Why is there the impression that real art has to be sombre, full of sad emotions, unrequited love and yearnings for a lost life. Happy is cliché, and miserable is raw and real. Shoe gazing has been on the return, making miserable inroads into our playlists, but as with all trends there is a bit of a backlash, and against this melancholy some outrageously joyous bands are emerging. One band we’ve been drawn to is Soft Toy Emergency, (Jen on vocals, George plays Bass, Luciano on synths, Andy on guitar and Will bashing out the drums) all infused with disco beats, and positively fizzing with arms in the air bravado and good nights out, they just seem to having such a blast. Luckily their music is good enough to ensure that so do the rest of us. We catch up with the band to talk fun times.
IAH: Is the decision to make such danceable music a conscious one?
STE: When we started the band, just over a year ago, it was definitely a conscious decision. We used to play at house parties in Liverpool and it seemed appropriate to play music that people could ‘dance’ to. However, our approach to writing has been ever-evolving. These days we’re focusing on writing songs that we really enjoy, the danceable factors just come along with that – somewhat unintentionally now.
IAH: There is the con-stant perception that pop is not real music, and only introspective and somewhat morbid music is authentic. Do you think music is made to have fun to?
STE: Yes and no… Some music is created purely for fun, but music covers all aspects of emotions and feelings. With regard to our own music – we would say ‘yes’ it is made to have fun to. We like the idea that on a first listen some-one can enjoy what they hear and look deeper into it if they wish.
IAH: Is your sound something to do with Liverpool… the city has such a buzz, and is renowned for some great music and pretty top bands…
STE: Yeah, I think it is but maybe not in the traditional sense. Liverpool has such a huge association with guitar bands which is totally understandable. However, the part Liverpool has played in dance culture is almost equally as important. Legendary night’s like Cream have paved the way for established nights in Liverpool like Chibuku. The night has brought a wealth of live dance acts to the city and I think this side of Liverpool has been a major influence for us.
IAH: I always end up smiling and dancing when I listen to Soft Toy Emergency, and the music evokes really optimistic feelings. Am I being too naive… is there a darker side to the music?
STE: There is a darker side to everything. Writing positive/upbeat music is sometimes an escape from somewhat ‘darker’ feelings etc. We don’t write specifically-dark music, but some of our songs have a ‘darker-depth’ both musically and lyrically. There is a great aggressive power that comes with a lot of electro and it’s a sound we’ve always incorporated in our writing. Sometimes you just want a song to say ‘fuck you’ – but with a bit more ambiguity.
IAH: Which song do you have the most fun to when it’s playing?
STE: Of ours, I think ‘Circles’ is my favourite. It’s just so heart-racingly fast so whenever we play it live it just sends our adrenalin levels through the roof! For in a club it has to be Justice ‘D.A.N.C.E’. The music just sounds massive through a club PA. I think the vocals are really unique in terms of the way they have been recorded/produced and the lyrics are simple which I think makes for the perfect club tune.
IAH: We’re off for a dance…
