Solid Gold for False London
FALSE LONDON is a band born out of necessity during the midst of a pandemic, established as a four piece from all corners of Greater Sydney, FALSE LONDON became much more then just a reason to keep going but also a reason to pursue something meaningful and hopeful. Described as '“outspoken, unafraid and radically honest’ the band work hard to make sure their music is in sync with those labels and is demonstrated perfectly by their latest single ‘Solid Gold’. MFA wanted to know more about this new band with the blindingly bright future so we asked the False London boys a few questions about the bands formation, what festivals they would like to be rostered on for and the ultimate collab request…. Elton John.
For those that haven’t heard False London before , how you describe your sound?
We can be described as a fuse between UK indie rock and Pop Alt. Musically we are planted in the more rock side, especially the fuzziness of Solid Gold, and then Brent’s vocals adds the more pop layer to the sound.
You have just released your latest single 'Solid Gold', Tell us about your new song?
Solid Gold was one of the last tracks we finished up with our producer Fletcher Matthews. We based the song around a really trashy drum & bass feel with the kit and percussion’s. We found this really kept an exciting pace throughout the chorus which helped us drive the vocals as they linger above, filling out the rest of the sound is heavily driven fuzzed up guitars & bass.
“The main driver of the song is when you realise you do not need that person to be whole, and you, the new you, is solid gold.”
What does the song mean to you? what do you hope the listener take away from it?
The track is based around an abrupt end to a relationship, one that leaves you shattered and trying to collect the pieces of what you thought you were, finally realising the you from before doesn’t really exist anymore. The main driver of the song is when you realise you do not need that person to be whole, and you, the new you, is solid gold.
Can we expect an album out soon?
We have a few more singles up our sleeves to deliver first, we’re excited to get them out and see the reaction, an album would be amazing but probably a bit further down the line.
The country is opening back up, are there plans for False London to go touring?
We do hope to see our great country this year. The pandemic had really flattened the chances of us playing shows, and we are more than keen to get going.
“Falls Festival, Yours & Owls, Groovin The Moo and many more festivals have hosted our idols, and I reckon it would be pretty cool to say we play on the same circuit as them”
Do you have plans or ambitions to join the festival circuit? are there any in particular you would like to be apart of?
It would be the dream. Falls Festival, Yours & Owls, Groovin The Moo and many more festivals have hosted our idols, and I reckon it would be pretty cool to say we play on the same circuit as them.
The band was 'born out of necessity' during the pandemic, safe to say it achieved its purpose in giving you hope and that silver lining?
Yeah, I believe it created a restlessness within all of us to start something creative and see how far we could take it. It is still in the early days but we are all happy and proud of where we are despite the lockdowns and setbacks, once venues and shows get going again we’ll be throwing our all into it.
The four of you are scattered across Sydney and you have been in lock down for most of the bands existence, how did you manage to form False London?
We formed online, sending voice memos to each other for song ideas or covers to show our individual styles and what we could bring to the band. Thankfully lockdowns eased in time to go in and record a few tracks. Then it was back to staying home. It was pretty hard during the lockdowns, we stayed in touch as much as we could. For a moment there it was pretty bleak, no shows, no practising, but I guess that just adds to how hungry we are to continue on when we are all open again.
Was the process of writing & practising a challenge given you couldn't get together in person due to the Covid Laws?
We would zoom each other to stay in touch and to write. Practising together was impossible and for a few months there we were totally out of sync. Coming back together to practice was very entertaining though
Being played on Triple J is a big deal in Australia, what was your reaction the first time you heard them play one of your songs?
It was pretty fantastic! Our first single, Flames, featured on Jade Zoe’s house party which is a Saturday night program. It was very thrilling to say the least. Solid Gold also got a spin by Jade the first weekend of release, she is dope.
Who do you credit as your musical influences?
Musical influences for False London would be credited towards Arctic Monkeys, The Black Keys, Two Door Cinema Club, The Wombats, and our Australian lads Polish Club.
“We are all happy and proud of where we are despite the lockdowns and setbacks”
Who would be your ultimate Collab Partner be?
I could say that The Wombats would be the ultimate dream, but if you are giving me free reign on anything… Imagine Elton John jumping on a track, piano and all, now that would be something.
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is they do that keeps your world turning?
I believe this one definitely goes to the family and relationships in our lives. They generally do not get the credit they deserve, late night writing, gigging, standing side stage hearing the song for the one hundredth time, just being there with us. They are the real MVPs.
What's next for you for False London, what can fans look forward too?
We’ve got a bag full of singles that we would like to share with you. 2022 is going to be full of us dropping music and playing cool shows!
Interview by Michelle Symes
February 2022