Today we talk to Plymouth locals The Kites, a rock and roll inspired four-piece who are on a mission to get their sound out to as many ears as possible.
PW – Hey guys! Welcome to Pastel Wasteland. For those who aren’t familiar with your work quite yet, how would you introduce both yourself and your sound?
We are The Kites. A classically influenced group comprised of four musicians. Ben Cooke’s funk infused basslines; Ethan Bennett’s hard performative drumming; George Wilson playing blues rock riffs and Joe Cocker’s soulful baritone voice. We come together to create music we love with modern spin.
PW – 2020 was tough in several ways. What has the last year taught you in terms of both your career and life as a whole?
The past year brought many setbacks for all of us. Being stuck indoors has enabled the four of us to become well versed in our respective instruments and in music overall. The creative process of writing songs is also both hindered and aided. Inspiration can strike both when you’re alone and when you’re enjoying time with others.
PW – Let’s talk about “Breakwater City”. It’s got that timeless, universal kind of sound, which I love. How did the idea for the track come about?
Joe (our lead singer) was showing a friend a very simple piano riff inspired by Bach’s Toccata and Fugue. She gave him the idea to write a fictional story about the city of Plymouth and how the water was toxic and twisted negativity into people’s heads.
That’s how the song came about. Later when he was sat working at KFC it was quiet so he wrote a full song about it and that’s the song to this day!
PW – In terms of new releases in 2021, what do The Kites have on the horizon?
We have a handful of songs ready to record. Our EP “Orange Trees” will feature the first songs we ever wrote. We are also in the studios from home at the moment recording a handful of covers and some more original singles that we really believe in.
PW – The lockdown has obviously had a huge effect on live music and events of all kinds. How has it affected you guys personally, and what are your plans for getting back to things?
Being in lockdown means we can’t do what we love; performing. Because of this the past year has been a major step back for us. But as soon as we can, we plan on coming back with a bang. Releasing all the music we can muster and putting on as many gigs as possible.
Which we couldn’t do without the help of amazing live music venues such as The Underground and The Junction, both situated here in Plymouth, and especially the infinitely supportive help we get from Livewire a youth charity all about helping people through music no matter what background. There’s a link to donate to them here.
PW – What is your favourite way to relax away from making music?
We all enjoy doing a range of things to relax. From reading to tinkering with our instruments. Cooking can be a rewarding way to spend spare time. We all seem to find a way to create, whatever that might be.
PW – In terms of the creative journey, in this kind of industry, it can be tough to feel like we’re moving forwards sometimes. How do you battle these feelings when they come up, and do you have any advice to other people who might be struggling in a similar way?
It is hard to feel as if you’re making progress in a time like this. The most important thing to remember is that it will pass… eventually. In the mean time we all do our bit to keep everybody safe. The more we do that the quicker this nightmare will end.
PW – And finally, where would we find you on social media, and do you have anything else you’d like to add?
Anyone who wants to find out more about us can check out our Instagram / Facebook and TikTok (we know!)
People can listen to our music on all streaming platforms via links from our website at www.thekites.band 🙂
Final message from us lads, remember to stay safe and stay home where possible so we can come out and play for you guys ASAP 😉 x
