Tom Lumley & The Brave Liaison are doing even better!
‘Better Than This’ is the new single from Tom Lumley & The Brave Liaison and a perfect Rock song for the people power age.
interview article.
TheZineUK asked musician, Tom Lumley & the Brave Liaison, “What have you created in 2020 that lifts you?” The reply: “Our latest single and the music video for it. It has a very strong message and I think it’s a great feeling to see people resonating with that.”
It’s true. Music fans are resonating BIG time. Our crew included. Like so many of the artists who flavour our story, 2020 feels like year zero for what we make next. Punky anthems of reality are our hymns. As buzzing biting tunes go, you don’t get much better than this!
WHAT a time to culturally be part of. A year where anybody who is able to make any kind of mark is definitely special.
TheZineUK : “Do you have some favourite moments of 2020?”
Tom : “Yes. Although it’s been a hard year for us as a band we’ve also gained the most radio support we’ve ever had including BBC Radio 1. That was a big goal of ours.”
Here is a band on a steady, rising trajectory, obviously. In April, TheZineUK reviewed 'Sign Of The Times', the debut EP. The band’s November 2019 video for ‘Casual’ had planted them on our FuturePicks radar and we’d fallen for this “home grown rock band making their mark”. We’re total suckers for punked up power pop TUNES and they craft dynamic musical punch like boxing champs, so it was supercool that Tom recently touched base.
Tom Lumley & The Brave Liaison first hit the ground running in 2017. Their music, ethics, live energy, professional drive - and the resulting support from their fans (including a spectrum of media) - have propelled them with force. WHAT a year to go Next Level!
Deservedly one of This Feeling’s Big In 2020 star turns, they were also named by BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens as ‘Ones To Watch’ for this year. Since releasing the EP ‘Sign Of The Times’, in Spring they’ve remained busy through lockdown with live sessions and even an acoustic ‘Gardens Tour’. It’s in the art, by Stefan Skjoedt, for this freshly released single, ‘Better Than This’, that the band’s story so far really falls into place. The big tunes, ideas and hearts:
“This song is for everyone who is standing up, making a noise and pushing to make this world a better place for all of us. We hear you and we’re with you.”
(Tom Lumley & The Brave Liaison, Winter 2020)
A statue of statement rooted in the spectrum of youth’s movement for equality and the power of their politial unrest. That’s magnificent artwork.
TheZineUK : “Are there any images moving or otherwise that have been essential in your eyes?”
“I think with the times we’re going through moving images have been very helpful. Not being to able to leave our houses for so long definitely had me watching more films than ever before and I feel lucky we’re in a time when that can be done. For me personally I became a fan of the Marvel films which was something I’d never taken the time to watch before.”
As a Marvel fan, I say, “YES mate. Welcome to the multiverse!” Actually, this band could musically score otherwordly adventures:
“‘Better Than This’ is an anthem for a generation unheard and uncatered for by the organisations of power, not only in the U.K. but around the world. A soundtrack to the current movement of youth who are tired of being ignored, patronised and used as a scapegoat. This song is a powerful declaration that we’ll no longer be ignored and refused a seat at the table which decides our futures.”
With sincerely devoted fans on side already, yet another next level beckons with this defiant release. Alongside Huw Stephens (who announced his departure from BBC Radio 1 on the single’s day of release) there is the Radio X guru, John Kennedy. Who wouldn’t want them on side!?
There have additionally been BBC Introducing session (consistent supporters) at the iconic Maida Vale Studios (aired on Radio 1).
For a band connecting at all levels, Tom Lumley & The Brave Liaison are also a favourite with the newer wave of independent media and interdependent industry that are an increasingly important pipeline to the mainstream’s future.
Image: Sam J. Lance
This Feeling - so essential with what Music Venue Trust have been doing for the grassroots music spaces - have championed the band as well as their releases. The postponed headline tour with TF (Britain’s biggest Indie Rock promoter) has moved to Spring 2021. That is really gonna be something.
The band’s reputation has paved the way for actual scenes when these shows happen. With all the uncertainties and moving goalposts for dates, 2020 is like the most delayed gratification teaser EVER.
TheZineUK : “Do you have any hopes, plans or wishes for whatever the future brings?”
“We’re really just hoping that this virus can be controlled and everyone can get back to proper gigs and festivals.”
Tom Lumley & The Brave Liaison have the star shaped wow factor that’s already been underlined as a key set at festivals including Isle Of Wight, Camden Rocks, Truck, Bestival and Tramlines, alongside supports with Sam Fender and The Hunna.
Don’t believe the hopeless hype that pretends guitar bands are over. What’s happening on line and on land over the last few years has created the strongest rocking, rolling and dreaming renaissance ever.
#TheZineUK : “Which are the songs and albums that have warmed your ears and soul?”
“Recently the new Nothing But Thieves album. It’s an incredible album and I think everyone should give it a listen.”
Good call on the album, ‘Moral Panic’. A sort of moral panic has been the explosion of campaigns, movements and charities in 2020 in reaction to our traumatic times. Which one stood out for Tom Lumley?
“For me it’s the obvious one but the BLM movement stands out. I feel this movement has taught the world a lot, it’s helped educate a generation and hopefully due to that we can make the world a better place.”
This is genuinely from the heart. Ask their fans.
Here’s hoping that like these musicians, we can all pull together towards making this happen. Considering reality’s backdrop, our musical escapism is all the sweeter. Everybody is invited, what a perfect time to get involved. People can be callous, cruel and unjust. We are all ‘Better Than This’. Right? Right.
Image: Sam J. Lance