Newcastle’s Spelks are delighted to announce the release of of their shimmering noise pop-inflected single, The Happy Places, out on 24th April 2020 via Montgomery Records. 

The brainchild of Jonathon Sabiston (guitar, drums, bass, keys, vocals), Spelks was borne out of a desire to create a musical project without compromise, writing and recording all the parts himself. Recorded in a cramped spare room in his Newcastle based flat, The Happy Places perfectly encapsulates Spelks sparse, yet quirky, noise pop sound. 

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Spelks about the latest project, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?

Although I can hear quite a few of my influences in my music, for example I hear Prefab Sprout’s non sensical edge and pop sensibilities. Guided by voices dry, dampened lo-fi drums and guitars. Early Jimmy Eat World emo lyrics and distortion. But in reality, I can try and write a country song one day and it always finds it’s way back to the fore-mentioned Spelks style. I don’t fight it anymore. I can hear an electronic track on the radio and think “that’s what I’m going to do today” but the core elements of Spelks always turn up, sad lyrics and happy harmony.

What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?

I’ve had a guitar ever since my primary school teacher introduced me to one, I thought he was cool, there for so was playing guitar. I am happiest when I’m writing, recording or playing music, so I have never let go of that. I’m really lucky to be surrounded by such a supportive music scene in Newcastle, I’ve been pushed to release this music, it was really written for myself. But people listening to my music gives me such a thrill now, I feel such a connection to fans.

Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?

My creativity ebbs and flows dramatically, I know it can’t be forced. I sometimes can go a month without picking up a guitar, sometimes I can write three songs in a day. I’d say everything has an influence on that. It could be watching a great film, listening to music, a new set of strings on my guitar, reconnecting with a friend, so many things. My taste has definitely changed over the years, whilst generally always rooted in guitar music, all it takes is hearing a good Glen Campbell song for me to decide that I want to be a country star, next week it will be Kanye West.

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?

Definitely, I wanted to have an output musically that was uncompromising, to no time frame or limitation. I do everything myself, playing each part on the recording, to mixing the final product. If no one likes it, I have no one to use as a scapegoat, which I like. Other than that, my ethos is, write music I want to listen to, if people like it too, that’s great!

What was the last song you listened to?

Dead Nag by Hector Gannet, The best live band in Newcastle right now.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

Can I say cassette tapes? Maybe it is because I only have a tape player in my car, but I love the boxy, compressed character that the limitations of tape adds, I’d say that sound, within reason, is something I strive for. My other answer would be MP3s, the novelty of having access to millions of tracks in my pocket hasn’t worn off yet, hopefully it never will!

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

YouTube might be the surprising answer to that, I grew up watching the UK’s rock music channels, MTV2, Kerrang & Scuzz. I don’t have a telly anymore and I don’t think they’re around any more anyway. YouTube I suppose is the modern day equivalent, I love a good music video and I love to go deep into YouTube, when it’s 3am and your eyes burn and you’re listening to a band with 3 views and discover something special.

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?

I’m still in the early stages of this project, I’d say communication online is always tricky, it’s hard to read inflections, so I really do feel like I need to make sure every post I make, can’t be misconstrued. It is about finding your message and then making it clear, here I am and this is what I do, I hope you like it!

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?

Instagram is where I’m most active, it just seems to work for me best, I keep everyone updated there with the latest Spelks news.

Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?

Thank you for your time, stay safe!