Liverpool based jingle-jangle pop duo New Atlas may be less than a year old, but they’re already firmly on the UK’s musical map.
The project is the brainchild of Northern Irish school friends Eoghan O’Hagan and Luc McParland, who came together through a mutual appreciation of feel good electronic pop and nostalgic melodies.
Recently named one of BBC Northern Ireland’s hottest new acts by DJ Huw Stevens, the band earned their stripes on the UK and Ireland’s live circuit before settling down in Liverpool to commit their sound to record.
Last month they released their lush debut EP Young Hearts, which was produced by Rocky O’Reily (Wheatus, Ex Magician), and now have a June tour in the works.
We caught up with the teenage pair to learn more about their humble origins and musical masterplan…
We first started making music because…
We ended up touring and recording a lot together before moving to Liverpool. We ended up making this music together because we both were big fans of each other’s own sound, and knew together they had a really nice flow.
We have been making music since…
We grew up together as friends but in separate projects. I was a soloist, and Luc was a session pianist who would constantly write and record for himself. We were keen on what sounds we were both making, and had it in the back of our heads that we would make a better team than Batman and Robin. So we started making music together late 2015.
Our music is…
Heavily lyric based, painted with colourful soundscapes. It’s fun, and meaningful.
You'll like our music if you listen to...
Bombay Bicycle Club, Two Door Cinema Club, Jack Garratt, Amber Run, The 1975.
Our favourite venue is…
We don't like picking favourites.
Music is important because…
The lyrics bare my raw honest side of the negativity in my life, but we paint them with positivity. It’s empowering and justifying to be able to turn major negative times in to a colourful four-minute moment. As cheesy as it sounds, having this outlet has been my therapy. When I write, things escape the dark corners of my mind, where they have been repressed for years. It’s my homemade medicine.
Our biggest inspiration is…
At the moment Bombay Bicycle Club are on from the moment we wake. We are also really into Low Roar, Jack Garratt, Rhodes and Clean Cut Kid.
Our dream collaboration would be…
Without a second thought, Jeff Buckley. No explanation needed.
To try us out, listen to our song…
Young Hearts Now. Its super good.
If we weren’t making music we’d be…
Pouring pints and serving pub food, or living with our mums.
In 10 years’ time we want to be…
The sound track to your young life.
New Atlas play The Islington, London, on 12 June.
http://www.newatlasofficial.com/
The project is the brainchild of Northern Irish school friends Eoghan O’Hagan and Luc McParland, who came together through a mutual appreciation of feel good electronic pop and nostalgic melodies.
Recently named one of BBC Northern Ireland’s hottest new acts by DJ Huw Stevens, the band earned their stripes on the UK and Ireland’s live circuit before settling down in Liverpool to commit their sound to record.
Last month they released their lush debut EP Young Hearts, which was produced by Rocky O’Reily (Wheatus, Ex Magician), and now have a June tour in the works.
We caught up with the teenage pair to learn more about their humble origins and musical masterplan…
We first started making music because…
We ended up touring and recording a lot together before moving to Liverpool. We ended up making this music together because we both were big fans of each other’s own sound, and knew together they had a really nice flow.
We have been making music since…
We grew up together as friends but in separate projects. I was a soloist, and Luc was a session pianist who would constantly write and record for himself. We were keen on what sounds we were both making, and had it in the back of our heads that we would make a better team than Batman and Robin. So we started making music together late 2015.
Our music is…
Heavily lyric based, painted with colourful soundscapes. It’s fun, and meaningful.
You'll like our music if you listen to...
Bombay Bicycle Club, Two Door Cinema Club, Jack Garratt, Amber Run, The 1975.
Our favourite venue is…
We don't like picking favourites.
Music is important because…
The lyrics bare my raw honest side of the negativity in my life, but we paint them with positivity. It’s empowering and justifying to be able to turn major negative times in to a colourful four-minute moment. As cheesy as it sounds, having this outlet has been my therapy. When I write, things escape the dark corners of my mind, where they have been repressed for years. It’s my homemade medicine.
Our biggest inspiration is…
At the moment Bombay Bicycle Club are on from the moment we wake. We are also really into Low Roar, Jack Garratt, Rhodes and Clean Cut Kid.
Our dream collaboration would be…
Without a second thought, Jeff Buckley. No explanation needed.
To try us out, listen to our song…
Young Hearts Now. Its super good.
If we weren’t making music we’d be…
Pouring pints and serving pub food, or living with our mums.
In 10 years’ time we want to be…
The sound track to your young life.
New Atlas play The Islington, London, on 12 June.
http://www.newatlasofficial.com/
