There’s an intriguing relatability in Underhill West’s artistic output. Perhaps it’s the poignancy contained in a lot of their tracks, or perhaps the punch and fierceness that glows from the duo’s eclectic musical approach. What’s crucial, is their ability to switch from anthemic pop to guitar-based grittiness in almost a heartbeat, creating a sapient mix of influences with strong melodies and meaningful lyricism.
Emerging from Greece, Underhill West share with us their latest album, ‘Mission’. An 8-track modern bonanza, the record is an absolutely charming sonic journey, taking the listeners through punk, mainstream pop, alt-rock flavourings and everything in between. Fuzziness and darkness are not missing either, channelling EDM tones whenever convenient.
Intrigued by the project, we caught up with the Greek group to find out more about their artistry and future goals… Interview below!
Hey guys, how is it going? some of our readers might not be familiar with your project, how would you describe yourself, in a few words?
Hello, and thanks for having us! Everything’s great here. We are an indie pop duo from Greece making fresh concept pop music to keep our inner child alive.
Your current work is the result of a long journey; how did Underhill West get together?
It started in our school years. We participated in school ceremonies playing music, started jamming together became close friends. In a short time, we recorded several demos in our hometown’s studio and played a few shows with original songs and covers back in 2005. That’s how it all began.
If you had the opportunity to pick any artists in the world for a collaboration, who would be your first choice? (and second choice, perhaps?)
We admire a lot of geniuses out there that inspire us every day: Daft Punk, Max Martin, The Weeknd, and Twenty-One Pilots. If we ever step into a studio with anyone of them, it will be Disneyland to us.
You recently released a powerful album, ‘Mission’, a blend of anthemic pop and synth-pop sharpness. What does the record mean to you, and what should the listeners look for in it?
‘Mission’ is the result of putting strong foundations in the band, founding our part in this world and feeling ready to spread our music and lyrics around the world. It is a concept album dealing with today’s social issues within its storyline. It addresses bullying, social media abuse and poverty. But in an entertaining and optimistic way. It is like your favourite childhood VHS movie from today’s point of view. Saturated but feels like home.
Do you feel more confident writing music alone, or within a team?
After our previous album, ‘Restart’, we can say we found several ways to work together as a duo in writing and producing. We didn’t have the chance to collaborate with others since then. There are parts of the process where individuals should do their thing alone and parts where a team should shape the whole.
You seem to be pursuing the international scene all the way from Greece. Is the local scene supportive of your project?
People and venues are very supportive of our projects in our hometown, neighbouring towns and Athens, mainly in social media. It seems there is some kind of conviction in Greece that being an artist is not considered a real job, so many people here think that they are supportive by congratulating you rather than buying your music or attending a show. But we are working on it.
You are also keen charity donors. Is social change something very dear to you?
Yes, it is. You can’t upgrade your art and organization if you don’t upgrade your soul and spirit first. We love to give back once in a while and use our work for charity. We’d wish to be way larger to help those who need it more.
What are the next steps for your project? Anything exciting on the horizon?
We want to share ‘Mission’ live everywhere we are welcome. There are a few scheduled gigs in Thessaloniki and Athens in March, and then there is the summer when we’ll be all around Greece. We’d love to come to your country as well. Also, we can’t wait to record the next chapter of our storyline. We already have some ideas of where to take it. Stay tuned to our website and socials to learn more (links below). Thank you!
