by Grace Carroll

Tags: LIFE

In Demand: LIFE

Newcomers discuss mainstream ambitions as they make a splash with first ever release

 

In Demand: LIFE

Photo:

London four-piece LIFE are difficult to categorise, as their music draws on so many different genres, but something about their particular brand of music is almost guaranteed to slip under the skin.

LIFE consists of Chris Brice, Adrian Gunn, James Wolfe and frontman Mike Sharp, and the quartet so far have one song out - 'See The Light', from upcoming EP Elixir. If the message of LIFE seems to be, well, life - it's supposed to be.

Sharp wrote most of Elixir in a mental institute, after being led astray in London. Despite the admittedly 'grandiose' inspirations behind it - Sharp references Kahil Gibran's The Prophet, as well as The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - LIFE manage to remain accessible and, more than anything, interesting.

So do LIFE plan to revolutionise the music scene?

"I wouldn't be arrogant enough to say that," hedges Sharp. "I think we're just doing what we're doing and if we get put into a niche then we will. It's quite a hard thing to say - we haven't had much of a response yet."

That's not to say that they don't have plans of mainstream success, though. "It would be awesome, absolutely awesome," Sharp enthuses. "Obviously! I think that any band or what have you, that lies, that tries to be cool and say they don't want mainstream success - it's a load of bollocks, it just clearly is.

"But primarily it's about making sure that it's working. The drive isn't to make money, and I think that's probably evident in the sound."

Part of the reason why LIFE are signed to record label Big Ship is to do with their unusual perspective. "The reason why we're on that label is because they're kind of an art collective," says Sharp - before going on to explain that he's more of a poet at heart, "but obviously you can't make money from that," he jokes.

"It's very much about kind of just... energy, and creating a very diverse project." LIFE have ambitions beyond just being a band, and don't plan to just stop at music. Sharp references Woodkid as someone to keep in mind; the French music video director, graphic designer, and musician. There's no doubt that LIFE have plans to explore different mediums, with music being just one of them.

First though, they've got to get Elixir out, and if 'See The Light' is anything to go by - a wonderfully crafted track dipping in out and of electronica, synth and a hint of indie - it'll be something to look forward to. There are definite signs of LIFE.

Calling all festival lovers... Take part in a short online survey about a festival advertising campaign for a chance to one of 3 x £300 Love2Shop vouchers. Click here to register.

Comments

Artist A-Z #  A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z