In a this segment All Music Magazine UK/Europe we will be spotlighting some of the bands and artists that we think are going to get people talking in the next 12 months; bands and artists we think you should check out to stay ahead of the curve.
We would like to introduce you to NARROW MARGIN, a band we first saw supporting The K’s at the O2 Ritz in 2020, this is what we thought of them then,
“I was blown away. I loved this band, so much!!! They have a sound uniquely their own, and the look to match; lead singer Ian Spiller resplendent in white double denim and a quiff like the sort that hasn’t been seen since Jonny Depp in Cry Baby – a beautiful thing to behold. The rest of the band had a look like members of the Velvet Underground. But this band is not just about the look, they have the musical chops and songs to back it up in bucket loads; Indie punk, post-apocalyptic punk, shades of the Velvet Underground, The Libertines, and vocal styling of The Ramones but better…. squealing guitars, pounding drums, fast-paced and sharp. You can it call it what you like, but I call it great and refreshing, I really can’t wait to see these guys again!
So with all that said, Desh Kapur Editor/Photographer at All Music Magazine UK/Europe decided it was time to have a little chat with them to see where they came from and what they have been up to and what their plans for the future are.
Firstly, who are Narrow Margin?
They are Ian Spiller (singer), Ben Etches (lead guitarist), Danny Hollinworth(guitarist), Herbie Hursthouse (bass), and Jake Etches (drums). They met at High School when twins Ben and Jake, who had been playing music together for fun since they were kids, were spotted by bassist Herbie playing in a school band. Herbie invited them to join him in something more serious. They added Danny and later found Ian to front the line-up. Narrow Margin has become one of the freshest young acts on the vibrant Manchester music scene.
They first turned heads in 2019 to a sold-out show at the Deaf Institute. Their headlining show was raw, energetic and very entertaining. Their first physical single “Kids Don’t Dance,” is already a firm favourite and dancefloor filler at their record label’s ‘Sister’ nightclub at 42nd Street, AKA “42’s” in Manchester.
Influences and inspirations include The Gaslight Anthem, The Clash, The Who, The Beatles, The Libertines, Bruce Springsteen, and Manic Street Preachers, to name a few…
As a band they blend social and political frustration with soaring guitar riffs, punk-infused chord progressions and catchy/anthemic sing-along choruses.
Lead singer, Ian Spiller: “We want to promote a more direct form of music that speaks to the audience, doesn’t patronise and makes an immediate impact.”
Due to lockdown face to face interviews are a not permitted so email was the medium of choice.
1. What is the story behind your name?
We started the band and had a collection of songs ready to be played live at our first ever gig together, so we needed a name. Some terrible names were sent into a group chat, but then narrow margin was mentioned, and we settled for this because we thought it had a ring to it and it’s stuck since
2. What first got you into music? or Who inspired you to make music?
Initially when I was young, I tried guitar. I was awful. and grew up on music like Oasis, Happy Mondays, Stone Roses (the typical Manchester lad music). When I was about 5, I got bought a toy drum kit for Christmas and loved it
Then I had a music teacher called Keith in primary school and he showed me some basic drumbeats, so I learned Wipeout on drums and played it at a small local pub at the age of 9. From this I knew I wanted to do music as a career
3. How did you all meet?
Me (Jake), Ben, Herbie & Danny all met at school and then we met Ian through a friend of a friend who said he wanted to join a band, so we got him down to a practice and then we haven’t been able to get rid of him since
4. How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I’d describe our music as simple, powerful, energetic and meaningful.
5. What is your creative process like?
Ian usually gets and idea of a song on his guitar and then brings it to the band we then develop and produce the song to be the complete composition it eventually becomes
6. If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
For me personally I’d love to open up for someone like Noel Gallagher, Doves or Blossoms
7. What is one message you would give to your fans?
We are working on new music to be released after the huge pause we took in lockdown. This has been beneficial to the learning of how we can grow as a band so we will be back better than ever
8. What is the most useless talent you have?
My most useless talent is that I can find a song to fit any situation because, unfortunate for the people I live with, I have to have music on constantly.
9. Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
I do not sing in the shower, but I tend to enjoy listening to Dope Lemon in the shower it’s nice to listen to something chilled in the morning
10. What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
I’d probably be working for Openreach like my Dad does.
11. Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
We have performed at venues ranging from The Zombie Shack and Rebellion to Places like The Ritz and all 3 of the Academies – We are headlining the Bread Shed on Sat 17 th July too – so please mention that – there are a small number of tickets still available – it’s one of the first gigs that should happen after lockdown in Manchester and our first for a long time, so it’s gonna be a huge party
12. What is your favourite song to perform?
My favourite song to perform is Make The Stand this is because of the small drum solo – meaning it’s a small solo, not a solo on small drums.
13. Which famous musicians do you admire?
My favourite musician of all time is David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) I love his guitar technique and I also admire the music from Ludovico Einaudi
14. What is the best advice you’ve been given?
The best advice I have been given is from a tutor at my uni that said, no matter how big or small a gig or Job is that you’re doing in music. Always feel like it’s a privilege to be there and doing it.
15. What’s next for you?
A brand-new single coming soon and the Breadshed Headline gig on Sat 17th July, with new songs for everyone to hear Can’t wait!
FOLLOW NARROW MARGIN
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago and married my childhood sweetheart and life is good.
