GAY LIPS are a duo that really know what they stand for and what they want to give to their listeners. They have released an EP called ‘F**k The Plan, Sell the Man’ which offers loud, passionate and catchy hooks. I was fortunate enough to ask them some questions, hope you enjoy!
What were your first memories playing together?
Well, me and Jonny are cousins in that sort of small town way! But the first time we played together was in a band called Betaboy. I remember turning up to the first rehearsal with a hangover. From the start it was clear we (me and Jonny) were the powerhouse and the other two just wanted to be Mumford and Sons. Jonny and I enjoyed the whole experience of being in a band – whether we were playing to two people or not – it didn’t matter to us, because we’ve always seen this adventure as our own personal Spinal tap rockumentary.
Are there any duo groups that played a big part in making decision on keeping it as the two of you?
Not really. The decision was made for us when the other two quit the band so they could be like Mumford and Sons. We didn’t really start looking at other two pieces until we became one. If there’s one duo that stands out for us, it has to be “DEATH FROM ABOVE”. For us, being a two piece just made sense. There’s no band politics, no having to dump good riffs because they’re not Radio 1 friendly, and it’s amazing how more inventive we can be as a two piece. It’s just being in a band with your best friend and we decided to call it Gaylips.
The White Stripes and Jack White’s solo work seem to be a big influence on your work, is that correct and if so how much does Jack’s work mean to you?
Congratulations!!!! Honestly you’re the first person to spot that. It’s not just Mr Jack White, though – I’ve been going through a stage of loving dirty blues /bluegrass /distorted vocals etc for quite a while. Then there’s my addiction to post hardcore, grunge and disco beats. So let’s just say the musical landscape of Gaylips is evolving all the time. Add that to the weird recent events that we’re drawing inspiration from and we’re pretty sure the next Gaylips records are going to be even more titillating. Back to Jack White though – I love what he’s done with Third Man Records – he’s like the Willie Wonka of music.
What is your aim as a band to put across in your music? Is it an emotion, a message or story?
For us it’s always been about having fun. We don’t want to lose that. And as soon as you do, that’s when the music dies. Some bands I see now take it too seriously. It should always be fun.
As we keep going though, it’s clear for us to see that our music has become a form of therapy (angst isn’t just for when you’re young). When you’re obsessed with music it’s hard not to be in a band. And we just want to see how far we can take it. We live in a strange time for music – everything mainstream (even pop) has become less human, less interesting, more beige. We exist to try and challenge that. Death to beige.
What’s the story behind the name of your EP ‘F**k the Plan, Sell The Man.’?
I had the title stuck in my head for years and it was a great way of shouting “HELLO we have arrived”. I like to think it means different things to different people. But in all honesty it probably just means we won’t get much airplay on Radio 1. Oh well.
How did the track Ninja’s Don’t Cry come about?
Its OK for ninjas to have a cry! The suicide rate for men is through the roof and we need to ask why? All I know is, screaming “toxic masculinity” isn’t helping and the fucking pubs are all closed!!! Hang on a sec, this ninja’s just taking some time out for a little sob.
What’s the plan next as a band? Obviously things are a tad difficult currently but what’s next after lockdown?
Well we should be in the studio but that’s gone down the toilet and our rehearsal rooms are closed and we don’t know if they’re going to reopen (I do hope they make it through) – I miss Jonny. All I know is when this blows over and we have the green light we are hitting it hard, all guns blazing. I’ve been busy writing and demoing and the tone has changed due to world events so it’s going to be interesting to see the music that comes out of these dark times.
In the short term though we plan to re-release a song that didn’t make the EP (Generic Rock for the Masses) just to keep the ball rolling. Sadly, you won’t find us doing acoustic versions of our songs over the internet – we belong in sweaty little dive venues kicking up a storm.
You can find GAY Lips on all streaming platforms and on Instagram @gaylips75!