As part of Kettle's student life series, music editor Lorna Holland interviewed a selection of up-and-coming bands and artists about their student days and how the student years shaped their music. For the first in the series, she chatted to the band Asylums.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
We play bi-polar manic distortion and enthuse over cartoons, comics and sock puppets.
Where did you go to school?
Rydell High School. Lots of spontaneous song and dance on a daily basis…
What was your experience of school like?
Great, I never thought I'd see my summer romance again.
Tell us your fondest memory of your student days.
Having the opportunity to play in a group scenario with people you wouldn't usually consider working with and preparing material for a final performance. Having a creative goal to work towards and a bit of pressure puts you in good stead if you're choosing to pursue music as a career.
Tell us about the most embarrassing moment of your student days?
I don't really have any I'd care to mention, you're there pursuing something you love so it should feel like a nurturing environment you can excel in, regardless of what other people think.
Did you find studying music helpful for your career?
I did and met all the people who would change my life for the better. Choosing to study music was the best decision I ever made, purely for the experiences and friends I made.
Did school help to shape your music career in any way?
It did, it gave me the motivation I needed to move forward with music and confirmed to me I was doing the right thing with my life.
In your opinion, is it better to study music or focus on getting practical experience?
A mixture of both is good. You need people to critique and tell you where you're going wrong but there are some things you have to learn on the job, it helps build character and allows you to improve your skills in a practical setting.
Do you think it’s important for aspiring musicians to study music?
It helps to have a solid foundation of knowledge to build upon, having a good understanding of practical and theory, but I believe you have to find your own way after that. Music is all self-expression so you have to discover your own way of learning.
Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians or young people thinking about studying music?
Collaborate with others who share your vision, never sacrifice artistic integrity and most importantly – enjoy it!
Where can our readers go to find out more about you and your music?
Thanks for reliving your student days for us, Asylums!
