Interview by Kris Peters
In the little over a decade since Neck Deep formed in the Barlow brothers’ spare room in Wrexham, Wales, a lot has changed. From the scrappy, naively hopeful beginnings that define the starting of so many teenage bands, the pop-punks have gone on to be one of British Rock music’s most successful global exports in recent memory: top 5 records in both the US and UK, global touring, viral hits and over a billion streams just some of the fruits of ten years spent mastering their craft.
For the new self-titled record, the band, completed by Ben’s older brother and bassist Seb, guitarists Matt West and Sam Bowden and drummer Matt Powles, took ‘doing their own thing’ – and only their own thing – to the next level. Eschewing a keen list of collaborators and producers eager to work with one of rock’s hottest properties and choosing, instead, to write and record in their own warehouse space, mere miles from where they grew up. Old school, just like it used to be.
This April Australian fans get to taste the excitement, when Neck Deep return for The Dumbstruck Dumbf!*k Tour with special guests Albany New York pop punk act State Champs.
HEAVY caught up with Neck Deep vocalist Ben Barlow for an entertaining chat ahead of the tour. It's been a couple of years since their last visit, so we start off by asking what has changed with Neck Deep since then.
"Not much, I don't think," he measured. "But we're very settled into this record, very settled into playing these songs live now. We're approaching the - or I think we're in the 10-year anniversary year of our seminal breakout record, Life's Not Out To Get You. And so, yeah, doing little bits and bobs with that and just planning ahead for the future still, you know, thinking forward even to the next record. Getting the ball moving with that."
Then Barlow was struck with a sudden realization he may have forgotten something important.
"Oh, actually, what's changed?" he asked me in return. "Bloody hell, I got married this year, which is very nice (laughs)!"
In the full interview, we discussed Neck Deep's upcoming tour in Australia, set to begin on April 21, while reflecting on their experiences since their last visit. Ben shared insights into the celebration of the 10-year anniversary of their breakout album Life's Not Out To Get You. He highlighted the band's positive dynamics and their excitement for new music, acknowledging the need to promote their self-titled album while also focusing on future projects. The conversation touched on their writing process, with Ben noting that they prefer to create music at home but are open to inspiration while on the road.
We also delved into the song Dumbstruck Dumbfuck, which Ben described as a humorous take on modern masculinity and relationships. They emphasized the high-energy yet sentimental nature of Neck Deep's live performances, expressing enthusiasm about touring with State Champs due to their close friendship and compatible musical styles, and more.
Full interview www.youtube.com/@HEAVYmagazine
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