Interviews About Albums: Least We Got Shoes - Chapter 1 (2024)

In this new interview, we sat down with the UK Rock band Least We Got Shoes to ask questions about their album, "Chapter 1".

1. What can you tell us about the new album?

The album is a result of a bunch of ideas, collaborations, and individuality. The process, in which a lot of what was written was born out of isolation and done in isolation, in a lot of ways, all centered around the acoustic demos, then recorded individually. Some of it with time constraints and some without. I don’t think anyone had the finished product in mind, it was more in the moment, and see what comes out. Thankfully it all worked out well.

2. What is the meaning of the album name?

The album is very much the first chapter of Wayne’s writing career (I think). It is the first chapter of the band. Like the recording, it is more from the listener’s perspective, because we don’t know what ‘Chapter 2’ will be like or what direction it will take.

3. Who wrote the album?

Wayne Frear (singer) wrote all the lyrics, vocal melodies and all the songs were originally acoustic songs. I wrote the electric guitar parts. Carl Heslin wrote the bass lines. Gordon Wilkinson wrote the drum parts. Luke Haran had input with guitar/keys/structure/percussion. Without the acoustic songs none of the other parts would exist, so the short answer is Wayne.

4. If you had to pick one stand-out song, which one would you pick?

Hangman. This one seemed to gel musically straight away. All the parts fit with the overall feel of the track. For me anyway, the lyrics would go with any one of the parts (guitar/bass/ drums) all the parts are playing the song, as opposed to supporting it.

5. Is there a special message in this album? If there is what is it?

Not from me, but it does inspire me.

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

Personally, I like the line, “Colours don’t make the painting, it’s the hand that just roams free” from God Knows.

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank specifically?

I have been watching some guitar players on YouTube, who have fantastic free content and are really inspirational. Guthrie Trapp, Tom Buckovac, Eric Haugen and others…first class! My wife and family are supportive, sometimes they even turn the TV down when I practice! I would like to thank Wayne Frear for giving me the opportunity to write and record this chapter of my journey with the guitar.

8. Anything to add?

A big up to Rob Mills and Andy Parkinson for making the live shows possible - onwards and upwards!