Did you know that ‘About – faces’ released a new track called ‘Heaven Sent’?This one is more emotional than its hit predecessor “Learn to Surf” released last year. Interestingly, it would appear that it was one of the first that they ever put on record and now it is one of the best hits during their concerts.
The track has this hopeful, grateful type of message, but with the indie rock twist that only this band can offer. It is quite easy to detect similarity to U2 and Bruce Springsteen where you can notice lots of guitar and a farecally big chorus. Sennen has this unique rawness to her voice and Danielle complements by singing back up with dreamy harmonies.
Sennen told about the purpose of the song. He said that it is not about overcoming the struggles of life but mourning and moving on , forgiveness and valuing the friends who stood by him when his father died.
He said that he does not have any religion but he does good in everything and the support that he receive form his friends was really like a godsend to him. It appears about-faces are becoming more popular by the day thanks to their poignant lyrics and narrative approach.
Take for instance this track “Heaven Sent”, this is the best example of how they combine alt-rock and indie with strong emotions and nice choruses. Still if you plan to know what exactly they are up to, then I think it’s worth a try listening to it.
Listen to Heaven Sent
Follow About-Faces below
What is your stage name
about-faces
Is there a story behind your stage name?
We struggled for a while to find a suitable name that fits the sound. Danielle mentioned about-face and I thought it was quite cool. The idea of turning 180 degrees to face the opposite way felt empowering to me. But because we’re a band, it had to become plural, I think about-faces adds another dimension to the original idea, now can be seen to be about everyone.
Where do you find inspiration?
I think inspiration comes in a variety of forms, could be a moment; a scene in a film; an overheard phrase or just a feeling we experience. I think you have to be consciously aware of these moments, and I think this is what sets us apart from other bands.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
For us all it was always escapism, we’ve all played since teenagers, music now becomes a part of our life and identity. But first and foremost, we are music fans. I think this obsession with bands and artists sparked the desire to try and replicate what they have done.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
We have all inherited music from family members, some play and others just surrounded us with sounds since we were young. Whether that be listening to Chili peppers with our brothers; going to church, or family members in bands. Music has always been there, I feel like we just had to find it if that makes sense.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
I think it was the idea of being a musician. I used to be fascinated by these high school bands, in my head they were the coolest. I always aspired to be like them, and then when I was I was inspired to be like the kids on the Leeds scene. I’ve always seen it like a ladder, the higher up you get the cooler you get in my head i suppose. I was always inspired by the lifestyle and the feeling of being ‘in a band’, then when I got better at musicianship, the songs and direction took full control.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
In our bedrooms really, we’re still learning which is the most wholesome part of being in a band or musician, it’s a goal that keeps moving. I think the minute I learnt four chords on the guitar I started writing, just a burning desire to stay what I think of the world in song, it’s easier for me to express like this. As a band, though, we’re not very good at covers and never gave them much thought. We just want to write and write and write. Covers seem like a waste of time.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
First memory I have is being on my dads shoulders at a festival watching Goldfrapp, she blew me a kiss. I remember seeing The Prodigy and Scissor Sisters at the same festival also.
How could you describe your music?
Positively up-lifting, we spoke about how the tunes are happy/sad, maybe they are, but I’d like to think you’d stick us on a happy day in the sun, but if not, I appreciate you playing us in the winter months also.
Describe your creative process.
It changes all the time. We recently got our own studio so that has changed the way we write. We’ve written a lot in that room, before we would bring ideas, whereas now we find the ideas there. We also got a whiteboard which has taken the creative process to the next level, who’d have ever thought.
What is your main inspiration?
Life.
What musician do you admire most and why?
I think we admire the artists with longevity, at the end of the day we want this to be our jobs forever, we know how hard it is to keep going in the industry for all those years so admire the ones setting the way.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
100%. Our style has evolved since last week, I think every session we aim for it to be better than the last so it’s only right our sound keeps evolving.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
I would have to say ourselves. You’re only as good as your last gig.What are your interests outside of music?
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
I think it would still be music, just maybe not in a band. I think we’d all be doing something creative, and seeing the world. But for now, we know where our heads are at.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
When we were younger it was hard because nobody would take us seriously, but now we’re just enjoying the ride. I would like to see the north of England get more light shone on it, there’s great music and art here, sometimes I feel like it is overlooked by the bright lights of London.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
There’s probably more than one thing I’d like to change. I’ve always thought that the opening slot at the show should always go to a local band, I know this happens but I think if I came into fruition more, even at shows at the arenas it would shine more light on these bands. It wouldn’t be hard to make it possible either.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
heaven sent is a phrase that came to me. I think it could be me trying to answer something I don’t understand, a feeling, emotion that I believes too powerful that could only comprehend to be godlike
What are your plans for the coming months?
We’re releasing our next single Heaven Sent on the 12th July, with shows in Liverpool, Sheffield and York surrounding the release. We are also playing Truck Festival at the end of the month. We’re back in recording as well, so keeping quite busy, just how we like it.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans
Would love to, but not at the minute.
What message would you like to give to your fans?
Keep going, see the light in every darkness. Love the people around you and enjoy life.
