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London-based Noise Pop/Grunge/Garage/Psych Band Alterpodes began life during the early stages of the first lockdown. Band-members Harry Leventon (vocals) and Reyson Morales (rhythm guitars and keys) talk us through the origins of the band and what you can expect from Alterpodes.
What are the origins of the band, how long have you been playing together?
Formed by Londoner Harry and Puerto Rican Reyson, Alterpodes began life as an online collaboration during the early days of lockdown in 2020, with a mission to join the musical dots between David Bowie, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Beatles, and The Pixies. Soon after the pair met drummer Robinson who also started contributing to songwriting which added another dimension. So we’ve been writing and rehearsing together for about a year.
How did you feel performing your first gig? And how was it?!
We haven’t had a chance to play a show yet in person. We did a livestream a few months back which was fun as it was in the studio we normally rehearse in so setting up a laptop and the studio mixer was interesting. It was part of a small arts festival so it felt good to be part of the music community and doing our bit to keep things alive!
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe yourself?
Gigs are so short-lived compared to all the BS around them (carrying amps) so it’s essential to have as much fun as humanly possible for that brief window – we want to do that ourselves and we want the audience to feel that too! The music is somewhere between post-punk and grunge and indie, broadly early 90s in feel but with some classic and more current influences too.
RM: I really would like the audience to walk out with a different mindset to life and the world or maybe just happier and drunker lol.
The new music scene is bursting at the seams with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out from the others trying to build a name?
Actually, have stand-out songs and be able to play their instruments to a high standard. Have their own sound which isn’t too like anything that’s gone before. Have something interesting to say. Musical talent aside, be good at engaging with their audience – have some charisma!
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
We have a string of new material we’re going to be rolling out over the summer and we’re planning on doing accompanying videos for each release, maybe using our green screen if we can’t meet up so easily, etc. It’s going to be interesting and creative!
What band out there at the minute do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
Blood Red Shoes
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
YAK
DIIV
VANT
The Telescopes
The Pixies (if it had to be one that’d be great)
White Lies
Wolf Alice
Who do you feel is the next band to break out?
HA: Wolf Alice in terms of globally
RM: The Lemon Twigs
What are your first musical memories? And what was the light bulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
Listening to Chuck Berry on my Dad’s record player. Singing along to Beatles albums on long car journeys.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
Pond right before the pandemic and it was amazing at the Electric Brixton!
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Authentic music of the Snake Charmer on vinyl
What recent albums would you recommend?
HA: Wolf Alice – Blue Weekend
RM: The Psychedelic Furs – Made of Rain
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
We try to engage there at least once a day – so Instagram is a good place to catch us right now!
