Devil's Gate Music
Related Articles
Lancashire, UK-based five-piece Bastette is set to release their sophomore EP ‘Bastette Exposed’ on the 17th September 2021. To tide fans over until then, Bastette has premiered a brand new music video for lead single ‘Talk About It’. Bastette vocalist and songwriter Caroline Kenyon was on hand to give us the lowdown on the band, as well as sharing some of her own personal musical memories. Connect with Caroline, below…
What are the origins of Bastette? How long have you been playing together?
Bastette started off as a solo project, I brought in different musicians to play for me at gigs, this became unattainable, and I realised that I needed core musicians that were dedicated, talented, and invested. We have been playing together since last October.
How did you feel performing your first gig as a band? And how was it?!
We supported Massive Wagons in October last year at two sold-out shows. It was awesome, we can’t wait to get back to gigging!
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe Bastette?
Bastette is fiery, sassy, sexy & exciting with melodies you can’t help but sing along to.
‘Talk About It’ is the new single, what was it about this one that made you choose it as the lead single from the forthcoming EP ‘Bastette Exposed’? The title is quite evocative and could have so many different meanings, what are the lyrical themes behind it?
‘Talk About It’ is upbeat and exciting and it really makes you want to move, so it seemed like the perfect choice for the lead single as everyone loves an uplifting song. It is also highly relatable and could be applied to many situations. ‘Talk About It’ takes quite a literal approach, you can go round in circles repeating the same conversations and never come to a conclusion. This song was my lightbulb moment where I was able to see everything clearly and let go of the negative around me. It can be quite empowering when you realise you are not letting anything drag you down anymore.
Is ‘Talk About It’ indicative of what the forthcoming new EP will sound like? And, what can you tell us about the EP?
It is indicative, although it is at the lighter end of the tracks on the EP. The next few releases have a darker feel although the subject matter is in keeping with the ‘Exposed’ EP.
What goes through your head in the run-up to releasing new music? Are you excited? Nervous? – Both?!
A bit of both, it’s always nerve-racking releasing new music as you don’t know how well it will be received. Although so far we’ve had a lot of positive feedback which is fab.
In what ways has the band grown over the last few years? For instance, do you see growth in the songwriting department?
The sound is developing and becoming more cohesive. When I started writing songs I would write in many different styles; one song would be pop the next heavy rock and I struggled to find the middle ground of where I wanted the music to fit.
In terms of a similar audience: who would be the ideal act for Bastette to support?
Bands such as Those Damn Crows and the Pretty Reckless would fit really well with our sound being melodic and a bit darker overall.
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?
It’s all about putting on a good show and having a stage presence that people are likely to remember and songs that people want to sing along to. When I step on stage, I step into a character… I think a lot of musicians do this to make themselves larger than they are in everyday life.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
I’ve wanted to perform for as long as I can remember, there is no better feeling than singing to a passionate audience. I always wanted to sing, so my family encouraged me to start learning the piano when I was 7. Music is the only thing I’ve focused on my entire life.
Personally, who has been the biggest influence on you becoming a musician? Would it be a family member? A teacher? A fellow musician?
My Grandfather was an amateur classical musician who sang in choirs and played piano. He encouraged me and showed me how much music can be a positive release.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
Download 2019… that’s mad.
What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?
The hypocrisy of not allowing gigs to go ahead when other large events are.
What album do you have in your collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
The Pirates of the Caribbean ‘At World’s End Soundtrack’
We are halfway through the year, what albums released so far have particularly impressed you?
‘Created From Filth and Dust’ – Lilith Czar and ‘Death by Rock and Roll’ – the Pretty Reckless.
Who would you class as an underrated songwriter?
Many people might not know that Madonna has written quite a few incredible songs such as ‘Like a Prayer’, and when I saw a video of her playing a Pantera riff on the electric guitar I had a new appreciation for who she was, not only as an Icon but as a musician.
What are your plans for the remainder of 2021 should COVID ever disappear?!
We have shows starting at the end of July playing Trillians in Newcastle, through to the end of August/September supporting Wendy James & playing Rockin the Bowl in Sheffield. We are also set to go on tour with MASSIVE and Marisa and the Moths in November.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
I am very active, you can message me on any of the Bastette pages… Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, etc.
Official Website: https://www.bastette.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bastette
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/BastetteMusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bastetteuk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bastetteuk
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bastetteukofficial
Speaking as a Bastette fan ,excellent interview and learned new things so that’s good