Lip Filler: We sat down with one of Britain’s Buzziest Bands to discuss their debut EP
The band — who hilariously describe song-writer George as “John Cooper Clarke with an ASBO and a fanny pack” — talk their debut EP and Double Double Decker tour.
Photo: Maya Lutz
Recently signed up to Chess Club records; home to one of the UK’s most exciting rosters of talent. Lip Filler are making noise within the industry right now and for all the right reasons. The full 12 mins and 10 secs EP provides everything you’d want from an indie band fused with a side of electronica that are on an uphill journey. Every track you can picture being played out across many festival stages this summer with the instant, infectious energy and catchy choruses paired with clever songwriting.
We sat down to chat to the band and dig into all the inspiration, BTS and makings of this four track wonder fresh off the back of their most recent Double Decker tour.
For people who are yet to discover Lip Filler, how would you describe your music?
It’s like your classic bread-and-butter indie rock with an electronic twist: a group of five overexcited undergraduates who have managed to calm down enough to make something that sounds put together.
Who or what are your biggest influences?
Always a tough one as it’s a big old melting pot. We each tend to have our own individual influences then some shared ones too — if that makes sense. Nilüfer Yanya, Radiohead, LCD Soundsystem and Blur to name a few.
Congrats on your recently released EP. How long did it take to make and did this include any long, late night studio sessions?
All the instrumental tracks we recorded in more or less two days at Narcissus Studio in West London; we had a good few nights doing vocals and tidying things up with St Francis Hotel at his studio. Never too late though as we’re very sensible kids.
Which song within the EP was the most satisfying to make?
Tough question, you’ll probably get different answers from all of us. Gotta be between Cool and Monster Truck though. Cool because it was the first song we released as a demo and Monster Truck because it was the latest song we’d written at the time. So, even though they’re completely opposite reasons: one because we knew it like the back of our hand and the other because it was super fresh and exciting to work on.
Each song has a relatable element, as you guys currently live together do you reflect and share a lot of the moments within your song-writing?
I mean, we share a lot of experiences with each other just hanging out and stuff, that’s a hugely important part — just spending a lot of time together. Other than that, George writes most of the lyrics so he’s our former Grime-MC-turned-indie-rock-poet. Like John Cooper Clarke with an ASBO and a fanny pack.
You’re currently making waves within established music spaces such as NME & Radio 1 (on Jack Saunders' Future Artists show) Tell us a little bit about your journey as a band up until now? Has it been a steady trajectory?
I mean it’s all happened pretty quickly, we got a lot of momentum off of the Cool demo then we met our producer then out popped the EP. Signing with Chess Club was a blessing as well, they’re absolutely lovely people and always give us really helpful support and feedback, endlessly grateful to them.
How is the Double Double decker tour going? Any highlights so far?
The Double Double Decker has been quite a ride, especially when you’re in the top deck of that particular bus. It’s so much fun playing with some great bands who love to get up and smash out a few tunes. Lotta love to Flat Party, False Futures, Funhaus and The Guzzlarks.
What has been your best gig to play to date?
Gotta be Dot To Dot Fest in Nottingham. Big up Notts — you lot know what you’re doing.
Any festivals you’d like to be on the bill for in the near future?
I mean there’s one festival that starts with G that any band would say at this point. Apart from that I guess any and all really, the fun thing about festivals is being able to cut a tiny little slice of whatever city you’re in, ram it in ya gob then you’re off. That’s the fun bit, exploring the country and making weird memories.
What’s next for you guys? Can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon!
We’re constantly writing, recording, making demos and all that good stuff so I guess we’ll have to see. If we come up with anything good we’ll let you know.
Lip Filler is out now via Chess Club Records.
