Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with unsigned UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with unsigned Wolverhampton band Watermark to find out more…
Who is in the band and how did you come up with the name?
The line up is: Andrew Bateman (lead vocals, co-lead guitar), Sam Whitehouse (bass, backing vocals), Cameron Allsebrook (co-lead guitar) and Sam Horobin (drums). Our old bassist came up with the name ‘Watermark’ as something cannot be copied once it’s been watermarked.
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
The band’s main influence is The Beatles. Other influences come from bands such as: The Who, The Clash, Oasis, U2, The Jam (etc.)
How would you describe your sound?
Loud guitars and catchy writing. Melodic bass riffs, influences spanning the latter half of the 20th century.
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
We currently have a demo EP out ‘Hickman Avenue’ which is named after the trading estate we used to rehearse on.
– The Morning After – Is a song about someone who can just never say no to trouble
– Twice Before – Is about someone finding it hard to let go of something even though they know full well they should
– What did you Expect? – It’s about someone who always goes back to the same person who treats them bad, but ends up surprised when it inevitably happens again
– Nightlight – Is about the desire to want to run off with your favourite person and never have to care about anything ever again
What’s your local music scene like?
Birmingham had quite an active scene before the virus, I imagine it’ll re-activate the second the opportunity arises.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
We just intend on travelling around the country like headless chickens in the hope we get a lucky break.
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
I have this idea in my head of playing on a stage with Ringo Starr with him singing ‘Boys’ whilst the rest of us do the backing vocals. Or to play with Sir Paul McCartney too, I don’t think I’d ever stop going on about it if I did, I’d probably write a novel about it.
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
We once put on a headline show in Bilston, Wolverhampton in a place that just wasn’t suitable for gigs. We brought and supplied everything for the show. We even had a school friend doing the soundcheck for us. 3 songs into the show, the owner of the venue was about to stop the gig altogether until someone in the audience bribed him to keep it on. They made a fortune that night too, I think we can assume some credit.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
We’re not as down and out as some of our lyrics may perceive to believe otherwise, I feel that needs clarifying from time to time.
You can find out more about Watermark via Apple Music, Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, Twitter or YouTube.
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