Dublin based Garage-rockers Otherkin have recently released their album debut, OK.
2017 has already been a whirlwind for the band, having completed their own headline UK tour, as well as a series of support slots with The Amazons. The band has opened for Guns ‘N’ Roses, where they brought their live show to front man Luke’s home turf at the legendary Slane Castle. They made their Download debut at Castle Donington recently and were also championed by Metallica’s Lars Ulrich on his Beats1 radio show. They have also completed a full UK tour with punk-rock legends The Dead Kennedy’s.
2017 continues in strength for the band as they take their live show out on a mammoth set of tour dates commencing at Manchester’s deaf Institute on October 22 as special guests of INHEAVEN which will continue into the UK leg of the tour. Later on, the band will headline their own gigs in fifteen European countries.
Andy Howells recently put questions to vocalist Luke Reilly.
What lead you to decide you wanted to become a musician?
The life of a musician is something that most kids gravitate to at some point in their youth, isn’t it? Being able to tour around the world with your best mates, seeing new cities and playing songs you’ve written to people you’ve never met has always been such a draw for me. Actually getting to do that is a dream come true.
Who are your music influences?
The main ones for me would the Beatles, Thom Yorke and Damon Albarn. Incredible artists who have left an indelible mark on music with their songs.
Can you tell us about your new release?
Sure. We released our debut album ‘OK’ last week and it’s 12 garage-rock belters with bags of melody. For the most part, it’s feel good music with sticky hooks and big riffs. We wanted it to be the soundtrack to good-times with enough hints of darkness in there too to provide for people who are looking for a different side to us also.
If there’s a track that best defines you as an artist what is it and why?
Ay Ay is probably our calling card. It encompasses the spirit of Otherkin in just under three minutes; heaps of guitars, harsh vocals and a big chorus.
What can people expect from your forthcoming show?
They can expect a rowdy sweatfest with no line between the band and audience. That’s all we want from our shows, for people to leave feeling they were a part of something as opposed to a passive observer. There’s no barrier between us all at an Otherkin show.
What are you listening to presently?
Been listening to the new Wolf Alice album a bit, slowly but surely getting into it! Also been listening to Disintegration by the Cure and Surrender by the Chemical Brothers, classics the both of them.
Vinyl or digital?
Both have their appeal. Vinyl for the physical aspect of ‘owning’ and cherishing the music and digital for the convenience and portability!
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Otherkin play Crofters Rights, Bristol on October 23 and Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff on October 24.