Give us a potted history of the band
We are a Sunderland-based alt/Blues rock band. We started rehearsing and writing last summer after a couple of years of wanting to start a band but never finding time to actually do anything. We are currently in the midst of writing our debut album, which we will be recording in the summer, and have recently released our debut single, ‘Eye For An Eye’.
Who inspired you to start making music
Seth: Growing up, I was surrounded by music and musicians, as all my close family members played instruments. They helped push me into music, and I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for them.
Katie: I started taking drum lessons after realising that a photography and graphics course wasn’t for me. My drum teacher, Alex Baker, helped me turn my interests in music into something I do daily.
Andy: I’d say either the bands Ween or Black Moth Super Rainbow.
Sophie: I would say I’m heavily influenced by Paramore and The Cure; one of my close friends introduced me to being in bands and actually playing music, which sparked my passion.
And the one or maybe two records that inspired you artistically
Seth: Mirrors – Matthew Scott
I love how they have seamlessly combined elements of rock, blues and country to create one unreal vision. And I also love how you can really hear his musical influences in his music; some obvious names are Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Chris Stapleton.
Katie: Infinite Pleasure – The Pale White
A huge inspiration for me when I was starting to learn drums; I loved their intense grooves and just the whole vibe of their songs in general.
Andy: Rubberneck – The Toadies
A really unique album with some very catchy songs, I don’t think there’s another album quite like it, and I found that this album, as well as The Toadies in general, are just a huge influence on my musical style.
Sophie: This is why – Paramore
Rainbows – Radiohead
If you’re trying to explain who you sound like to someone who’s never heard you, what do you say
Black Fern combines heavy, bluesy guitar riffs, beautiful leads, and emotion-filled lyrics to create a larger-than-life sound.
Tell us about your new single
Probably the biggest inspiration for our single ‘Eye for an Eye’ was the band Black Stone Cherry. When it was written, we wanted to take Black Fern down a hard rock route with blues elements in the mix. Our guitarist Seth recorded it all at his university and produced and mastered it all himself, too.
Read our review of the track here
Where can we get hold of it
People can find our single on all major streaming platforms under the band name “Black Fern”.
Tell us how you write
Our singer Sophie writes the lyrics while Seth writes the instrumentals. They will both bring these to rehearsals and work as a group to combine them and create a full song.
Tell us about your live show
Our live shows are energy filled, full-throttle rock experiences that will leave you wanting more. Our shows are 100% us, no pre-recorded tracks are used, no metronome, just pure old school rock music.
What can we expect from you in the near future
As previously mentioned, we are going into the studio in the summer to record our debut album, which will be released shortly after. We also have a few live recordings ready to be released; we are just waiting for the right time to do so.
Tell us your favourite records that are rocking your headphones/tour bus/stereo
Seth: Folklore and Superstition – Black Stone Cherry
Katie: Rumour – Fleetwood Mac
Andy: We were dead before the boat even sank – Modest Mouse
Sophie: Wilt (the entire discography)
Follow the band with the links below:
https://www.instagram.com/blackfernband?igsh=MXFjcGx1bWdsbmFlcg==
