MEET : Priestgate
Priestgate hail from Driffield in Yorkshire – a fact you’re unlikely to forget. Meeting through various befriendings (including a friendship sparked in a coffin makers’ workshop), Priestgate came together and bonded over mutual inspirations stemming from The Maccabees to Dr. Dre. You can hear these expansive influences through their debut EP – ‘Eyes Closed For The Winter’. The album is a euphoric and reflective exploration of boredom underpinned with social commentary, but that’s just one perspective. Priestgate urge their listeners to throw away any semblance surrounding what the songs might mean, and focus on what it means to them. This is not difficult – the tracks are laden with introspection and humour, rounded off with electrifying guitar riffs and production fit for a festival main stage. Though the music harks back to 80s synth fuelled dream (or gloom) pop, this is only one element, adding hints of modern electronica in the form of cascading drum patterns and booming vocals. All in all, Priestgate’s music evokes emotion and makes one feel something, whatever that individual something may be.
We briefly e-caught up with frontman Rob to discuss the new EP, independent music venues and touring, and took a page out of Priestgate’s book, asking them to reflect on how far they’ve come. Read on to find out just what that is…
Hello Priestgate, congrats on the new EP, it’s wonderful! What’s the most memorable reaction been to ‘Eyes Closed For The Winter’ so far?
Cheers for the love! That's a tough one, there's been a lot of them. when we played our EP launch party on release day is something I'll struggle to forget - hearing people sing your songs back word for word is very heart warming, surreal too really... knowing people care is a nice feeling.
What do the songs on the EP represent as a whole?
We didn't think about it whilst writing it really, we're not the sort of band to go into it like "Let's talk about what’s wrong with the world" - but after a while themes of questioning yourself & the passing of time kept popping up. The rest is up to you.
And what do they represent individually?
I think they're quite subjective, take from them what you please - they've flown the nest now if you will. I'd be interested to hear what people think they represent.
When discussing the opening track on the EP ‘Bedtime Story’, you noted that there were themes of ‘questioning if you’ve still got it.’ How do you overcome this?
I wouldn't say there's a quick fix, just take it as it comes - allowing ourselves to feel that way & accept it's normal was really important though.
You hail from Driffield – can you describe it to those who haven’t been?
Sleepy, farmers, potholes & more farmers.
Do you remember the first time you went to gig and got that pang of ‘I want to do that?’
I never really had that before I joined the band to be honest, I never wanted to be in a band growing up - It just fell into place & now they won't let me leave.
Can you recall you're the first gig you ever played as a band?
Sadly, yes - that's all I can say about that for now aha.
And your most recent?
Our most recent show was the EP launch party I mentioned earlier, I think as a band that's one we'll always remember as being "special" - I'll look back at that night on rainy days.
Your music has been described as both ‘dream pop’ and ‘gloom pop’ – which do you think is more accurate?
'Dream pop' sounds nicer, doesn’t it? Let's go with that.
Could you compile a list of five songs that are held dear to Priestgate and tell us why in one sentence each?
Any 5 songs from 'Marks To Prove It' by The Maccabees, we all hold that album very close to our hearts - 'WW1 portraits' makes my heart sing.
When you listen to music, are there any elements you find yourselves repeatedly drawn to?
I used to listen out for melodies but I'm listening to drum sounds more these days, I often find myself listening to 'N.W.A' - no one makes drums boom boom bap like Dr. Dre.
What do you want the audience to take away from your live performances?
That we're from Driffeld..?
You’re going on tour with Lucky Number label mates Walt Disco – what are you most looking forward to?
Seeing the Walt Disco boys, they're very sweet people & can bust a move or two an all... what’s not to love?
What’s the most surreal thing that has happened to you on your musical journey thus far?
The fact we're actually able to have a crack at this whole band thing is surreal, like... people actually want to hear what we have to say? We're from Driffield - I wouldn't call it the Mecca of music like.
Your songs are totally anthemic – they harness that euphoric feeling of watching a band on a big festival stage. If you could choose, what festival stage would this be?
I'm not sure really, anywhere that's warm - bit of sun on our backs wouldn't go a miss... Primervera looks good though.
Asking ‘what’s next’ seems a bit convoluted seeing as you just released an EP, which is a huge feat. But because of this, people are going to be wondering what lies ahead for Priestgate. Are you at liberty to discuss this answer here?
The same but bigger, we wanna ride it till the wheels fall off - our Zac is quite the wiz at changing tyres an all so can always go that bit further if needs be.
Our final question to you. You’re on the Last Bus home from your favourite haunt (can be anywhere) after a celebratory night out. Where have you been and what are you listening to?
Our local, The Mariner's arms - probably listening to something jazz-related... Who doesn't like to pretend they're sophisticated whilst half cut? I know I do.