Indie-electro trio Twist Helix prepare to release their vibrant debut album Ouseburn, on October 5th (2018 via Paul Black Music.

Each track on this eclectic concept album weaves lyrical themes that present a social commentary of the changing landscape of Newcastle, their hometown, and its post-industrial reinvention as a creative hub. It begins with opening track ‘Newcastle’ and its awakening from industrial decline and ends with ‘Little Buildings’, as the album’s protagonist (an artist) realizes she has participated in the gentrification of an area that she loved. Ouseburn is an album that will certainly hit home for many in our current climate. Forthcoming single Graphite – a song about the artist feeling frustration as she cannot articulate an authentic vision of her city – is filled with dynamic, synth-heavy beats, sounding akin to the likes of Depeche Mode and New Order. Each track on the album soars with a futuristic atmosphere, combining infectious pop hooks, striking synths and distinctive lead vocals to create something truly thought-provoking and bold.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Twist Helix about the latest project, music consumption, preferences, challenges, motivations 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)?

I’ve always liked electronic music and the depth of texture that a synthesizer can produce. Yet I’ve always resisted the use of laptops on stage, as I find they take something away from the risk and immediacy of a live performance. That’s why I started experimenting with the workstation synthesizer, I wanted to push that one instrument to its limit, to get the best of both worlds and in the process developed a sound and playing style of my own.

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

I’ve always been musical and involved in bands, but what made this project different and gave it its ambition has undoubtedly been the fact that we were writing this music in the midst of the concentration of artists in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley. Watching them lead by example, tour, sign deals, release albums, was totally inspiring.

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

I’m very much influenced by my own surroundings, and I believe in songwriting through experience, about writing about what you know. So, on the new album (‘Ouseburn’) I speak about the music scene of my home in Newcastle, about its venues, the people, the culture around them.

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

I wanted to present the English “North” as something other than rust and ruin. I feel most songwriters when they talk about the region have the tendency to mourn what was rather than celebrate what is. Which is why on ‘Ouseburn’ (the album), I set out to celebrate the city and its post-industrial reinvention as an arts hub; in a way romanticizing the struggle of its underground scene and the community that exists there.

What was the last song you listened to?

Jane Weaver – The Architect.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I’d probably go for Vinyl or CD over mp3, they’re tactile, you can get them signed, the artwork and little details like hidden tracks make it so much more fun.

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

I think it’s a case of horses for courses.

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?

Personally, we invest a lot of effort into touring and live shows, so for us the loss of venues through gentrification presents a challenge, as it denies us access to the fans. That’s where this album ends, with the songs ‘Pulse’ and ‘Little Buildings’ speculating on the fate of the scene.

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

You can keep up with our releases on Spotify.

And get social/keep up with our total lack of patter.

Twitter: See our blurry gig pics here @twisthelixband

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

Just a big hug from us here at Twist Helix, thanks for speaking to us!