SPOTLIGHT: THE PAVILION.

I: Niamh Collingwood (@niamhemmamusic)

Bristol-based alt-indie rock band, The Pavilion, has been revitalised with a fresh line-up, marking a defining and new chapter within their music journey. Led by frontman, Rhys Smedley, with the recruitment of a reimagined ensemble consisting of guitarist Iwan Morris, bassist Daniel O’Conner, and drummer Joshua Vallis to play alongside him live, The Pavilion is ready to reach new heights. New EP Faces In The Crowd, out now

Who Are The Pavilion ?

Rhys Smedley (vocals, guitar), Iwan Morris (guitar), Dan O’Connor (bass), Josh Vallis (drums)

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

(Rhys) Our music is indie rock that makes you feel good. It’s got a raw feel to it that teases a little more towards alternative rock routes.

What’s The Story Behind The Band’s Name?

(Rhys) We were brainstorming names with our mate who studies architecture and he kept saying architectural structures out loud, which eventually let to ‘The Pavilion’ being thrown out as a potential name. It pretty much just instantly clicked and we stuck with it.

What Is Your Pre-show Routine? Who’s The One With The Diva Demands?

(Rhys) we’ve started bringing an acoustic guitar to jam on in the green room pre-show. Josh usually plays some random blues stuff and we all just do silly freestyles over the top. Also, I usually always down a load of honey.

Where Do You Fit In The Music Landscape ?

We’re very much so an Indie-rock band. Completely independent, traversing through the incredibly talented and crowded room that is the grassroots rock scene.

With 2025 Slowly Coming To An End, What Are Your Plans For The Rest Of The Year Going Into 2026?

(Rhys)To write new material and keep getting our name out there. With the new lineup I think we’re due some new tracks that can showcase the tighter and cleaner chemistry the band has.

What’s The Story Behind Your New EP ''Faces In The Crowd'' ?

(Rhys) The EP was written and recorded with the old band members.The songs have been mulling about since the start of the band really, so we decided we finally needed to get them recorded. We all went on a trip up to Manchester to record with some producers that were mutuals, but we’ve never met. We stayed in some crappy cheap hotel, sharing 2 beds between us. The EP mainly covers themes of moving on from one thing to the next, evolving within yourself and being able to accept change. It is a culmination of The Pavilions evolution in sound, as well as a checkpoint for bigger, brighter things.

What Would You Say Your Greatest Strength As A band Is?

(Rhys) Definitely our energy and chemistry. Without the connection we have together as friends I’m not sure it would be as easy to emit the amount of energy we have on stage. It’s so easy to feel the music and enjoy it with your best mates.

What Would You Say Your Greatest Weakness As a Band Is ?

(Rhys) Probably our schedules and trying to organise anything ever. Life is busy for us all right now so it’s a mission to get things going. But alas, here we are, doing it anyway.

What Music Artist/Band Would You Say Have Influenced Your Work ?

Rhys) The Backseat Lovers were the main band influencing my writing at the inception of Faces In The Crowd. Other bands like Catfish and The Bottlemen and The Stereophonics definitely played a part in some aspects.

Who would You Most Like To Collaborate With Artistically ?

(Rhys) I’d love to do a session with Blogothèque, I’m obsessed with their videos

If You Weren’t In A Band What Would Your Dream Job Be ?

(Rhys) I’ve not really thought about it to be honest, as I’ve not really seen anything other than music as my dream. I’ve really liked the idea of working in radio recently. I just think it would be so fun and I might as well make use of my excessive ability to talk.

What Was The Most Difficult Obstacle You Have Ever Faced And How Did You Overcome It?

(Rhys) having to completely rebuild the band from scratch while nobody thought I could do it. I’ve never stopped believing in the potential of The Pavilion, and have never wanted to stop believing. So, when it all fell apart I instantly started searching for ways to bring it back. Which led to a long back and forth process trying to get this EP out, while simultaneously recruiting new band members.

What Is Your Creative Process When Making Music ?

(Rhys) A lot of my songs come from me just picking up the guitar and messing about until I hear something I like. I’ll just mumble some melodies and words over the top and make it make sense. It does all come from how I’m feeling at the time, but it’s mainly a subconscious writing process for me. The meanings come to me after I finish writing.

What Are Your Top Ten Desert Island Tracks ?

(Rhys) *no particular order*