W: Rachel June.

NEW SINGLE ''SIMPATICO'' OUT NOW

British pop-band Absnt Mind release their new single “Simpatico”, a summer-ready pop song inspired by the Spanish/Italian word for ‘charming’. Coming together through a shared love of songwriting, the five Members – Alex, Ashton, Conor, Freddie and Oscar – co-write every song and represent the complex and introspective viewpoints of their generation Z. With “Simpatico”, the boys showcase a fun, cheeky side to their songwriting - perfect for a carefree summer vibe.

Who Are Absnt Mind ?

Conor: We’re Alex, Ashton, Conor, Freddie and Oscar, a fresh new band, who love to write music and perform it to as many people as we can! We’ve been together for nearly 2 years and the journey’s just getting started.

For Someone Who Is Yet To Discover You How Would You Describe Your Music ?

Conor: All 5 of us love being part of the writing process, so all of our musical backgrounds come across in our sound. Pop with influences of RnB and Jazz, basically a melting pot of all your favourite parts!

What Inspired You As A Band ?

Ashton: Growing up all over the country, our relationships with music are all very unique. But the more time we spend together, really we all lived the same lives in some way. We always come back to the legends being raised on Michael Jackson and Prince’s performance quality or Stevie Wonder and Bowie’s musicality and authenticity. I could name all the artists but honestly I think we inspire each other to be better writers, musicians and just people and our love to create is the ultimate reason we are here together.  

What Was It Like Performing At Pride ?

Oscar: Having the opportunity to perform at pride was such a beautiful experience. This year was our first run of festivals and going from visiting last year to now playing on the main stage was actually mental. The audience was incredible and playing to so many people being themselves was so inspiring.

Where Do You Feel You Fit Into The Music Landscape ?

Ashton: I feel like there’s always this underlying pressure with the industry to be understood in the context of what is and what has already come, and being a ‘band of boys’ there’s already a preconception of what we are supposed to look and sound like. Maybe it’s ambitious to say we are creating our own space, but we write our stories and are finding our own sound. I’d like to say others will look to us as a reference for where they fit in the music landscape one day

What Are Your Favourite Musical Genres, And Are There Any You Dislike ?

Fred: Together we love Pop, Rock, R'n'B, Soul, and Jazz, so if there’s a name for all of that then that. If there’s anything one of us don’t really like it’s only matter of time before we brainwash each other into loving it (playing it relentlessly in our house)

Is There A Story Behind The Band's Name ?

Alex: When the band first came together, one of the first things we had to think about was the name. So we each put 5 names of our own into a WhatsApp group. One of the names I came up with was Absnt Mind and everyone seemed to like it, so we ran with it. The whole world of social media and peer pressure affects young people more than we know. People are only just starting to wake up to it. So in everything we do, from our music to our lives, we want to provide a space for people to forget about their problems, clear their head and just for a little bit have fun and have an ‘Absnt Mind’

NEW SINGLE '' SIMPATICO'' OUT NOW

What's Your Greatest Strength As A Band ?

Oscar: I’d say our greatest strength as a band is our individuality. Our contrasting musical tastes and influences make writing sessions a joy and give our music a unique and organic sound

What Genre/Who Are You Listening To Right Now ?

Ashton: Together we have quite eclectic taste; Alex supporting artists like the Arctic Monkeys, Oscar has been hooked on Dijon’s recent takeover and will always be the number one Radiohead fan. Freddie and Conor have been on the new Bieber vibes. I’ve have had Olivia Dean and Amy Winehouse on a constant rotation! 

What Music Artists Would You Say Have Influenced Your Work ?

Freddie: There are some incredible female artists thriving at the minute. Artists like Sabrina Carpenter who we take massive influence musically from but also in our style of writing, humorous and just fun. We can’t forget people like the 1975 and Pharrell Williams who can effortlessly blend so many genres, something we strive for.

Do You Have A Pre-Show Ritual ?

Freddie: For sure, before every show we all get into a huddle and most of the time it’s Ashton giving us all a pep talk with some motivational words which gets us all hyped and in the zone. Then we all put are hands in the middle and instead of raising our hands cheerleader style, we go down because we are cool and different lol. 

Favourite Movie?

Alex: My favourite movie changes all the time but as of right now it’s trainspotting. I love it for how it stylistically explores its themes. There are so many strange scenes that perfectly convey what the characters are going through. Danny Boyle is such a good director.

What Are Your Dreams & Aspirations ?

Ashton: Every artist wants to win all the awards and we cant wait to sell out 10 nights at Wembley stadium, but really just to get to say that we got to create something that will mean something beyond us and never have to succumb to the 9 to 5 lol.

What Do You Love Most About What You Do?

Freddie: I think there’s only one answer to that… performing! Nothing can beat that feeling when you’re on stage seeing and connecting with your fans, hearing people sing your lyrics back to you. It’s truly an out of body experience that none of us could forget!

This Year, What Can We Expect?

We’re so excited to write more songs for everyone to hear!! We’re gonna continue to work with some amazing people, and hopefully play some even bigger and better shows! The only way is up! 

VIDEODROME: 6 OF THE BEST.......................................