Despite working as a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and self-taught producer for the past few years, London-based artist FRNDS AS CMPNY recently took the plunge into the world of music by releasing his debut single, ‘White Flag’. Reminiscent of the soaring and atmospheric electro-pop aesthetic of Boniface and M83, FRNDS AS CMPNY’s newest offering looks to cement him as one of the most exciting new names to emerge on the scene this year. With its vibrant, technicolour flow, this new release should be the first of many in the months to come.
So, as the buzz around FRNDS AS CMPNY begins to build, we spoke to the artist about the inspiration behind his music as well as his plans for the future.
Words by Chris Bound
Discovered via http://musosoup.com
Chris) Hi, how are you today?
FRNDS AS CMPNY) Good. Living and loving life and all it has to offer.
How would you best describe your sound and who have been your biggest influences?
Well, in this current state I would say my music is electro/angst/indie/pop/
Future/Eighties/Galaxybound/dark RnB... I’m kidding. Honestly, I would say just listen as I haven’t any particular influences within my music but I admire and am listening to Francis and the Lights, Billie Eilish, Tyler, the Creator, Lorde, Kanye, Childish Gambino, SAINt JHN, Bipolar Sunshine, The Wombats, Haim and a band I recently found called WONK. I also love The Alan Parsons Project and have always been into synths, so everything from some Eighties vibes to James Taylor and Jeff Buckley – the list goes on and on.
Tell us about the inspiration behind your debut single, ‘White Flag’.
I wanted to write a song that plays with tension and relief at the end of a relationship. When one has had enough – the final straw, the breaking point. They have tried everything within their power and have now surrendered; raised the white flag.
What kind of atmosphere were you looking to create when you wrote it?
I would say tension and angst at the start. I kept the track quite straightforward, with the pulsing bass in the verses so it creates a want for change, so that when the chorus hits with the high synths it creates release and freedom. Hopefully that comes across a little, at least.
Are you planning any more releases in the near future? Maybe an EP or an album?
I am releasing a second track very soon called ‘Who Killed Paradise’. Also an EP in June and then another EP in September.
What about your other plans for the future? Are you planning any tours or live shows?
No tours or shows just yet. Maybe some live recordings at home considering the circumstances at present, with Covid and all.
To finish with a standard interview question: where do you see your band in five years?
Have an awesome, strong core of fans who want to keep on growing with us so that we can go on for another 10, 20 years. And hearing FRNDS AS CMPNY’s music and lyrics across the world.
FRNDS AS CMPNY’s debut single, ‘White Flag’, is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it below.