‘First, last, and everything in between’ is an interview feature where upcoming artists talk about some of the favourite music from throughout their lives and how it’s influenced them.
WrongSince81 are a musical collective based on the North-East coast of England. Forming this year, they’ve hit the ground running with a string of live dates and singles. Their latest offering, Désolé, was released earlier this month and may be their strongest to date. An epic piano ballad backed with a sparse electro remix.
Songwriter, Kieron Smith, spoke to us to give their story so far and talk about his life through music.
First song you remember falling in love with?
I grew up in a house where music was always playing so its a pretty early recollection. My parents were very much into Irish folk music; The Dubliners were big favourites. I remember, when I was around 8 or 9, being obsessed with their song Go to Sea No More. It was on vinyl so I’d sit with the headphones plugged into the turntable, resetting the needle after every play. Its one of those songs that stays with you and, when I started performing, my cover of it was in the setlist. I enjoy playing it now as much as I enjoyed listening to it as a kid.
I think most people really start to form their musical ‘identity’ as teens. What music would best define your teenage years?
I was lucky to be a teenager in the 90’s. This obviously meant that Britpop featured heavily. The first album I remember being completely spellbound by was Definitely Maybe. It really blew the doors open for me and it was around then that music started becoming a really important feature in my life. There was so much good music knocking around, I recall going through fortnightly obsessions where I’d fixate on particular albums – I Should Coco by Supergrass, Monster by REM, Dookie by Greenday, Radiator by Super Furry Animals. I also kept delving into my parents record collection and discovered gems from The Kinks, early Fleetwood Mac (Green Manalishi, Oh Well, etc), Otis Redding and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. This all really spurred me on to listen to as much music as possible.
My elder siblings had been immersed in the Madchester stuff which I was a bit behind the curve on. Through them though I was familiar with The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, The Charlatans and Inspiral Carpets (WS81 supported their former lead singer, Tom Hingley, earlier this year which was a big highlight).
Everything changed in 1997 when Radiohead released OK Computer – it was an absolute madness. It was quickly clear they were playing a different game to everyone else and for me its one of the greatest albums of all time. Completely groundbreaking. After that I pretty much went looking for more and more alternatives to my indie go-to’s. I listened to a lot of Massive Attack, Chemical Brothers, and Lo Fidelity Allstars (their debut had a profoud effect on my taste and really got me into electronic music). I think the 90’s was probably the last great purple patch in music.
So, who and what exactly is WrongSince81
We are a band. A collective really because the live performances are sometimes solo, sometimes duo, and hopefully in 2024 – full band. (We’re currently looking for a bass player so if anyone reading fancies getting involved, get in touch!)
There are 3 permanent members at the minute. Myself (vocals, guitar, songwriting) Matty (Vocals, guitar, piano, arranging) and Andy (Drums, percusison). We are very harmony-heavy and have been described as Indie Folk, Americana and even Folk Punk! Im happy to let people decide what we are for themselves.
What’s the story behind the name?
Having an Irish parent (my mother is from Cork) I ended up being called Kieron. I was born in 1981 and going to school in mid-80’s Wallsend, my name was pretty exotic – so much so, that nobody was ever able to spell it right. It continues even now with people using different variations quite regularly. In effect people have spelt my proper name incorrectly forever or, in other words, Wrong. Since 81.
What’s your go-to sad song?
I dont know if its a sad song but it certainly has a hint of melancholy – New Slang by The Shins. Its one of those songs that’s like a musical daydream, it takes you away somewhere for a few minutes which is perfect for when you’re feeling a bit below par, somber, or in need of an escape.
Go-to banger?
This is a hard one, how do you pick just one? It probably changes from time to time but I’d go for Jailbird by Primal Scream – the version from The Original Memphis Recordings album. It’s just incredible. The horns, the riff, the way it drives along. Gospel – rock! Its brilliant. It’s ideal for playing when you need a bit of a lift or need to get psyched up for something. A proper confidence booster of a song.
When did you first start making music yourself and what’s been the journey to get this point??
I started making music semi-seriously while I was at Uni. I made a load of new friends and formed a band with some of them. We never made it to the gig stage but spent a fair amount of time writing, in the rehearsal room, and recording demos. We’re actually discussing a bit of a reunion next year to polish up some of the old songs and maybe put an EP out.
In terms of WS81, I started writing again during lockdown. I came across a few notebooks that had a load of lyrics in them so I started putting them to music. Once I had enough material in decent enough shape, I took them out to local buskers and open mic nights to see how they sounded and what the response was like. It kind of snowballed from there. I met Matty and we started performing together. The next natural step was to expand it into a band and we added Andy who I’d known for years. We’ve released 4 singles this year, Battle Hill, Michael! and a double A side of Désolé.
We have had a decent year in terms of gigs, playing local venues and a handful of festivals, including the first Coast Fest. It’s pretty hard to get the ball moving when you’re completely independent, but at the minute we’re just enjoying it which is the main thing. And the reception has been pretty good, something to build on in 2024 – hopefully!
Who/what are some of the key influences on your music?
Theres probaby hundreds of answers I could give here. There are so many bands and genres I’ve been into. Stuff I inherited from my folks – Irish Folk, Motown, the 60’s/70’s music (The Beatles, The Kinks, Cat Stevens, CSNY). Then there are the discoveries I’ve made myself or through people I’ve made friends with. At Uni I was introduced to Led Zeppelin, Wu Tang Clan, Jurrasic 5 and De La Soul. It really has been a mixed bag. There’s been a lot of house music along the way too – picked up on trips to Ibiza and through being a regular at Shinding when it was at Foundation in Newcastle. I always try and put a bit of groove into the songs which probably comes from listening to artists like Leftfield, Jark Prongo and Daft Punk.
The biggest influences though have probably been the people I’ve played music with. I’ve learned so much from the people I’ve been in bands with, taking from their influences, their styles of playing and their approach to music. The lads who taught me to play the guitar 20 years ago. One of them, Leigh Harrison, was the first person I did any writing with (he also produced our debut Battle Hill so its a long standing relationship). And the people I play alongside now. Matty is teaching me all about how to harmonise properly and provides a really good ear/feeling that provides wonderful arrangements for the songs, and Andy whose inherent rhythm and groove really drives us along.
Do you have a guilty pleasure?
I’m not even sure if this is a guilty pleasure because I think they’ve written some of the best pop songs ever, but I love ABBA. The emotion in their music is incredible and to write banger after banger is just mind blowing. From really upbeat disco like Voulez-Vous, to proper chin-trembling tear-jerkers like Knowing Me, Knowing You (personal favourite). Just absolute top quality tunes.
Your chance to really prove your hipster credentials – an obscure favourite that not many people will know?
Not long ago my friend played me an album by Townes Van Zandt – a country singer who was popular in the 60’s/70’s. Not neccesarily obscure but the song I would go for is the title track from his 1969 album Our Mother The Mountain. Its moody, mysterious and tells a story – like all the best country music. I’d recommend his music to anyone who hasnt listened before.
Finally. What’s the last song you fell in love with?
The last song that properly got its hooks into me was Weird Goodbyes by The National and Bon Iver. It’s just beautiful. It was another one that I became obsessed with. For something that is so simple on the face of it, the harmonies are really intricate and you pick up different sounds every time you listen. It’s incredibly atmospheric and is just a thing of beauty.
Feb 2024 update: Kieron is now releasing music solo. Find him across the various platforms via the icons below.
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