March is an alternative rock band based in the U.K. Recently they released their third single “Bliss”. We interviewed bassist Cam and guitarist Olly about their relationship with music through the pandemic, the evolution of alt rock as a genre, their future plans for the band, and other topics.
Shannon – Can you give a back story of the start of your band?
Cam – “We all met in our first year of college, we all had music classes together. In our second semester we had to do a group project – Olly, our drummer Ben, and our new singer Rosie, and I. I loved working with them so I messaged Olly asking if he wanted to start a band and he said yes.”
Olly – “Our name, March, came from the fact that since day 1 we wanted to have a certain image. So we came up with this camo theme and we decided we could call ourselves March, but we haven’t stuck with that theme at all.”
Cam – “We’re an alternative rock/alternative metal band. We haven’t got a set genre yet. In the last two to three years, we’ve written in a lot of different styles. We’re still in the process of finding what kind of band we are but there’s really nothing wrong with that.”
Shannon – I feel like being an alt-rock band would allow you a lot of room to be creative. Would you agree?
Cam – “The rock genre in the last decade has taken a dive into a less popular genre.”
Olly – “It’s a bit more underground now.”
Cam – “It’s good to be part of this genre to show that there are new acts coming through. It’s nice to see there is a community of young people into this genre.”
Shannon – You released your latest single “Bliss” earlier this year. Tell me the story behind that song?
Olly – “It’s about standing up for yourself – saying no and meaning it.”
Cam – “There have been a lot of people we know and in general who have gone through really shit situations with vile people and those people get away with it without any repercussions. This song is for the people who have tried to take a stand.”
Shannon – How has music helped you get through the pandemic?
Cam – “For me, I just hope releasing our music during the pandemic has helped inspire some people. We were lucky enough to have our song played on the BBC Introducing station which was mind-blowing. It was our first big attention from a radio station. ‘New Generation’ is a very close song to us. The message behind it is to keep an eye on those who are struggling in the pandemic, the people who haven’t been able to see friends and family. Music has been crucial for me. Architects releasing new singles last year – seeing them releasing new music at a time when you wouldn’t expect anyone to be releasing new music really inspired me. Music is more than just what people listen to – we use it to feel something.”
Shannon – If you could time travel, what decade or era would you travel to?
Olly – “Probably before or after Covid.”
Cam – “If it weren’t for Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue I would’ve never started playing bass so I’d probably say the ‘80s. And a lot of great music came out during the ‘80s as well.”
Olly – “The ‘80s would be sick.”
Shannon – Since you guys are a very new band, where do you plan to go from here?
Olly – “The main thing is to get as much exposure as possible.”
Cam – “We want to perform live as much as possible.”