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Blackpool based MetalCore outfit Avarus have just released their killer new single ‘In Disbelief’, vocalist/guitarist Lucas Fletcher was on hand to talk to us about the single, as well as the formation of the band, and the joys of dragging a drum kit up a hill all in the name of art.
What are the origins of the band, how long have you been playing together?
Lucas: Well… it’s a long story if I’m going to be honest, it all started really in high school when I met our bass player Mikey. Slipping on a few years forward we had been jamming together for a while and had introduced this drummer, who was Becky, into the ‘band’ and as we found Jay it really started to gel and we decided we wanted to do this seriously! And that’s when we took the big step to go to Innersound Audio and record our singles.
How did you feel performing your first gig? And how was it?!
Lucas: Myself, my first gig was when I was about 10 years old in a band with my Dad. So for me it’s been a growing process from when I was a kid. But getting up on stage with your friends playing your original music is something way different! It’s an exceptional feeling.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe yourself?
Lucas: I’d expect a lot of different things, you might love us, you might hate us? But most of you will love us, expect to be hit hard in the face with some brutal riffs and high energy drums. You’re also just wanna start a circle pit on your own.
Current single ‘In Disbelief’ has just been released, what are the lyrical themes behind the song?
Lucas: The lyrical theme behind this song started out as something different to what it turned out to be, I started writing about a past relationship of mine but ended up coming to the realisation halfway through, that these lyrics can be incorporated in any way people are trying to deal with the demons in their heads. Overall the song became focused more towards mental health and dealing with inner demons that are hard to get rid of.
In what ways has the band developed in the few years since the ‘Hope Is All We’ve Got’ EP was released?
Lucas: I think the Hope EP is definitely something we want to leave in the past, if I’m going to be honest we were just kids trying to write songs with zero experience. Since that record the band have had a member change and have gotten very serious, which was what I was on about when I mentioned Innersound Audio before. I’d say honestly the band really started in 2018.
You released a video for ‘Final Words’ at the beginning of the year, the band looks freezing in it! Where was it filmed? And how hard was it getting all your gear up a hill?!
Lucas: Hahahahahah, that was a HORRIBLE experience. But definitely worth it! The video looks awesome lol, it was filmed up in the Peak District in Sheffield I think? Getting the gear up was definitely the hardest thing, especially the drums. It was very painful I should say, but after seeing the final cut I can safely say it was worth it.
How did the 2019 tour of the Philippines with Cabin Boy Jumped Ship come about? And what did you take from the experience?
Lucas: Ahhh yes, the hottest tour of my life. Honestly Conor (Conor Peek – CBJS vocalist) represented us at the time and asked if we would be keen to jump on, and we love travelling and our main objective of this band is to see as much of the world as possible. It was decent, the shows were good and bad some nights but I think overall we took home a real experience that we will definitely never forget.
The band has also opened for Cancer Bats & Loathe, but what band out there at the minute do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
Lucas: Yeah, that show was something out of this world. I reckon right now at this point in time, from what we’re working on at the minute I think bands such as Polaris/Wage War or Fit For A King is definitely the sound we are working towards.
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?
Lucas: There are SO many bands, I’ll name a few. Asleep at the Helm, Where Oceans Burn, Behind Blue Eyes, Boarders, InVisions, Ground Culture, Captives, TheCityIsOurs and so many more awesome bands that are making moves and are well deserved.
Who do you feel is the next band to break out?
Lucas: I couldn’t tell you, there’s so many that have the talent and the knowledge to blow up, so it could be anyone of these awesome small bands. But if I had to put my finger on one… I couldn’t.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
Lucas; I have so many from such a young age, and I don’t think there’s just one moment where I realised I wanted to do it. There’ve been so many you see, this has always been a dream of mine to play music to people and change peoples lives with my music. If I can make just one person happy with a song then so be it, that’s good enough for me.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
Lucas: I think the last show I attended as a fan was Where Oceans Burn in Manchester at Satan’s Hollow.
The album that you have in your album collection/spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Lucas: I’m a huge Billie Eilish fan, I think her music is very unique and cool. Her voice is also something that I appreciate a lot! She makes some good music, I also love YUNGBLUD, I think he’s sick! I’ll blame my girlfriend for getting me into both of them lol.
What are your plans for the remainder of 2020?
Lucas: So far, one more single and back in the studio around December to record the album! Anything else I couldn’t tell you due to COVID which sucks.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
Lucas: I’m very very active on social media! If you wanna drop me a message on Instagram or Twitter please feel free to do so! My tag for Instagram is @Lucas_av_fletcher and Twitter is @AvarusLucas. The bands accounts are @Avarus_official on both (as well as facebook) if you’d also like to follow us!
Thank you for having me today guys and I hope to speak again soon!
Header image – Mark Mahtani
