Interview to TEZ

Tez, the masters of soulful ambiance and introspective lyricism based in Kent, unveil their latest single, "Whirlpool”. This captivating track, poised to be the centrepiece of their latest EP, seamlessly blends soulful melodies, ambient vibes, and anthem riffing, ensuring an unparalleled auditory experience. "Whirlpool" transcends being just a song. It's an invitation to surrender to the magnetic allure of Tez's unique sound. Their main influences are: Two Door Cinema Club, Tame Impala, Foals. 

London, 11th January

Hi TEZ, welcome to AFX! What are a few words that would best describe the band and your musical world?

"Thanks for having us! As a genre, we say soulful ambient indie. As a world, just a shit load of delay and vibes, at least that’s what we try to be."

How do you stay motivated and inspired to create new music?

"Touch wood, it’s not something that’s been too challenging this far. I try not to overthink it. The beginning of everything typically start with a guitar, start recording on voice notes and sing a load of waffle for around 15 minutes usually. I then listen back to recording frequently, especially when driving and note lyrics that come to mind, that make more sense than those sung. For some reason, whenever I’m on a train I feel very productive and merge and voice notes of new songs into the tracks they were destined for. With lyrics and structure existing we make a quick demo, or I send a voice note into that group and on the next practice we just thrash into shape. Everyone adds their flavor and it’s very much a group effort. It’s a great process in heinsignt."

Do any of your songs based on personal experiences?

"The ones released a present are more based on mindset, desire to be free, stop overthinking, believe in yourself more etc. Following Whirlpool, the tracks get super personal. Let’s speak about that more next time."

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What are your lifelong dreams?

"Where do we start hahaha. Comes to mind straight away, play Boardmasters and/or Glastonbury and longer term, all be making a living off the band. So we can fuck off our jobs"

The band was formed last March 2023, where do you see your career in five years?

"We’re all dreamers, we see the band being everything hopefully carrying us forward. More than anything, in 5 years, I’d like to still be resonating with people musically, be real, authentic and just cracking out good music."

You have 3 words to launch the new single:

"Please Buy It. Hahaha, aquatic, ambient, euphoric."

TEZ

Instagram @tezistaken

If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would you choose?

Dan: Palace or Foals

Owen: Palace or Ben Howard

Oscar: Tom Misch

Joe: Will.I.am or The Oh Tays

Where have you performed? What are your favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?

"Most surreal gig far was our last headline show at Ramsgate Music Hall, it was our first and sellout! Everyone knew the words, a dream come true for all of us. We have a UK tour planned Jan-April on next year, with a cheeky Spain date all being well."

If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?

"Personally, the amount of scams. The fake promotion, pay to play, deceit from ‘companies’ claiming to be legit and capitalizing on aspiring musicians, it’s just wrong."