NEW SINGLE CARS OUT NOW
In just a short time, AFTERDRIVE has made a significant impact, receiving regular airplay on prestigious national platforms like BBC Radio 1 and Radio X. Their growing popularity is a clear indication that they are the modern indie rock band the UK has been eagerly waiting for.
With an impressive track record of six singles in one year, each release surpasses the last, continually captivating a rapidly expanding fan base.
1.Who is ‘ Afterdrive ’
Comprising of four accomplished musicians, the band features the dynamic duo of brothers Ben Watts, the lead vocalist, and Joe Watts, the drummer. Completing the lineup are Luke Ellis on lead guitar and Edward Ruff on bass. The band’s friendship, family bond and musical talent shines through in every performance.
2. For someone that is yet to discover you, how would you describe your music?
We’re an award-winning UK band known for their perfect blend of pop and indie music. We deliver a highly melodic, modern-day indie pop sound relatable to a wide range of audiences; tapping into everyday experiences, such as small town life, coming of age and young love gone wrong
3. What inspired you as an artist?
We’ve all grown up immersed in music from every era and style, which shaped our love for blending influences. Pop and rock are at the core of our sound, and we aim to combine the best of both worlds to create something fresh and universal – something that resonates regardless of someone’s go-to genre. For us, music is everything. It’s a beautiful art form that connects people across the globe. Being able to express ourselves through our instruments and feel that connection with our listeners is the most incredible and rewarding experience.
4. What is your process for preparing to perform live? Do you have any Diva demands?
To be honest, we’re not fussy… give us a time and place, and we’ll show up ready to give it everything we’ve got. There is something electrifying about the journey from writing songs together to working hard in the studio, and then finally performing in front of people who are cheering and having the time of their lives. That’s what it’s all about for us
5. Where do you feel you fit into the music ?
We see our music as generational, combining the timeless appeal of the biggest bands in history with the polished, infectious energy of today’s pop music. Our creativity in songwriting sets us apart, we do not see ourselves fitting into one category but spanning across traditional pop, rock and indie genres.
6: What are your favourite musical genres, and are there any you dislike?
We’re all massive music fans, and we really respect that making music is an art, it’s deeply personal to both the artist and the listener. Because of that, we wouldn’t say there’s any genre we outright dislike. That said, we’re especially into rock, pop, hip-hop, and so much more, it’s hard to pick favourites!
7. Is there a story behind your new Single Cars ?
This track captures the essence of nostalgia, inviting listeners to reminisce about the rush of young love and the simple thrill of late-night drives with someone special. It also celebrates partners with meaningful tattoos, weaving a deeper message of healing past scars and embracing fresh starts. The line, ‘heard you tattooed everywhere,’ beautifully reflects this journey of transformation and self-expression.
8. What would you say is your greatest strength as an artist?
Our biggest strength is creating relatable, catchy, and diverse tracks that connect with a wide range of listeners. On top of that, we’re confident performers who bring every song to life on stage, giving it our all every time.
9. What would you say is your greatest weakness as an artist?
We’d say our greatest weakness is being perfectionists. We push ourselves to write songs that outshine the last, play shows that top the ones before, and learn everything we can about the industry, all constantly striving to improve. But that drive comes from a deep love for what we do. In a way, maybe our weakness is actually our greatest strength.
10. What can fans expect from your new single ‘ Cars. ‘
Fans can expect a track that will get stuck in their heads—especially the hook! It’s undeniably upbeat and feel-good, but beneath its vibrant pop exterior lies a touch of emotion and deeper meaning. Whether you’re navigating the highs of a new relationship or the challenges of one, this song is bound to resonate with you
11. What music artist would you say have influenced your work?
We draw inspiration from a wide range of bands, including The Killers, The 1975, Blink-182, Oasis, Kings of Leon, and many more. We take elements from the music we love and shape them into something uniquely our own.
12. Who would you most like to collaborate with artistically?
Being from Ipswich, Suffolk, we’d absolutely love to collaborate with Ed Sheeran. His talent for songwriting is incredible, and as a fellow Suffolk lad, he’s always been proud to represent where he’s from, we have huge respect for that. And we actually met him the other day, what a great guy!
13. What was your worst performance?
‘Like most musicians, we’ve done the grind, playing anywhere and everywhere to get our name out there. That’s meant performing to empty rooms and non-existent crowds. But that’s all part of the journey, and now we’re selling out shows!’
14: What was the most difficult obstacle you have ever faced and how did you overcome it?
Coming from a small town in England, pursuing music as a band wasn’t the most common path. Overcoming people’s doubts and proving what we’re really about was a huge motivator for us. It pushed us to work harder and build a name for ourselves.
15: What is your creative process when making music. Do you work with others or is there just you?
Our process usually starts with jamming out tracks, building a rough arrangement, and then sitting down to finalise everything to match the vision we have in mind. Each of us writes our own parts, and together we bring it all to life, creating something special. Once it’s ready, we head to the studio to elevate it further.
We’ve been fortunate to record at renowned Decoy Studios with producer Cenzo Townshend and currently work out of Numen Studios in Surrey, UK, under the talented team known as the ‘Spacemen.’
16: Where do you see your musical career in 10 years?
We know we have something special, and it’s only a matter of time before we truly break through. In 10 years, we see ourselves having toured the world and headlining Ipswich Football Stadium in our hometown, a capacity of nearly 50,000. It’s a bold prediction, but we all believe we have what it takes to get there.
17:Your Top 3 Overrated Musicians, who when you hear them you think ‘ How The Fk………….. ?
We don’t have a specific list, but we can’t stand musicians who don’t appreciate their fans, or those who blatantly copy others’ work. We’re also not fans of bands that don’t stay consistent and fail to release music that truly connects with their fans. That said, we do like Nickelback, don’t think they’re overrated at all!
