An Interview With Ben Trow (Seazoo)

Having had Beatles on the brain for a while now, specifically the early years of their hysteria-inducing mop tops, I started to think about their early interviews. I looked up some of those early pressers and was taken aback by just how many times the fab foursome was asked about money and marriage, but there were also some gems hidden amongst the clunkers. And so, inspired by the early press conferences of The Beatles, especially their US tour interviews, I decided to ask some of those very same questions to some of the best and brightest making music today.

Things that have been said about Seazoo's music that are very much true: "a cavorting chunk of freewheeling indie pop," (NME); "a haywire piece of pop gold that will ensnare your heart on first listen," (The Line of Best Fit); "Seazoo may well have a valid claim to being one of the purest, most authentic indie-pop bands around at the moment,” (PopMatters). Listening to the Welsh band's latest LP, JOY (released last month), all of the above becomes instantly validated. The songs on JOY are rambunctious, clamoring moments of jubilant jangle, full of the most fetching irreverent charm and sheer delight. 

Obviously, Ben Trow (vox/guitar) was trying to bring something uplifting into the world with the band's second record. As he told When The Horn Blows, it's "an album made for dancing around the kitchen." I can't comment on the kitchen thing, but I may or may not have danced around my bedroom like a crazy person with JOY in my ears. But I digress. Read on to get a glimpse into the inner workings of Seazoo (Vinyl! Alps! Marathons!), thanks to Ben. Might as well hit play on JOY while you're at it, so as to get the full effect.

Regretfully, as is the case with so many artists, Seazoo had to cancel their tour of JOY thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. If you like what you hear from Seazoo (and of course you will!), be sure to pick up the album (and/or some sweet Seazoo merch). 

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What has been your most exciting moment in the last year?

Definitely when the shipment of records arrived at the house ! This is the first time we’ve had an album on vinyl - so when they turned up on a massive pallet me and LLinos went mad!

Who are your favorite recording artists?

I love Gorky’s [Zygotic Mynci], SFA [Super Furry Animals], Bill Callahan, Kinks, Cate Le Bon, Aldous Harding, Velvet Underground...

Do you feel safe riding in airplanes?

Yup! Very much so! What could possibly go wrong?

Does every city look the same?

Not really!

What message are you trying to get across, if any?

That differs with each recording. With this one there’s a kind of escapism to it, a theme of trying to appreciate things that are easily taken for granted.

How would you describe yourself in one word?

Optimistic.

Where would you like to go that you haven't gone yet?

The French Alps during the winter months.

Do you feel that you're setting a new trend in music?

Ha! Not really. Just doing what we’re doing but trying to be as creative as possible. It’s pop music ultimately.

What kinds of guitars do you use?

Live I mainly use an Odessa Deadbeat - it’s ace! I have Fenders too. And a Taylor Big Baby acoustic.

Does anybody ever ask you for advice?

From time to time. Get in touch!

How do you prefer for your fans to act at your concerts?

Go mad! Or not. It’s up to them! We always like to have fun playing live, so like to see that in the crowd too.

How do you go about writing your songs?

Usually on an acoustic. Then I’ll demo them adding extra instruments. I’ll make a few demos and try out arrangements etc. Then I’ll take them to the band - easy!

What is one question you would like to be asked that probably nobody has ever asked?

Want to record your next album in my million pound studio?

What do you call your sound?

Guitar-noise-pop.

Have you ever had a mental block-out on stage?

Every so often! But it’s ok, gigs are meant to be spontaneous, so mistakes can be part of the charm!

What are your unfulfilled ambitions?

To run a sub 3-hour marathon.

What advice do you have for teenagers?

Practice the things you love.

What is the closest you have come to losing life and limb?

I got the flu a few years ago, that’s about it! Although Llinos from the band fell down a 6 foot hole and smashed her head and actually nearly died!

Do you think of yourself more as an entertainer or a musician, or do you think it's more of a combination of the two?

I’d like to say musician firstly. But I do enjoy playing live and having a laugh on stage, so maybe a mixture of the two. But I guess the music always comes first.

[posted 5.10.20]