With sold-out shows, and a Really Very Good debut EP, OVERPASS are crafting euphoric anthems and relatable lyrics that are resonating with audiences across the UK. With an appearance at Live At Leeds: In The Park to come this May, catch up with our latest DORK x LIVE AT LEEDS: IN THE PARK festival guide cover feature.
Words: Stephen Ackroyd.
India Armstrong, the bassist for Birmingham's buzziest new band, overpass, is a busy woman. Between Uni classes and late-night cramming sessions, she's just back off tour and - at the time of our interview - preparing for a hometown headline gig at the O2 Institute in Birmingham. Who says bands can't multitask?
Overpass are a four-piece outfit brought together by a shared love of music. "We all came together through mutual friends with a passion for playing the music we loved, starting mainly with covers," says India. "We realised that we could have a go writing our own tunes and that people wanted to hear them, and that was the start of overpass."
With its rich musical heritage, Birmingham has proven to be a fertile ground for the band. From the heavy metal titans of Judas Priest and Black Sabbath, who emerged in the early days, to the iconic sounds of UB40 and Duran Duran in the 80s and the 00s iconic B-Town scene, Birmingham has always had a sway on the cutting edge of British music. The city fosters a collaborative spirit amongst musicians, a nurturing environment that has played a role in shaping the sound of overpass. "There's a nice community here," India explains, "and we're lucky to have had a lot of support from the city – our Brum shows are always the best! There are lots of great venues here so it's definitely a good place to be starting out from a live perspective."
Bands like Peace, Jaws, and Swim Deep, who came before them, serve as inspiration. "We're constantly inspired by everyone in the local music scene," says India. "It's nice to know who else is pursuing creative projects in your city and see them grow as you do."
