Words by Nico, Hugo & Gatesy
Having put a mammoth UK tour soundly to bed, as well as appearing at pretty much every major UK music festival over the past two summers, South London outfit INHEAVEN are taking no prisoners. Hand-picked by The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas of Cult Records, the band are showing about as many signs of stopping as Donald Trump’s repulsive political rhetoric. With the release of their eponymous debut album on the horizon, we thought it only fitting to see what’s happening in the world of youthful grunge rock.
HOW DID INHEAVEN FORM?
James and I (Chloe) were friends who liked the same bands so decided to start INHEAVEN as a bedroom project, but as more songs were written we realised it needed to be a full band. Jake was living near us in Forest Hill and Joe was introduced to us by our friends in another band. The band was born and we have never looked back.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE ALBUM.
It’s a really good representation of us as a band over the last 18 months. It’s got angry moments but also a sensitive side – it’s a record we are immensely proud of.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TRACK FROM IT?
Do You Dream.
TELL US WHY YOU WENT FOR THE SELF-TITLED ALBUM ROUTE.
We always imagined the album cover just saying INHEAVEN on it – we wanted it to look and feel strong.
WHERE DID THE BAND NAME COME FROM?
From Eraserhead by David Lynch.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE DAY YOU SIGNED YOUR RECORD DEAL.
It was a day we will always remember, we felt very anxious but excited at the same time. And we got very drunk…
WHAT SONG MADE YOU FIRST WANT TO PICK UP AN INSTRUMENT?
Lump by Presidents of The United States of America.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST ALBUM YOU BOUGHT?
Billie Piper – Honey To The B.
WHO/WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST NON-MUSICAL INSPIRATION?
Cinema.
WHAT IS THE GROTTIEST VENUE YOU’VE EVER PLAYED AT?
Somewhere on the Reeperbahn in Hamburg.
PRE RECORD DEAL, WHAT WAS YOUR MODE OF TRANSPORT TO AND FROM GIGS?
A VW Lupo (which is the smallest car on the market!).
ARE YOU ALL MATES OUTSIDE THE BAND?
Best Friends.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST GIG YOU EVER WENT TO?
NOFX at Brixton Academy.
WHICH SONG DO YOU WISH YOU’D WRITTEN?
Heroes by David Bowie.
THE VELVET UNDERGROUND OR THE DOORS?
The Velvet Underground.
WARHOL OR DALI?
Warhol.
GAME OF THRONES OR LOVE ISLAND?
Game of Thrones.