Interview with Little Grim

‘Little Grim’ is a rock group based in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey. The band-members came together in 2012, each bringing with them elements from their eclectic musical backgrounds; Progressive rock (Joe and Jeremy), indie pop (Chris) and punk (Roger). The band merge those influences into a wholly unique class of music … one which is extraordinary, exemplary and darkly toned.

To support the release of their four-track independently released EP, ‘Little Grim’ has published an ambitious concept music video for the lead track ‘Spaces’. It uses only one continuous shot.

Currently, ‘Little Grim’ are gigging hard in the South of the United Kingdom in order to promote the EP – following the successful launch tour in the towns of Guildford, Kingston and Croydon, supporting bands such as ‘Kid Karate’ and ‘Hearts Under Fire’.

I chatted to Joseph Murphy – Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar – on what it means to be a music maker in Surrey:

DO YOU THINK THAT SURREY HAS EVER BEEN PART OF ANY MUSICAL REVOLUTION ?

In my time, I haven’t thought of Surrey as a host to any music ‘revolutions’.. Though I would say it has always been a good passing point for such revolutions, welcoming the new ideas and fads. I’d say that Surrey encourages creative revolutions that have originated elsewhere.

WHAT DO YOU THINK LIVING IN SURREY HAS TO OFFER YOUNG MUSICIANS ?

Surrey offers a safety net for young musicians with friendly and accessible local music venues as well as a relatively calm atmosphere, which can be intimidating when in places like London… where there are a thousand events on every night. It warms them up to those, more intense shows.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE OF HEARING LIVE MUSIC IN SURREY?

My first experience was at Carshalton’s Rockstock … I suppose it’s not technically part of Surrey so as an alternative to that, Nescot Live (which has recently shut down) and my school hall, was where I first experienced live music. There are A LOT of screamo bands in Surrey… I found that out pretty soon!

WHERE DID YOU MEET YOUR BAND-MATES AND OTHER MUSIC CONTACTS?

We met at School (Glyn Technology).

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SURREY BAND?

Are Arcane Roots from Kingston? [YES] I’m a big fan of their first EP. I don’t know about if the artists I love came from Surrey… I haven’t ever thought to look it up.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SURREY MUSIC VENUE?

I’d say that one of the most receptive gigs we ever played was at Nescot Live at the Nescot centre. I find the shape of any venues we’ve played has been their main downfall, as you can’t connect with the audience if half of them are stuck round the corner of the venue! I do love McClusky’s in Kingston … but it has a similar issue.

DO YOU USE ANY RECORDING STUDIOS / REHEARSAL ROOMS IN SURREY?

We have used Skyline before. In Epsom… and also Venti Venti – but we’ve been self recording since…

Thank you, Little Grim

Link:

https://www.facebook.com/littlegrimuk