Q&A: Fright Years Talks New Single “Blue,” Musical Inspirations and Their Evolution
☆ BY FAITH LUEVANOS ☆
CREATING MUSIC THAT HAS BEEN WIDESPREAD COUNTRY TO COUNTRY — is Edinburgh based indie-rock band, Fright Years. The band consists of vocalist Jules Kelly, guitarist Harrison MacLeod-Bonnar, bassist Christopher Jamieson, and drummer Struan Blacklock – definitely names you’ll want to remember.
After dropping highly acclaimed songs like “Evil” and “Every Weekend,” the band is back with their newest single, “Blue.” This new anthem is packed with emotion that seamlessly seeps through to anyone who listens – a track about chaotic love that contains so much vulnerability. Best described by the band, “[“Blue”] is a high-octane blend of indie-rock and power-pop that will leave you breathless.”
Luna was able to pick the bands’ brains about what inspired the song, their accidental meeting that created the group and some of their favorite musical inspirations. Read the interview below!
LUNA: What was the story behind "Blue?” Can you share any specific moments or events that helped create it?
FRIGHT YEARS: “Blue” is about swallowing your pride and embracing the end of a relationship. Specifically, it’s about wanting to break out of poor cycles whilst also recognizing your own part in creating them. It was one of the first songs we ever wrote together as a band. It sort of came together out of nowhere, just off of CJ’s bass riff, which felt quite energetic and lighthearted and inspired the song. But it has had many forms and has changed structurally so many times. I think in the end we accepted that it is just quite chaotic and that’s fine. It’s meant to be a messy and fun song.
LUNA: Are there any particular production techniques that played a significant role in shaping the sound of "Blue?”
FRIGHT YEARS: To be honest, there isn’t really anything production-wise going on that significantly directs how it sounds when we rehearse it in a room. When we wrote it we were just starting out, and I think we just wanted to keep it fun and unpolished like that. We tried to keep it as close to a live recording as possible. So I guess it was more so the other way around.
LUNA: What or who are some of the key influences on your music and songwriting?
FRIGHT YEARS: We’ve always loved songwriters who can expand really intimate lyrical storytelling into big soundscapes, especially with piano at the center. For example, Bruce Springsteen or The Killers. At the same time, their music could be performed with just voice and piano and still hold all its value.
LUNA: How do you feel your music has evolved since first starting the band?
FRIGHT YEARS: It’s definitely moved towards indie-rock with a focus on a solid live sound. I think more so with our next project, we want to solidify that transition.
LUNA: How did you all meet?
FRIGHT YEARS: Me, CJ and Harrison met sort of by chance over a double-booked practice room in Edinburgh Art College. We began mostly just developing acoustic demos in my bedroom until Struan joined in late 2021.
LUNA: What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
FRIGHT YEARS: I’d like our music to convey both confidence and sensitivity. I also hope if it’s relatable in some way it makes your experiences feel important. I like how dramatic music can be, that’s not embarrassing.
LUNA: What has been the most rewarding part of being a part of Fright Years?
FRIGHT YEARS: Creating something with your friends is just such a great feeling. It feels purposeful and gives you a sense of value.
