As part of Kettle's student life series, music editor Lorna Holland interviews a selection of up-and-coming bands and artists about their student days and how the student years shaped their music. Liverpool psych-rockers Elevant are the latest to take part.
Where did you go to university?
All three of us went to the University of Liverpool, which is where we met.
How was your experience of university?
University is fantastic because of the people, but we don't all have the fondest memories of our degrees. It's definitely formed who we are today, though, and worth going through to surround yourself with amazing people and immerse yourself in culture, as well as getting educated.
Tell us your fondest memory of your student days.
Always playing music. We were all in other bands during university: Michael in Absolute Captain, Tom in Hyper Magic Mountain, and Hannah in Indigo Moon, who are still together and killing it. That and the insane parties that used to get held at a house called the Bridge Club.
Tell us about the most embarrassing moment of your student days.
Something involving vomit and nudity probably.
Did you study music?
Hannah did. Tom studied Geology and Michael studied Economics.
Was it helpful for your career?
What you need to learn about touring and playing together, or recording, you learn by just doing it. It helps in that you're around a huge pool of other musicians, but when you're on stage nobody cares what degree you have.
Did university help to shape your music career in any way?
In Michael's case, it bored him half to death, which was the trigger for him forming our record label, as a way of combining the music and economics sides. It was how we all met our bandmates from previous bands, and met each other.
In your opinion, is it better to study music or focus on getting practical experience?
If you study music and go into composing, or commission-based songwriting, then sure, but if you're planning to get in the van and go on tour, learn something that'll pay the bills while you pay your dues.
Do you think it’s important for aspiring musicians to study music?
In general, yes. As a degree, no.
Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?
Learn about the music business as well as music itself and network while you're still at university. Get smart, get prepared, don't get ripped off.
Where can our readers go to find out more about you and your music?
The best place to find our catalogue is on Bandcamp, or you can check out all the usual social media stuff.
Thanks for taking the time to chat to us, guys!
