently loving M83’s new material, but over the last year it’s been been Crystal Castles, Caribou, Fever Ray, Phoenix, Bon Iver to name a few. All of us hark back to the likes of Pearl Jam as well. I guess our influences filter into the Starshapes sound but we’re just writing music we enjoy playing.

What are you currently working on as a band?
We’re planning to release our first single called ‘This City’ later this year. It’s up on our website, so have a listen! We’re spending a lot of time refining our sound and getting the live show the best it can be as well as honing production skills through remixes. The whole recording process is a massive learning process for us as a band but it’s exciting as well. We’re getting there as we’re understanding more about what we want to put across.

How would you like to be remembered?
Punctual!

When can we catch you next?
Our next gig is on 2nd September at The Garage in London, supporting The Masters in France.

this city by STARSHAPES