The Pavilion: Faces in the Crowd, Energy on the Stage

W: Mandy Morgan I: Niamh Collingwood (@niamhemmamusic)

Meet the independent indie-rockers who are embracing change and riding the grassroots scene.

The Pavilion is a name quickly gaining traction in the vibrant grassroots rock scene. Known for their raw energy and feel-good anthems, the independent four-piece is forging its path with a newly solidified lineup and a recently released EP, Faces In The Crowd. We caught up with the band to talk about their evolution, their creative process, and what it takes to rebuild a dream.

The current lineup features Rhys Smedley (vocals, guitar), Iwan Morris (guitar), Dan O’Connor (bass), and Josh Vallis (drums).

For someone yet to discover their sound, frontman Rhys Smedley describes it plainly: “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.”

The band name, as Rhys explains, was almost a happy accident: “We were brainstorming names with our mate who studies architecture and he kept saying architectural structures out loud, which eventually led to ‘The Pavilion’ being thrown out as a potential name. It pretty much just instantly clicked and we stuck with it.”

When it comes to creating music, Rhys admits his process is often subconscious. “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,” he says. “The meanings come to me after I finish writing.”

Their latest release, the EP Faces In The Crowd, is a culmination of this work and a testament to their perseverance. “The songs have been mulling about since the start of the band really, so we decided we finally needed to get them recorded,” Rhys explains. The EP, though recorded with the original band members during a memorable, cheap-hotel trip to Manchester, covers themes of moving on, evolving within yourself, and being able to accept change.

Asked about the band's greatest asset, the answer is immediate: “Definitely our energy and chemistry,” Rhys states. “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.”

However, even the tightest bands face hurdles. “Probably our schedules and trying to organise anything ever,” Rhys laughs when asked about their greatest weakness. “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.”

This determination was perhaps most necessary when Rhys had to completely rebuild The Pavilion. “Having to completely rebuild the band from scratch while nobody thought I could do it,” was the most difficult obstacle he has faced. “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.”

In terms of influence, Rhys cites The Backseat Lovers as the main band influencing his writing at the inception of Faces In The Crowd, while classic acts like Catfish and The Bottlemen and The Stereophonics also played a part.

As for dreams outside the band, Rhys has a backup plan that plays to his strengths: "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."

And for a pre-show ritual? Forget the diva demands. “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.”

With the year drawing to a close, The Pavilion is focused firmly on the future.

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

Keep an eye out for The Pavilion as they continue to showcase their dynamic sound and energy in the live scene.

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