How did Four Lions first come together?
Lead singer Shann Lions: It started out as a studio project for myself; I wrote a couple of songs, found a studio locally, and recorded some demos. And that spurred me on to write the first Four Lions album, Charing Cross, in six weeks after going into the studio. During that process, I got in contact with different people through social media and put the band together that way. The current lineup is probably the best version of the band that we’ve had, and the most cohesive.
How would you describe your sound and how did you come to it?
SL: Our sound is classic rock with a tinge of Americana; think Wilco, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young. It reflects our influences and our favourite bands.
You released your new album, Hard Days, in May. How does it feel to have it out in the world and what has the response been like?
Drummer Gavan Moncrieff: It’s just been gaining popularity. When you do a gig and people come up to you and say ‘that was awesome, I love your music’ – as long as people like it, that’s really all that matters. It was recorded from the heart, and we believe in the songs. And every time we get up there and play them, we’re playing from the heart. And we’re getting better, too.
You toured straight off the back of the album. How did you guys go on the road?
SL: It hasn’t stopped. We did eight dates in Victoria on the album launch tour. We also played in Queensland, NSW, and the ACT, and we’re about to head over to South Australia.
What can we expect from your upcoming show at The Spotted Mallard?
SL: I’m mega-pumped that the band gets back to playing at The Spotted Mallard, after first playing there in 2016. We need all of Melbourne to turn up to that show, because there’ll be some new Four Lions fans from it if they do turn up!
Catch Four Lions at The Spotted Mallard on Friday August 16. Tickets via Moshtix.
