Subs of the day.
'Playing it cool, acting nonchalant is a pathetic statement to embrace. Show some verve and be enthusiastic.'
Such a grounded insight is surely a rare occurrence these days, as the music business increasingly seems to embrace whiny youths, intently projecting themselves as morose and indifferent to the lucky position they find themselves in.
It's all the more refreshing to know it comes from Billy Lunn, a 23-year old who could have so easily adopted the same persona – given the hype and interest surrounding his own band, The Subways.
But is this youthful enthusiasm, or maturity beyond years?
'Anyone in a band who says touring is a drag is an utter idiot and should stop wasting time. We thrive on the idea of being onstage, playing our hearts out and connecting with the audience. It's what we wake up in the morning for.'
And that's a pretty good job, as most of the songs from their forthcoming album, All or Nothing, released on June 30th, were written while on the road.
'They [the songs] have quite a visceral, theatrical feel to them. We've vastly improved as musicians because of all the extensive touring after the first record and I think we've grown as people. All the things we've seen and learned have affected my lyrics – it's an evolution from our first album.'
Many bands find it difficult to trump, or indeed match an explosive debut, with the term 'difficult second album' now a well-founded cliché. After 2005's Young for Eternity, is it, indeed, 'all or nothing' for the band?
'It's quite strange, because we never really felt any pressure or considered the recording or writing that difficult.' The band had the chance to work in the studio with legendary producer, Butch Vig – widely hailed as the mastermind behind Nirvana's defining, powerful sound on their Nevermind album.
'We had an amazing time. Butch is such a wonderful man and we connected creatively and on a personal level - it was quite organic.'
The Butch Vig connection to the album won't go unnoticed for anyone who has followed the Subways with any interest from their outset.
Together with bassist, Charlotte Cooper and drummer, Josh Morgan, The Subways began playing covers of punk and grunge songs back home in Hertforshire. Lunn remembers their penchant for covering the ferocious songs from Nirvana's In Utero, such as Milk It.
The intensity of their live shows, complete with speaker-climbing and balcony-diving antics, have led to comparisons with the uncles of grunge.
'Obviously we find it very flattering. Nirvana embraced a sense of dynamic and skilful, impacting song-writing that we also feel is integral in creating a connection with the audience.'
Lunn even remembers his most memorable moment in the band's performing history as being both hugged, and ticked off by the Foo Fighters'; and former Nirvana member, Dave Grohl, after 'running and diving off the end of his 30ft ego ramp!'
Does Lunn feel that such a comparison to the grunge legends – like others in a music business which often seems intent on sapping individuality by linking bands and genres past and present – has been detrimental to the band's own profile?
'Our individuality lies in what we have to say in the songs and the sentiments that we proclaim in them, much like (Kurt) Cobain's combination of ironic wit and love for raw power was the catalyst for them to burst into the mainstream and create a personality for the band.'
New single Girls and Boys, certainly ticks the boxes of that riff-driven, loud-quiet dynamic put to such good use by Nirvana and their ilk, and looks set to be a favourite at the staggering list of festivals the Subways are playing this summer. 'It's going to be fun methinks', says Lunn.
Festivals have a special place in Lunn's heart – the band's breakthrough came when they were chosen to play at Glastonbury 2004, after their demo was plucked like a needle in the proverbial, having entered an unsigned bands competition.
'Outdoor festivals are an incredible atmosphere. It's the music-lover's multiple orgasm!'
And it's not just in the UK that The Subways will be making their mark on the festival scene, with performances lined up across Europe – an opportunity that Lunn relishes for the band.
'When we go to a non-English speaking country and the audience is screaming all the words back, that's quite an uplifting thing to behold.'
So does Lunn have any advice for aspiring new artists? 'It's all about the song. It's the only thing that matters, regardless of style – melody and impact is the key.' He continues: 'And don't be afraid to be honest – wear your heart on your sleeve.'
And honesty is something Lunn himself has lashings of, telling us of his fondest memory growing up. 'Singing Smokey Robinson songs in the car with my mum as she drove my brother and me to school in the mornings.'
Such a recollection is a reminder that Lunn and The Subways are still young, yet possessing such a mature and thoughtful outlook on their music. Itchy reckons this bodes well for the integrity of the music industry of the future...
Check out the live review of the Sub's recent gig at Sheffield's Foundry, here.
PD
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