More about: Margot

This time last year, South London’s Margot were firing on all cylinders; fresh off the back of supporting Swimming Tapes on their UK tour and with their debut EP due for release they were the focus of our Hello Tomorrow series and had a promising year ahead. Little did they know that shortly after their sold out EP release show at Paper Dress Vintage and another at Rough Trade, the world would implode and they’d be resigned to the same four walls for the next 12 months. 

This year has seen even the biggest of artists struggle with such uncertainty and lack of support, but how does a fledgling band make it through a world pandemic? We caught up with Margot to find out ahead of the release of their limited edition 7” featuring new track 'Walk With Me' and previous single 'Falling In Between Days'.

“It definitely felt like things were moving in the right direction and it was great to play a sold out show and then do the Rough Trade one” says lead singer Alex, “It was difficult. We really missed meeting up and playing music together. We tried to make use of the time though - writing bits of music and sending it across to one another. Hopefully, we’ll be able to start again where we left off. We’ll almost have an entirely different set list!”

Bassist Mike continues: “fortunately, three of us live together and we have transformed our living room into a home studio - this allows us to record whenever inspiration strikes. We’re lucky to have a creative outlet during these difficult times although it is frustrating as we are unable to practice together or play live shows.”

Despite not being able to gig or even rehearse together, there were some positives to be had in 2020, the five-piece now being signed to indie label Full Time Hobby Records.

“I believe they heard something online and subsequently Nigel came down to one of the shows on the Swimming Tapes tour. They’ve been giving us a lot of very useful guidance and help where needed whilst also giving us the space to be creative. We’re still able to maintain the DIY ethic and have been self-producing the records which they are supportive of. Their roster past and present (Michael Nau, Squirrel Flower, White Denim to name a few) are all fantastic and inspiring artists so we feel in good hands” says drummer Ben.

'Walk With Me'/'Falling In Between Days', released on 19 February via Full Time Hobby Records is testament to both the band’s ethos and the label’s: “we all love buying records - there’s something about having a record you can physically hold on to, and put on a turntable to play. I think it encourages listening more as an action, and is more rewarding. Plus the art looks great in real life!”.

Much like their previous offerings, these tracks offer tender introspective realism and delve into some of the delicate complications of twenty-something living. “Walk With me is sort of about listening, helping, and understanding and also the power of walking. I’ve had wonderful days where I’ve walked across London talking, listening and laughing with friends. We’ve both opened up. I’ve always found the act of walking helps me to talk or to make sense of emotions. Walk With Me is about all of those walks” says Alex.

“Falling In Between Days is about loss and frustration and I suppose re-evaluating your place in the world. Where you fit into it. Living with disappointment. Living simultaneously with fear and desire. The desire to pursue your dreams or whatever but also living with self-doubt. This wrapped up with losing a constant in your life, someone you've maybe taken for granted, someone who's taken a lot of emotional weight, someone to talk to, someone that gives you confidence. And also forced into isolation with all this. Having to face yourself I suppose”.

While Margot have managed to stay engaged with their fans through a steady stream of new material and social media, what does the future hold for the band? With the huge blows that have been dealt to the live sector already this year and last - and the Brexit visa saga hanging over everyone’s heads proposing even more misery for artists, is there any light at the end of the tunnel?

“It has been pretty devastating to see,” says Ben, “I can’t help but feel this period of time since our EP launch could have been a period of so much growth and opportunity, and with the consequences of Brexit, we may have to readjust our expectations of what touring could be in Europe. But we are hopeful and I think there will be a huge reignition of live music post-vaccine. In the meantime, I think people should be actively buying art and when the venues do eventually open, attending gigs with wild abandon. Even on Mondays”.

Pre-order 'Walk With Me'/'Falling In Between Days' on vinyl here. 

More about: Margot