1. How did you get your band name?
When we started the band we were listening to Death Cab’s Transatlanticism quite a lot and were pretty inspired by that record and the ideals of the band. We really wanted a name that you wouldn’t be able to link to anything other than our band. It just had to be something wholesome and epic and we couldn’t think of anything more so than the ocean.
2. How did this band get started?
Myself and Sam started the band when previous bands were starting to fizzle out and we wanted a new challenge and something that we could both try and take on tour really. Sam had some songs that didn’t fit with what his previous band were doing and I just wanted to try something new and really loved what he had.
3. What bands are you influenced by?
Well, Death Cab for Cutie were one of the first bands that really united the four of us I suppose. Radiohead are a big influence on us even although we don’t have a similar sound to them. We all have our own inspiration but people like Bruce Springsteen, Queen, David Bowie, Nirvana are all shared influences. We really do listen to all genres of music from all eras so really music in general and the world around us are our biggest influences.
4. If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Nirvana, Queen, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam and Pink Floyd pretty much cover all of our wish lists. We’ve been lucky enough to tour with some of the bands that have made us want to be in bands ourselves over thelast few years which we’re very grateful for.
5. Best food to eat on tour?
I would always say Mexican.
6. Why should people listen to your band?
We’re not really in the business of selling ourselves but I do believe we always try to be honest in everything we do and in todays world I think that is something that is missing in a lot of music. I think our honesty is hopefully our biggest strength so if you like to see the truth we’re the band for you.
7. Did any of you guys think your life would turn out this way? What did your parents say about your band?
Honestly, no. I think we always dreamt somewhere in the back of our minds that we would get to play music and see the world but it’s genuinely humbling that we get to do so. We’re lucky enough to have really supportive families, girlfriends and friends.
8.Who are a few bands that you feel everyone should be listening to right now?
Middle Class Rut are one of our collective favourites right now. We’re out on tour in the US with them right now. Dinosaur Pile Up from the UK are a great band that are out supporting us next month in the UK.
9. If you could change something about the music industry, what would it be?
I would historically of said that a lot of the people could do with being weeded out and replaced with people that love music more than going out and getting drunk with their industry friends but I actually think that I’d miss not having anything to complain and laugh about, so nothing really.
10. Memorable tour experience?
First time we went to New York was pretty special. I’ll always remember driving in from the airport and seeing the “friends” skyline.
11. If someone was to check out your “Recently Played” playlist on your iTunes, what would they find?
My recently played is a bit of a melting pot of all genres right now. Coldplay, Feist, Adele, Florence and the Machine, Enter Shikari, Bombay Bicycle Club, Foo FIghters - pop pop pop pop pop!
12. What is your favorite song to play?
I think we all collectively love playing a song called “the ghost of eddie” but “serious underground dance vibes” is getting up there for me too. It’s amazing playing Free and seeing people singing the words back and really getting into the song too.
13. What were some of your music influences and how involved in music were you growing up?
My dad was probably my biggest musical influence. My mum and dad would take me to loads of gigs and give me music to listen to. My dad is an incredible guitar player and I always remember thinking that one day I want to be as good as he is. He would play a whole mix of things but a lot of Scottish folk music mainly.
14. What music reminds you of your childhood?
Bands like Queen and T-Rex and artists like David Bowie.
15. If you weren’t in your current genre of music/position, what else would you see yourself doing?
I studied photography so that could be something that I might be doing. I’d love to be involved in the other side of the record making process and produce, mix, engineer records in the future.
16. Any pre-show superstitions or rituals?
We actually do have one odd one where we have a ceremonial touching of heads in a huddle. Don’t really know where it came from and how we started doing it but it seems to be something that we can’t go without. it really is a big superstition for us now.
17. What is something that most fans don’t know about you?
I am a vegetarian and have never blackened my soul with meat in my whole life. I have never won a Blue Peter badge.
18. What is your assessment of the current state of radio? Do you think it’s a place where your band could flourish?
We’ve been really lucky with radio in the UK and are very grateful for the opportunities it’s given us to play bigger shows and get to a wider audience. I definitely don’t think it’s the be all and end all but I actually really like the radio format. I do end up getting overly into extremely pop heavy music when I listen to it though but who doesn’t like a good pop song.
19. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Make music, read about anything to do with the crazy political mad world we live in and spend as much time as possible with my girlfriend and family when I’m at home.
20. What kind of hidden talents do you have?
I can juggle. I don’t know if that’s really good enough but it’s all I can think of to give you right now! I’m trying to learn how to cook but being away for months at a time with no kitchen has fairly dampened that plan.
“Free” video: http://youtu.be/8TAJ_be8S8A