It’s that time again, when our man on the ground Desh Kapur Editor/Photographer All Music Magazine UK/Europe spotlights a bands or artists he thinks are going to have a big 2021 ; bands and artists we think you should check out to stay ahead of the curve
So here are Birmingham baggy upstarts Big Image they combine the reverb-drenched piano of house, the propulsive breakbeats of drum and bass and the bubbling buoyancy of baggy to create a cocktail sound that is entirely theirs.
With smart, world-weary lyricism, and arms-around-shoulders sentiment, the Midlands four piece – composed of George, vocals; Luke, bass; Connor, guitar; and Seb, drums – make euphoric and transformative pop for the masses.
The band were previously known under the name IVORY WAVE and have already built a considerable live following through festival appearances and support slots with the likes of DMA’S, The Sherlocks and The Twang. The sudden pause in touring last year led to an opportunity to refocus, rebrand, and hone their sound into something altogether more ambitious for 2021 and beyond.
With a debut EP on the horizon and an album in mind for summer 2022, BIG IMAGE is ready to reach anyone and everyone with an exciting array of unifying Saturday night anthems.
FOR FANS OF THE HAPPY MONDAYS, PRIMAL SCREAM, THE STONE ROSES, DMA’S
So we decided it was time to have a little chat with singer George, to see where they came from, what they have been up to and what their plans for the future are.
What is the story behind your name?
I wish we had some great story or meaning behind the name, but the truth is we made a group chat and just kept feeding it with ideas. The words Big and Image were put in separately and our manager picked those two out and put them together. I made some artwork ideas off the back of that, and we just thought the name looked great.
What first got you into music or who inspired you to make music?
Being around my parents playing records in the house when I was younger is my first memory. And Hip hop really inspires me. The electronic beats just get me excited, that along with acid house music. Throw in a bit of pop music and that’s the cocktail of our sound really.
How did you all meet?
Me (George) and Luke joined a band and didn’t really like the music they were doing so we started our own. Luke knew Connor from being in a band with him a few years before, but he was adamant that Connor wouldn’t join. He’s a big UB40 fan so we told him we had a support slot with them to get him to our lock up. And Seb and I met one night and I basically forced him to come to practice the next day. The rest is history.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
A cocktail of pop, acid house, dance, and hip hop,
What is your creative process like?
Pretty much everything we write starts on a laptop with a beat. Once we’ve got the basic groove down, we’ll just start building the song. Then me or Luke will go away and write the lyrics and melodies. Once that’s done, we just get in a room and make any changes we want. Connor does most of the production side of things.
If you could open a show for any artist, who would it be?
We like to be put out of our comfort zone and win a crowd over. So, it would it be decent to support someone who you wouldn’t expect us to, like Dua Lipa.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Thanks for being so loyal to us. we love you all x
What is the most useless talent you have?
Some people would say singing …
Do you sing in the shower? If so, what songs?
One hundred percent. My go to is Rock DJ by Robbie Williams.
What would you be doing right now if it wasn’t for your music career?
Me and Luke joke that if the band doesn’t take off, we’re going to start a painting and decorating business.
Where have you performed and what are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
We’ve played up and down the country in most major cities. Obviously, Birmingham’s our hometown so we love playing there but Leeds has definitely got a place in our hearts. We’ve always done well there. Our favourite venue we’ve played has got to be the main room at the O2 Academy in Birmingham. There’s just something about the room, the sound, and the vibe. It’s where we’ve always watched bands growing up so each time we’ve played there it’s been a special moment for us. I wouldn’t want to put down any venues down as it doesn’t really seem fair, but we’ve definitely played some shockers.
What is your favourite song to perform?
Parallel Love Affair, just because it’s the newest song in the set.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
Dr Dre is a genius. I would love him to produce a band like us. I think it would be magical.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Haha! I couldn’t say.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Surround yourself with positive people.
What’s next for you?
We’re just enjoying what’s going on each day. The main thing for us is that we get in a room together, write songs and buzz off them.
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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.
