MEET BLACK LOUNGE: ONE OF ESSEX’S FRESHEST VOICES IN INDIE

INTERVIEW | BLACK LOUNGE by Emma Carrington

Black Lounge are a new emerging band from Essex, seething with talent and a unique sound that carries them. Taking inspiration from bands like Arctic Monkeys and Wunderhorse, they are a new voice in indie. 

“[It] started off with Arctic Monkeys like a lot of people probably did but ventured out to more grunge bands such as Wunderhorse. I remember clearly which songs stuck with me and very much influenced me. ‘Mardy Bum’ from Arctic Monkeys.” George Grant (vocalist) commented, saying that they draw heavy inspiration from the 2007 track. 

Adding “Because of the simplicity and all round perfect song in all areas. To this day I still love that track.”

Grant also pays homage to David Bowie as a true rockstar, stating him as a character to look up to, he said; “Bowie was a genius, down to earth, legend.”

Aside from other musical inspiration, Grant credits his family with being large musical inspiration to him, recalling that he was introduced to lots of media as a child and growing up.

Grant comments, “They have helped and guided me in different directions musically from a young age and I’ve always been around music because of them” 

The importance of taking lots of things in from the world around you is a way to sew musical inspiration, Grant comments; “I like to take influence from everywhere, it’s all around you, not just in music!” 

Black Lounge – although right now may be ‘indie’ – have big dreams for where they want to be. Grant states that he is “in this for the big time. Although it is really fun, it is also hard work.” Showing that he has that raw passion and drive that talent alone cannot substitute. It helps that outside of the band, the members get along as friends. Grant comments; “We all are mates outside of this, we all get a long, are honest with each other. I think the main thing we can all give is honesty and communication, which goes such a long way in all aspects of life! They all give their own amazing attributes.”

If George could open for any singer, if all time, it would be Michael Jackson, whose personality and joy radiates and reflects that of Black Lounge. In a dream world, Black lounge would open for the King of Pop, very fitting. Grant commented “Just so I could go watch him perform to be honest! [He was] such an entertainer and has amazing energy where you just can take your eyes off him.” 

Black Lounge themselves, when looking for an opener to their arena tour (not too far fetched if I do say!) would be Grant’s father’s band Tamarisk. Commenting; “were very cool back in the 80’s.” 

Sharing some advice that Black Lounge would give their younger selves – and hopefully any young aspiring musicians – is to “just take the risk!” Grant continues, “Don’t care what people think and stay confident.” Truly wise words in a sea of self inflicted embarrassment. 

These individuals are extremely grounded, talented, and true to themselves within their music. Stream their latest release ‘Roommate’ now and keep an eye on these guys for the future, we may be witnessing the new kings of… indie.