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Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with Manchester band Strange Dream to find out more…

Who is in the band, how did you meet, where are you from and how did you come up with the name?
Strange Dream is a duo consisting of Dade and The Hurricane. We met through mutual friends in the Manchester music scene, bonded over our shared love for psychedelic and alternative rock, and decided to collaborate on creating music together. Both of us hail from Manchester, a city known for its rich musical heritage and vibrant underground scene. The name “Strange Dream” was inspired by a song title from the band WITCH, specifically “We Intend to Cause Havoc”. It resonated with our vision of creating music that takes listeners on a journey through surreal and immersive sonic landscapes.

Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
Our music influences really vary. When we were growing up, our musical influences ranged from classic rock legends like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd to alternative icons like Ghost Woman, Allah Las and The Cure. Nowadays, we find inspiration in a variety of genres and artists, from contemporary indie bands to experimental electronic producers.

How would you describe your sound?
Our sound can be described as a fusion of psychedelic rock and alternative elements, infused with dreamy atmospheres and intricate melodies. We strive to create a sonic experience that is both immersive and captivating, drawing listeners into a world of surreal landscapes and ethereal textures. With a blend of soaring guitars, melodic riffs, and compelling vocals, our music transports audiences on a journey through the depths of emotion and imagination.

What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
Our latest release is called “Lyin’ Down”. The influence behind it stems from our desire to push the boundaries of our sonic identity while maintaining the dreamy essence heard in our previous releases. Drawing from elements of punk psychedelia and desert undertones, we aimed to create a sonic tapestry that transports listeners to uncharted territories within our musical universe.

What’s your local music scene like?
The local music scene in Manchester is vibrant and diverse. It’s a melting pot of different genres and styles, with a strong sense of community and support among musicians. From intimate gigs in cozy venues to larger festivals and events, there’s always something exciting happening in the Manchester music scene.

What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
Over the next 12 months, we have several exciting projects in the pipeline. We’re planning to release more singles and possibly an EP, as well as expanding our live performances to reach new audiences beyond Manchester. Additionally, we’re exploring opportunities for collaborations with visual artists and filmmakers to enhance our multimedia experiences.

Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
We would love to collaborate with artists who share our passion for pushing the boundaries of music and exploring new sonic territories. Whether it’s fellow musicians, visual artists, or filmmakers, we’re always open to collaborating with creative minds who can bring fresh perspectives to our work.

Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
One funny story from our live performances involves a spontaneous stage dive that went hilariously wrong. Midway through a particularly energetic song, Brad attempted a daring stage dive, only to misjudge the distance and land awkwardly in the crowd. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and that’s why he’s called the Hurricane.

What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
The one thing we want readers to know about us is that we are dedicated to creating music that transcends boundaries and takes listeners on a journey of sonic exploration. Through our music, we strive to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and inspire imagination, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the strange and dreamy world we’ve created.

You can find out more about Strange Dream via Apple Music, Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, X (Twitter) or YouTube.