Lawson are currently with Robbie Williams on stage in Melbourne, singing a Take That classic. Shortly, they’re performing in their own November tour, recently having released a new EP track and having a new album in the works for next year. It’s undeniably safe to say it’s a good time to be a Lawson fan. The band’s debut album, 2012’s Chapman Square, reached number three on the UK Albums chart, and the band have achieved six UK Top 20 singles, the most memorable being ‘Standing in the Dark’.
In a jam-packed, fun-filled week, drummer, Adam Pitts took the time out to invite me into the life of Lawson, between deciding on their set list for their November tour and doing sound checks for the Rod Laver Arena. The band are elated to be singing alongside Robbie Williams as Adam admitted that Robbie is “the legend we have grown up listening to”. However, with their ‘Let Me Entertain You’ tour almost coming to an end, it’s hard to not get excited for their headline November tour.
Starting on the 7 November, Lawson are travelling to the far ends of England, starting with the intimate setting of the Bristol Thekla
Starting on the 7 November, Lawson are travelling to the far ends of England, starting with the intimate setting of the Bristol Thekla and ending up in the Edinburgh Liquid Rooms. The band usually prefer a mixture of both intimate and large auditoriums however Adam emphasised the importance of connecting with the audience. “We love big venues but we think it is just as important to re-engage with the audiences and play smaller venues. I mean, our last tour filled 6000. But the idea of this EP was to try and go to places we have never been before, like Falmouth and Cornwall for example.” Although the band have loved performing with Robbie Williams, Adam and the rest of the band agree that “there is nothing like performing in front of your own fans. Our shows in November will be full of our own fans – it’s really a picture perfect moment.”
Lawson’s tour in November will involve their four new EP songs ‘Roads’, ‘Mountains’, ‘Under the Sun’ and ‘We are the Kings’, plus songs from their older album ‘Chapman Square’. Adam recommends you listen to the new EP and come to their winter tour: “if you haven’t seen us live before, because these songs are poignant to us and give you a taste of what’s to come in our new album”. Studio work forgotten, it’s the live shows which the band pride themselves on: “they are what we do best.”
Drummer, Pitts, was born in Brighton in 1990 and is the youngest member of the band. “‘Mountains’ is my favourite song not only because of the wicked drumming I do but because it reminds me of the journey I’ve gone to get to where I am now. I couldn’t have done it without the guys by my side.”
Lawson have rightly kept their new album on the down low. When trying to extract as much information as possible, Adam managed to disclose the influences the new album has. “There are lots of influences recording in the amazing city of Nashville. Andy has been writing some really cool ballads. But there are also some harder sounding tracks with influences from Imagine Dragons. We try to make every sound bigger and better than the first.” After finding out their love for country music, I wondered what fuelled their pop-rock style. “It is actually an amalgamation of all our influences. I grew up listening to blink 182. Andy loves the Beatles, Rob loves Guns and Roses. We also have influences of Coldplay and of course Andy leans towards more heartfelt love songs.”
Despite previous rumours of the album being called Perspectives, Pitts has indeed confirmed this to be false. Regardless, he mentions “we are big on social media, and we always listen to what the fans tell us. When choosing the name of our new album we will always have the fans and the songs in mind but for now it must be hush hush.” Obviously, the band started from social media square one, beginning with Myspace and Facebook to get their music heard, and then finally being offered a record label with Polydor Records.
“there is something quite special about touring around Christmas time, and I hope you feel the same way.”
Adam shares his advice with the budding musicians of the University of Exeter: “Forming a band, trying to find people who you get along with is the most important thing. Lawson have been together six years, it’s so important that you get along. It’s good to get music up online. You can record songs in your bedrooms and get started there. I would say the main thing is to be brave.”
As hard as it is to believe, Lawson have been together for a rich six years. Adam tells us about the band’s most sentimental experiences of their time together… “Travelling.” (After asking for a bit more detail) “Australia at the minute is awesome and we also had a great trip to Asia recently. Having our music spread far and wide. Hopefully with this winter tour we can gain credit in our own country. But the travelling is pretty mind blowing.”
Soon to be back in England, the band are excited for their first show in Bristol, which they persuade you to come see. Adam ends the interview with a message for those coming to see their November tour. “Thanks for buying a ticket, it’s great to be back on the road. I hope you enjoy the new songs, we pride ourselves on having a great show for you guys and we are very very excited. Also there is something quite special about touring around Christmas time, and I hope you guys feel the same way.”
(Feature Image Credit: Spindle Magazine)