W: Isy Connor
“Loud, Energetic, in your face, unapologetic, Manc”
That is how the indie-grunge band Rolla, a band of brothers from Manchester, describe themselves. Apart from brothers James (lead singer) and Luke (bassist), although they all attended the same high school, the full band met properly at Huddersfield University. All five lived together before returning to Manchester to form what was originally The Bines, now Rolla.
They’ve recorded their debut album at Rockfield Studio, played their first show in 2020 at the Isle of Wight Festival, headlined at Gorilla, and toured with Pastel. The band has accomplished a lot in just four years.
In the interview, James said they especially enjoy performing in Manchester. Their favourite show? Supporting Kasabian at the Manchester Arena, also playing at Birmingham Arena. They’ll be back in Manchester on May 3rd, performing at New Century Hall.
Recorded with award-winning producer and songwriter Gareth Nuttal, the EP sits between indie and rock. Inspired by The Verve, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and The Brian Jonestown Massacre, also crediting their fans, “Our fans push us. Seeing the response and how much it means to them inspires us.”
When asked about the meanings behind the songs, James explained: “Beautiful Lie is a reflection on being on tour, drinking too much and dealing with the repercussions of that and the emotions within yourself, supporting each other, and the relationship with each other.”
We Owe You Nothing is a “middle finger to the government.”
Every artist and band have a different way of writing their songs, and it can be everchanging. For Rolla this was no different.When they started, James would often bring a vocal melody, guitar tune, and lyrics — then the band would build around it. Now, ideas can come from any member, and the songs often come together through jamming: “Most of our better songs have come from jamming together. I'd like to think we’re a little bit heavier and a bit more ‘aving it’, but not quite rock. Our music has a bit more grit to it.”
Rolla have performances lined up for Truck Fest and other shows. They also hope to do a headline tour across the UK. At the end of the interview, I asked if they had any advice for up-and-coming artists, to which they said, “Just keep working. Follow your gut, follow your heart. Keep writing songs that you want to write, and you want to play live. It’s not gonna be easy, if it was everyone would be doing it. You gotta put the work in, get out, gig, write your songs, get in the studio, and have fun. Because if you're not having fun, then there’s no f***ing point.”