Tell us a bit about the band. Where are you from and how did you all meet?
We’re all from Coventry. It’s a really cool scene in Cov, we were all a part of that, although at different ends of it, if you know what I mean. By the time we were all in a room together playing for the first time, we’d all seen each other in our different bands, played shows together and been to the same shows. It was really cool how it had happened because at various times there’s been crossovers. Andy Lowe and Andy Hall had been in a band together for ages, Andy Hall had been in a band with Reid, Kirk had played drums for Reid for a show and been in a band with Andy Hall and Andy Lowe briefly, so it was like we’d all hand picked each other and it felt right.
Where does the name “The Institutes” come from?
From the beginning of the band, we knew what we wanted to do. We wanted to make great songs that people could sing and dance to. We wanted to create a party, like the ones we experienced growing up and listening to all our favourite bands. An institute is literally an organisation for a particular purpose. We’re organised and our purpose was defined from the start. So that’s that, I guess.
If you were to sum yourselves up in three words, what would you say?
Constantly writing tunes
Tell us a bit about your latest single, Heal In Time. What does it mean to you?
It’s a song about hope. Something we need right now.
Where do you look to for writing inspiration?
It can hit you anywhere really. Thats a very general answer but you never know where or when it’s gonna come to you.
The music video looks like it was a lot of fun to make. Can you tell us a bit about what and who was involved in making it?
It was made by Aaron Malin at 82arms Media who we’ve known for a while. He walked us around Coventry and did his magic.
Who designed the single artwork?
Kirk our drummer did it. Usually for any sort of artwork, he’ll do a couple of designs, the rest of the band pitch in with suggestions and preferences, he goes away and refined it and then we have our artwork.
Pre-lockdown, did you get to play many live shows? Are there any plans to go back on the road when we are allowed out?
We played as often as we could and that still didn’t feel like enough so we can’t wait to get out there again. We were due to be touring the USA in May but obviously that had to be postponed so that’s really something to look forward to.
Other than making music, how have you been keeping busy during lockdown?
It’s been a weird one but I think we’ve all managed to keep pretty busy with family, etc. You’ve just got to keep your head down and try to stay sane.
What lies next for The Institutes?
It looks like we are signing to a UK label soon. We are already signed to a US one (New Rivals). USA tour to reschedule. Beyond that we are just keeping writing and releasing tracks.
Where can we find out more about you?
Anything you would like to tell us?
Buy us a few beers and we’ll tell you everything 😉
I’d like to thank the guys for answering my questions and wish them all the best for future, and hopefully I’ll be able to take them up on the beer offer sometime soon!
TrueStyleMusic 