We caught up with London based trio BELLA FIGURA to talk about their musical influences and plans for the near future.
Since forming two years ago their sound has developed strongly from their first independently released single, 'Somebody New' - which boasts a blues-based guitar riff and sing-along anthem chorus – to their latest work, 'Forever Lost' – showing a real sonic journey, taking the listener to the American west coast.
Hi there, how are you and what are you up to today?
Hello, I'm very well thanks, how are you? Today I'm catching up on some emails while my manager attempts to set up a printer in our office (shed). It's not looking good...
To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?
Heavy guitars and heart-felt songs.
What are the 5 albums that have influenced you the most?
Band of Skulls - Baby, Darling, Doll-face, Honey.
Band of Skulls - Sweet Sour.
The War On Drugs - Lost In The Dream.
Tribes - Baby.
The Barr Brothers - Sleeping Operator.
Which other artists are you into at the moment and why?
Loving the new Mystery Jets album because it's the first album of theirs that I've really connected with. I suppose I'm a new fan, and that's always exciting.
Are there any key pieces of equipment that you are using to define your sound?
A friend gave me my first effect pedal. It's called the "Power Screamer" and it's made by HomeBrew Electronics... and it's bad-ass.
What would you say some of the challenges artists face today in the music industry?
Doing the jobs of the label, publisher, lawyer, manager, booker and marketing on top of trying to find time to actually make music.
Where do you gather songwriting inspiration?
It really comes from anywhere, anytime... Life is mental.
What’s the best gig you have ever done and why?
Back with my old band (The Joker & The Thief) we flew out to play the 'Umsonst & Draussen' festival in Wurzburg, Germany but what we didn't know was that we basically had the headline slot. It was the biggest crowd I've ever played to and they seemed to really enjoy the gig, as did I, it was really special.
And the worst?
There are a few to choose from. Any gig where something breaks and you can't figure out what...
If you weren't a musician what would you be?
Our drummer, Jack, and I met studying Astrophysics so maybe we would've teamed up in an observatory somewhere instead.
Do you have any particular gigs or festivals that you dream about playing?
We've played acoustically round the Strummerville campfire at Glasto, but to have a full band slot on one of their stages would be incredible.
If you could perform alongside any other band or artist, who would it be?
Band Of Skulls.
Do you have any information regarding upcoming releases, projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
We've just released our third independent EP "Forever Lost".
We're playing Standon Calling at the end of July.
Currently working on new material (as always) and toying with the idea of re-releasing our existing back catalogue as an EP Collection, perhaps on vinyl.
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