Interviews: Stay Safe

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Pop  Punk band, Stay Safe from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or did it just come out like that?

Chris Leyland (Guitarist): Stay Safe came pretty organically really, the band started as a bit of a lockdown project with us writing and working remotely, it felt really fitting at the time… plus it was postered up everywhere so that felt like free marketing.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

CL: It’s just fun! We’ve got a pretty wide range of influences in this band, which I think comes through in the music we make. Pop punk just fits super nicely with so many different sounds so it means we can really let those influences shine through.

Scott Easton (Bass/ Vocals): If we’re all stuck in a van, travelling together, there’s one genre that everybody is happy to listen to. One of the first shows we went to as a band was to see State Champs at the O2 Manchester.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

SE: Chris was the beacon that brought us all together; Chris, Lee and Whitty all went to school together, Jack worked with Lee and I worked with Chris beforehand.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

CL: My favourite band changes pretty much daily, at the minute I’m really into Mom Jeans, Rituals, Artio, WSTR, & Knocked Loose.

Joe Whitford (Vocals): I've always loved Avenged Sevenfold but loving a bit of Bullet for My Valentine at the moment. State Champs, Neck Deep and a bit of Busted are also a staple for me right now.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

CL: I think the best songs are ones that mean a lot to you, the same as any kind of art really, for me I’m mostly just inspired by experiences or certain days. If I’m trying to write about one particular event or experience, sometimes I go back through my photos to get myself into the mindset of how it felt at the time.

6. Where was your last gig?

CL: Satan’s Hollow- Manchester! That was a sick show for us from around Bolton & Manchester, we all grew up going to that club, such a class feeling to get the opportunity to play there.

7. Where would you like to play?

CL: Download festival, Slamdunk Festival, 2000 trees, anywhere across Europe or the US!

SE: It’d have to be Rock Am Ring, Download and Slam Dunk for me. We’ve got to play in Europe too, otherwise, Jack has an unfortunate tattoo forfeit he’s got to keep to – no pressure.

8. Who would you like to support?

CL: New Found Glory, Neck Deep, State Champs, As December Falls

SE: & Nickelback

9. Who not?

CL: We’re not really known for turning down gigs really, I think unless it was some scumbag band or something, I can’t think of anyone that we’d really say no to.

10. Has any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

JW: For 3 of us, our first show was the first time we've ever been on stage performing. I can only speak for myself and I was absolutely bricking it but after a couple of songs, you get into it and enjoyment takes over. My advice is just to trust the rest of your band, they will get you through it.

SE: Never.. ever, rely on battery power on stage, it can and will die on you. But in all honesty, Jack and I could barely eat before our first gig in Leeds in 2021; we just about struggled through half a lukewarm bowl of chips from Wetherspoons. Know that people are wanting you to succeed, you’ll never do everything perfectly, and if you look like you’re having fun, the crowd will have fun too.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

CL: Growing up it was Fightstar, I loved Busted, but Charlie Simpson binning off a super high-paying gig to go make music he was more interested in was awesome to me

SE: When I was growing up in Coventry, The Enemy were local heroes, playing sold out festivals – they’ll always be heroes for me and I’d love to play with them one day now they’ve reformed.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

JW: Our home addresses lmao.

SE: One guy once approached me and asked ‘What have you got for me?’ I was so confused I just gave him a pick out of my pocket

13. What do you think of your fans?

CL: Our fans are amazing! When we started Stay Safe, we never thought we’d get to the point we’re at now where we’re playing shows and seeing so many people singing our lyrics back to us, it’s an incredible feeling- we love you all!

SE: Ditto – seeing everybody lose their minds in Satan’s last week was so humbling. It’s so easy to have fun when everybody is singing your own lyrics back at you.

14. What do you think of our site?

CL: It’s great! Always amazing to see such great press being given to a wide range of bands!

15. Something to add?

CL: Our new single Next to Me is out on all platforms on Friday 21st July- stream the video on YouTube, stream it on as many platforms as you can, tell your mates, tell your nan, we know they’ll all love it!