Meet Smoking Ocean: London’s Next Great Rock Export

W: Mandy Morgan

NEW SINGLE: Count Me Out: OUT NOW. Stream 'Count Me Out' now and catch Smoking Ocean bringing their arena-rock energy to a stage near you.

London is no stranger to legendary rock outfits, but Smoking Ocean is carving out a space that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly raw. Comprised of Luca Rigo (vocals/guitar), Aaron Dixon (lead guitar), Liam Bagnall (bass), and Mat Desgurse (drums), this four-piece is turning heads with a sound that bridges the gap between gritty blues and indie-rock anthems.

For the uninitiated, Smoking Ocean isn't just another indie band. They describe themselves as an alternative indie rock band with a funky, bluesy edge. They aim to create songs to sing along to, blending raw, powerful riffs with sweet melodies designed to evoke deep emotion. It’s a sonic middle ground—tough enough for classic rock purists, but melodic enough to sit comfortably on a playlist next to Oasis or the Arctic Monkeys.

Every band has its pre-show rituals, and for these guys, it’s a mix of vocal warm-ups and a pint to loosen the nerves. However, the "diva" behaviour is alive and well in the rhythm section. Luca is notoriously particular about the mix, ensuring every note is dialled in exactly to his vision. Meanwhile, bassist Liam has a standing request for a bowl of M&Ms—brown ones only. Despite his persistence, no venue has yet catered to his specific confectionery whims.

The adrenaline of performing is what truly drives their creativity. There is no feeling quite like hearing the band lock in together and evoking a shared emotion from the audience. Their musical influences are a heavy-hitting list, including Queens Of The Stone Age, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and Royal Blood. Looking forward, they have their sights set on collaborating with modern heavyweights like Fontaines D.C. and Wunderhorse.

Their latest single, 'Count Me Out,' was born from the relatable awkwardness of an obnoxious social interaction. Luca took the frustration of a bad conversation and layered it over a bluesy riff from Aaron. The result is an arena-ready progression from their earlier work. It’s bigger, bolder, and designed for a crowd to dance and sing along to. Fans can expect a more evolved sound that still maintains the core energy they’ve come to love.

When it comes to their greatest strength, the band points directly to their chemistry. They describe themselves as a machine where the parts work perfectly together, fitting like a glove with no egos involved. Whether they are writing music, discussing the band's direction, or just hanging out, the connection is seamless. While they admit they aren't exactly jazz maestros—despite Liam’s occasional attempt at a Whiplash drum solo—their resilience is proven. They once soldiered through a technical nightmare in East London with no stage monitors, proving they can keep their cool even when they can't hear a single note.

Smoking Ocean Top Ten Desert Island Tracks ?