WITH EACH NEW YEAR COMES THE DESIRE TO REFRESH THE RANKS OF MUSIC’S FRONT LINE. WE’VE GONE THROUGH OUR NOTES, COMPILED OUR LISTS, AND COME UP WITH SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NEW BANDS YOU NEED TO HEAR IN 2023.
From fuzzy dream pop to a satisfying serving of grit, Bleach Lab are a new band of dazzling potential.
Led by magnetic frontwoman Jenna Kyle, Bleach Lab made a strong impact with their debut EPs ‘A Calm Sense of Surrounding’ and ‘Nothing Feels Real’, produced by the legendary Stephen Street (The Cranberries, The Smiths, Blur). Their latest, ‘If You Only Feel It Once’, is a masterful blend of old-school and new-school, taking inspiration from 90s sounds and pushing the boundaries. From dreamy pop melodies of Alvvays to gigantic glistening singles, and ending with an avalanche of noise, it offers a glimpse into a bright future.
Hi Jenna! How’s it going? What are you up to today?
Hey! You’re speaking with Jenna. Today we’ve battled the winter weather and snow to practice in London for the DIY Christmas gig on Wednesday!
How did you guys meet? Whose idea was it to start playing music together?
Josh and I studied music at college together several years back now. We stayed in contact when we went off to uni; when Frank and Josh met in 2017, working on a separate project and needed a vocalist, Josh got in touch with me to come down and see if the fit was right. Later on came Kieran; he joined during the winter lockdown, and funnily enough, Kieran and I didn’t even meet until a few months after he joined!
Do you all have defined roles within the group?
I would say so. Both in practical and logistical terms, as well as musically. We try to collaborate as much as possible with new ideas and developing tracks. However, there are definitely crossovers with our individual skills and what we each bring to the table. Some of us are definitely more organised than others… oops!
How have you found your time in the band so far – any particular highlights?
In the best way possible, it’s a slow burner. We enjoy every achievement we have made and work hard to reach the next. Setting reasonable goals and being overwhelmed if we exceed expectations. Highlights for us are definitely our BBC Radio 6 playlisting, along with our UK tour earlier in the year and our most recent show at Lafayette in London!
What do you most like writing/singing about?
I often write as a cathartic exercise. Think it’s safe to assume I like to write about my personal experiences with relationships, romantic or otherwise, along with my general experience of navigating through life as a young adult. Learning more about yourself and a lot of self-reflection.
Do you have big plans for 2023? What’s in the diary?
We have a really busy year coming up! Starting with two support slot tours in Feb and march with Priestgate and We Are Scientists. We will more than likely have a jam-packed festival season too, and hopefully, a few headline shows thrown in.
You’ve got one wish for the new year that will definitely come true. What is it?
To finally play outside of the UK! We really want to play Ireland and would love to do some European festivals (fingers crossed!).
“WE HAVE A REALLY BUSY YEAR COMING UP”
JENNA KYLE
What’s your most “out there” prediction for 2023?
That we, as a band, might be able to take on music as a full-time profession! A pipeline dream.
Are there any tours or albums you’re looking forward to from other musicians?
Tour-wise I’m really looking forward to seeing Aldous Harding in April! Also trying to get tickets for the Big Thief tour.
What other new acts should we be keeping an eye on?
Definitely check out Priestgate! They’re great, and super pleased to be supporting them next year. Also, She’s in Parties and Slaney Bay, two awesome bands that supported us in our autumn tour this year.
Taken from the February 2023 edition of Upset. Order a copy below.
