Interviews: Tether

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Post-Hardcore band Tether from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or come out just like that?

Kieran: I spent a lot of time thinking about names, titles, lyrical themes, and song names before the band existed. It was during a period of figuring a lot of things out, a lot of uncomfortable self-reflection - the phrase ‘at the end of your tether’ seemed to crop up and I thought the word tether was pretty friggin’ cool ya know. It tied in with a lot of the themes we were delving into in some of the early songs we wrote. And most importantly, we thought it looked cool written down. Tether. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Kieran: I think for myself it’s just that this is the kind of music I’ve come to enjoy listening to and there’s a feeling I get seeing it live that I don’t really get from anything else. Naturally, that inspires you to want to do it as well and so it just makes sense that I would end up creating music in the same ballpark as the bands I love most.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed? 

Kieran: Justin and I were in a band before this that fizzled out so we knew each other already and began writing together for this after that band ended. The other three were strays that we took in. (Justin knew them from their old bands and got chatting. Justin knows everyone)

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Kieran: Every Time I Die (RIP)

Justin: Incubus (Especially the early stuff)

Rob: Above, Below

Jack: Comeback Kid

James: Deftones

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Kieran: Speaking for myself, I am naturally inclined towards creativity anyway as a means to help make sense of my internal world. So I suppose in a way that’s my biggest inspiration. There is no better feeling than when you’ve tapped into something and it’s set you off on a manic adventure of finishing a song and you don’t necessarily know where it’s come from but you’re fully open to letting it unfold. Sometimes you listen back and think “This sucks.” and that’ll be that. But the times when you listen back and go “Yeah that’s alright that one.” my word, no better feeling. I also find I’m the most inspired when I’ve seen bands perform that I love. That often brings out a spark and gives me the itch to get going again. But essentially, if I don't create my brain starts acting up so that’s an inspiration in itself I suppose.

6. Where was your last gig?

It was in Brighton, UK. Right on the beach. Supporting Pengshui

7. Where would you like to act?

Everywhere, if possible! We’ve not been able to play anywhere outside the UK just yet - so I think a European run of shows is definitely going to be on the cards.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Our friends.

9. Whom not?

Our enemies.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Kieran: In some respects, yes. I think with things like this, ultimately, it’s natural at first to feel that performance anxiety. Finding ways to channel it into the performance is always the best way. For me, breathwork works quite well. It seems to slow things down and let you observe the anxiety from more of an outside perspective, rather than being consumed by it. With anything, the more you do it, the more normal it will feel. Performing seems quite routine to me now and I think once it gets to that point it’s great as you can treat every performance like a bit of an experiment and have fun with it. I’m less anxious about my own playing or anything like that these days. It's more about things going wrong, technical hitches, or sometimes, what if I die? Ha. Alcohol also works but I give that a miss these days.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

ETID, Letlive, Metallica, Deftones, Architects, Knocked Loose, and more recently, Static Dress.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Feel quite blessed to not have many weird fan requests or weird fans in general. I actually can’t think of anything weird. Which I’ll take as a win for now. Sorry, I don’t have a funny story though!

13. What do you think of your fans?

I would treat them like my friends because they’re the coolest.

14. What do you think of our site?

I think it’s dope and I appreciate you sending us these questions!

15. Something to add?

If you’ve made it this far and you’re still reading. I hope something great happens to you/for you today.