With a new year, comes the weight of expectation on a new batch of artists, thrust into the spotlight and expected to set the agenda for the twelve months ahead. That’s what The Hype List is about – a series of interviews, profiles and more highlighting who we think will be making a noise in 2019.
It’s been a few months since we last spoke to Anteros; they’ve had a hell of a year. Each EP has proven to be better than the last, with every project showcasing new elements of their quirky personalities and interesting sounds. Having toured and performed sold-out gigs alongside the likes of Two Door Cinema Club, Sundara Karma and Blaenavon, the four-piece London band are finally ready to release their full-length debut album ‘When We Land’. Anteros are flying at the speed of light and are showing no signs of landing any time soon.
You’ve performed at loads of festivals this summer – Citadel, Y NOT, Truck, Barn On The Farm, Kendal Calling… Which was your favourite?
Truck is probably our favourite gig of the summer. It was just one of those days where everything falls into place: the sun was out, the crowds were great, we had friends with us, and friends in other bands playing…a great summer festival experience all around.
What was it like to work with Bella Howard on your recent video for ‘Call Your Mother’, tell us more about the creative process?
Laura [Hayden, vocals] wanted a story that ran from one video into the next, so she and Bella worked on the concept together over the summer. Bella has amazing energy and is so much fun to work with. It was a great creative combination.
Since then, you’ve also released another desert-themed video for ‘Ordinary Girl’. What made you decide to turn your music videos into a series of short films, and why did you choose Morocco for the location?
We recorded the album as a whole, so we wanted the visuals to accompany the music. We didn’t want it to look disjointed. Laura was hoping to film them somewhere close to her hometown in Spain. Unfortunately the permits were going to take too long, so we opted for Morocco. It turned out for the best – as none of us had been there before – so we got to be tourists on the last day. For the actual shoot (we show three videos in three days) we stayed in yurts in the middle of the desert. It was exhausting, but so much fun… and the food was incredible! Stay tuned for part three.
All of this is ahead of your debut ‘Where We Land’. You must be super excited, what can people expect from the album, and what do you want the record to say about you as a band?
While the subjects on the album may vary, the theme is the same: turning 21 and realising you know next to nothing. Nothing you’ve been taught prepares you for becoming an adult, but you have the pressure of making all sorts of decisions that will shape your future.
What are each of your favourite tracks on the album?
Jackson’s is ‘Honey’, Josh’s is ‘Wrong Side’, Harry’s is ‘Fool Moon’, Laura’s keeps changing (it’s currently ‘Drive On’).
Who are you all listening to right now, is there any emerging talent that you have your eye on?
Some of the new artists we’ve been listening to are Chappaqua Wrestling, Rosalia, Boygenius, and Whenyoung.
You’ve come a long way since forming four years ago – where do you want to be and what do you hope to achieve four years from now?
We love what we do, and we would like to work towards doing this for as long as we can. We can’t wait to take the album on tour, in and outside the UK.
What advice would you give other bands that are just starting out? Are you still learning lessons yourselves?
We’re learning all the time. Probably the biggest thing to remember is that you’re not in a competition: this isn’t a race, and you are free to move at your own pace. So stay in charge, and – as cheesy as it sounds – stay true to you, because when all is said and done you want to be left with something you can be proud of.
Anteros’ debut album ‘Where We Land’ is out 1st March. Taken from the December 2018 / January 2019 issue of Dork. Order a copy below.
Words: Ashley Morris
