NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Wyldest ‘Office Christmas Party’
20 December 2023
With Garran Hickman’s poetry layered over Xavier Al-Naqib’s gritty bass and James Knott’s soaring guitar, and Scarlett Churchill’s skilful drums, the track is a brilliant insight into their upcoming EP.
I sat down with Garran to talk about the future of the band, and the story behind ‘Plasticine’.
Let’s start with a little about ‘Headshrinkers’ as a group.
What brought you guys together? And where did you get the name?
Hi, Garran here.
What brought us together? Hmmm, I think James and I shared the same musical taste, we’ve known each other for years but one of the reasons we started the band was because we had the same music taste, and obviously we wanted to make music. Bands like The Libertines made us think we can do this. Funny actually, James and I sat down with a beer last night and watched the new Peter Doherty interview with Louis Theroux.
Also, I believe it was because we were raised in the same place, so I kind of think our values and goals are pretty aligned.
James knew Xavier through a friend and we brought him in after we’d wrote a few songs, and Xavier knew Scarlett from school so she joined soon after.
We don’t really have an explanation as to where the name was created, it’s hugely boring I know, but that’s the truth.
You’ve got a very distinct sound. How would you describe it, and where did it come from?
Our sound is very natural to us. It’s not contrived, and we don’t try and sound like anyone or anything, I think it’s the combination of all our music tastes being powered into one pool of pure rapture.
People can hear many influences, but I like to think they can take what they want from it. We’re just huge music fans and want to create the something equal in quality with those we admire.
Biggest musical influences?
We like such an array of music, it’s really hard to pin down what we are inspired from, the others may tell you different but, if I had to pick two bands I love, it’s The Pogues and Toots and the Maytals.
Let’s talk about ‘Plasticine’. Where did the song begin? What was the process?
I think Xav started the song by playing the Bassline on it, I think he told me he took inspiration from Too Real, Fontaines D.C which is another band we admire.
I already had the words written as two poems from my collection of words in my book, but as for the chorus, I wrote that to the track when we were piecing it together in the rehearsal studio.
What is your source material when writing lyrics?
It’s my observations, thoughts and feelings. I wouldn’t ever write about something I have no link to whatsoever, not too sure it’d be in touch to do so.
When I get truly into an artist and become a fan, I have to believe them. For me, music is the truest form of expression.
You’ve got some exciting gigs coming up. How do you feel about live performances? Which gigs are you most looking forward to? Any dream venues?
Yes, we love playing Birmingham, and it’s always a great turnout. Nice to play to some local fans who can’t make it to our Black Country gigs.
We love playing live, it’s what it’s all about. I spoke earlier about music being the truest form of expression, well, being able to play live cements that for me. Especially because I write words, I’m able to express my words to an audience like I’ve got something to say whether it’s about me or the world. I’m not just rambling on about the same old beige thing.
I don’t know about a dream venue, I like playing in Europe, I culturally love the EU, lots of untouched history, makes me happy when I’m there, especially the antique shops, cheap beer and cigarettes.
Also, since I found out I have French descent, I am itching to get back in France.
I have to ask – are there any plans for an album in the future? What would that look/sound like?
We have an EP out next year called ‘Judgement Day’. We go into the studio in January to record the final two songs.
What does it look like? Just us four being best mates, and still making music we love.
To round off with a juicy question – who is your dream collaboration?
For me, Shane McGowan will always be the person I’d like to write a song with.
Headshrinkers’ new single ‘Plasticine’ is out now, and ‘Judgement Day’ will be released in 2024.