Brighton quartet Orchards excel in infectious alt-pop in a similar vein to Paramore, tackling personal topics like loss, mental health struggles, the environment and relationships via catchy hooks and charming melodies.
They’ve been working their way towards a debut album for a while, and now it’s finally here – ‘Lovecore’ will be released on 13th March through indie faves, Big Scary Monsters.
“It’s our statement, a flag in the ground letting people know we’re here and this is exactly what we’re all about,” they explain. “It’s the product of years of touring, meeting new people, hard times, good times, loss, friendships and growth. We’re starting a party, and everyone’s invited.”
The news arrives alongside the band’s new single ‘Sincerely Overwhelmed’, too – have a listen below, and find out more about the new full-length from vocalist Lucy Evers.
Hey Lucy, how’s it going? Did you have a good festive break?
Ola! It involved totally switching off and lots of good vegan food. Who doesn’t love and M&S Christmas?
Congrats on announcing your debut album, has the record been a long time in the works?
I mean, not to get emotional but it’s been a lifetime in the making for all of us. It’s the first album any of us have ever released throughout all of our musical endeavours. So, yeah it’s been three years in the making but a lifetime really for us all. We’re super proud of what we’ve created.
What’s ‘Lovecore’ about? How would you describe its vibe?
Vibe was definitely a word we used a lot in the studio. We wanted to create a little pocket of summer. Something you could listen to any time of the year and feel upbeat and summery. That Vitamin D energy.
What was your recording set up like?
We recorded the album in two places. We tracked all the drums on a boat in London. How fancy. The rest we cooped ourselves up in a studio in the Essex countryside for a month. Long and intense days trying to create something we were all super proud of – I think we’ve done just that too.
How did you decide which of your songs to include on it?
We sort of just chose the ones that felt right, the ones that we felt worked together on one record, that represented us not only as a band but as musicians.
Are any of the tracks particularly meaningful for you?
For me personally, ‘Magical Thinking’ and ‘Sincerely Overwhelmed’ (our newest single). They outline my personal struggles with mental health and how through therapy and a whole bunch of self-care, I am on the path to a better version of me. Lyrically they mean a lot to me, but besides that, they are super representative of who we are as a band. A little touch of 2000s indie with some very topical, meaningful lyrics and a banging rhythm section. This record to a tee.
Will you be debuting any of the songs at your January shows?
Maybe… you’ll have to attend to see.
In what ways is the record reflective of 2019/2020, do you think?
I think people are looking deeper into songs now. Not just a blanket of how the song makes you feel, but what it means, who the band are, what they stand for. It all comes as one big parcel now and because of the internet, it means you can connect with each other on a different level. Not just music and the fan but as a community. I feel we stand really strongly for community. This record is a reflection of that, of taking care of each other because this world can be really tough and a little bit of positivity and empathy goes such a long way.
What would you most like listeners to take away from ‘Lovecore’?
A little spring in their step and a smile on their face.
Anything else we should know?
We are going on our debut album headline tour in April, all around the UK and our first headline shows in Europe. We put on a cracking show, so we’ll see you there.
Orchards’ debut album ‘Lovecore’ is out 13th March. The band tour the UK with Indoor Pets from 27th January, with a headline run from 2nd April.
