Childhood
Fresh-faced UK quartet Childhood have come a long way since co-founders, Ben Romans-Hopcraft and Leo Dobsen bonded over a love of Deerhunter at Uni. Their debut album Lacuna has been met with critical acclaim for its nostalgic, shoegazey soundscapes, bewitching the likes of the almighty Johnny Marr with whom they’re currently touring. Ben recently took time out from a naked Thursday lie-in to share a bit more of the band with us.
The response to Lacuna so far has been…
Really good! Its always a really weird thing releasing a debut album. I didn’t know what to expect, but people have been really supportive and interested in it.
The album title comes from…
The idea of an empty space. The more recent songs seem to comment on this idea of something being lost or missing. So the word was conveniently pretty and fitting.
We sound like…
Your dad’s record collection, that has been poached with a bay leaf and spiced with cumin.
Being compared quite often to The Stone Roses is…
Something that a lot of lazy journalists like to do. Usually, most who do such, haven’t heard our music in any depth. Flattering nonetheless, however, completely misguided.
Growing up in South London was…
A really positive thing. Throughout my adolescence it served as a melting pot of different ideologies / classes and side shows. I’m grateful.
We’d love to tour / collaborate with…
Todd Rundgren, Bertrand Burgalat, Stereolab, Cleaners from Venus.
Our rider is / should be…
Our rider is Jameson, red wine, beers, hummus, carrots, apples, ham, tomatoes and bread. It should be all the above but more bread, passion fruits and kiwis.
Our most memorable gig was…
Probably when we played in Osaka in Japan. The crowd was huge and they really connected to the performance. It was a special / surreal moment.
The guys in Palma Violets are…
Pretty hilarious.
Social media for musicians is…
Apparently a necessity. I really am suspicious though.
Early influences on our musical style include…
Deerhunter, Cocteau Twins, Slowdive, Felt
Working with Rory Atwell from Test Icicles has been…
He recorded the single ‘Solemn Skies’. He’s a great guy. Leo was even more excited cos he was a big fan back when he was an early teen.
Being a full time band rather than having to work around study and other commitments feels like…
A blessing. However, often I feel inept and question what I’m doing with my life, when I’m not doing anything musical. Like now, its midday and its a Thursday. Yet I’m still in my bed, naked. Surfing the web.
A typical weekend for us consists of…
The hope that I will stay in and be creative and not spend money. Then Sunday arrives and I’m crying.
Having caught the attention of Johnny Marr is…
A great thing. We’re on tour with him now and he’s the best. So supportive of the record and us as people.
Our advice for other young artists is…
Make sure you know what you want to be. Stick with it and be uncompromising.
The next 12 months for Childhood look like…
Gigs and new songs!
Australian bands we like include…
Tame Impala, Courtney Barnett, Pond, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Jagwar Ma, Gum, Shiny Joe Ryan.
Australia can look forward to seeing us…
Hopefully in 2015!
When Kat’s not catching a gig you can find her pondering the meaning of life at her graphic design day job or taking long walks on the beach in fluffy pink moccasins.
- Band Of Skulls @ The Corner Hotel, 7th April ’15 - April 17, 2015
- Adalita @ The Gasometer, 4th March ’15 - March 10, 2015
- Melbourne Soundwave, 21st – 22nd February ’15 - March 3, 2015
