Essex-based indie-rock band Low Lying Sun - comprising of members Michael Hemmings (frontman), Ross Connell (guitarist), Matt Chan (bassist) and Noah Booth (drummer) - have released their euphoric new single 'Heaven Knows,' with a phenomenal music video to accompany the track. Having recently released their second single and a self-titled EP, the band are continuing to go from strength to strength.
The band released their critically-acclaimed debut EP 'Hymn To Say Goodbye' in April 2022, receiving an incredibly positive response from listeners, radio stations and Spotify playlists alike. They have become popular names on the live circuit around the UK as well, along with their music featuring on 'Made In Chelsea.' Low Lying Sun's music is lively and introspective, combining ambitious orchestrations, earnest storytelling and an energy that feels both fresh and timeless.
The Lowdown recently had the opportunity to speak with Low Lying Sun to talk about their single 'Heaven Knows,' how the band was initially formed, their plans for 2023 and more. Keep reading to check out what they had to say!
You guys recently released your new single, titled 'Heaven Knows.' How does it feel to have new music released?
"It's such a great feeling. It's something that we don't do enough. We're definitely perfectionists, so it slows down the whole process of releasing by quite a bit. Our New Year's resolution is to release new music!"
For anyone who hasn't heard the single yet, can you sum it up in a couple of words?
"A sad anthem."
Was it important for the music video to 'Heaven Knows' to reflect the nature of the song as well?
"We do every music video ourselves and the visual side is very important to us. The song is a story. The video is there to try and embellish it. For 'Heaven Knows,' we really wanted to isolate and obscure the subject in each shot, trying to convey a sort of emotional claustrophobia."
What is the meaning behind the single?
"It's wrestling with a hypothetical. Something that you thought had passed comes back and now the emotion of the situation has dimmed, you start to question what would happen if you pursued it."
This is the first track to follow-on from the immense success of your EP. Was there an element of pressure when it came to this release, following on from such success?
"Now more so than usual. We are our own worst critic. As long as we are proud of it, we don't mind how it's received. We obviously hope that people like it, but we find it much tougher to please ourselves."
Going back to your roots as a band, how was Low Lying Sun formed?
"We'd been creating music together in some capacity for a couple of years, so when myself (Michael) and Ross were looking to start a new project, it was a no-brainer that we'd ask Matt and Noah to come on board."
Who would you say are your musical influences as a band? Do you feel that they have a bearing on the music that you release, write and produce?
"Our influences change from song to song. When we're recording, we'll constantly be playing other artist's tracks, but it might just be a particular sound that we are inspire by. I think that the first EP really cemented our musical identity. When we were writing, we listened to a lot of Kings Of Leon, IDLES, Sharon Van Etten and Arcade Fire."
Is there any achievement in particular that you would most like to achieve throughout your music career?
"Although not a lot of music is suited to it, being included on the FIFA soundtrack would be a career highlight, but also maybe a Jools Holland appearance and also playing Glastonbury."
What does 2023 have in store for you guys that you can tell us about?
"More music. We've been constantly writing and have a few albums worth of half-finished songs, so we're focused on getting as many released as possible!"
Finally, do you have a message for all those who support you?
"Thank you! It still blows our mind when we play a gig and see people turn up and sing the songs back to us. There'll be more to sing this year!"
Low Lying Sun's recent single 'Heaven Knows' is out now and is available to purchase and stream through all major music purchasing and streaming outlets.
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By Rachel Dempster