Interview with Charlie Ferriday of 'Narrow Plains'.

Interview with Charlie Ferriday of 'Narrow Plains'

Narrow Plains are an acoustic band, based in London, formed after they self-recorded their debut EP entitled 'Somewhere in Between' back in 2012.

The group is comprised of Charlie Ferriday (guitar/vocals), Stuart Connick (drums/back up vocals) and Roger Connick (bass and back up vocals).

I recently caught up with lead singer Charlie Ferriday as we talked about their awards, debut album, where the band's name came from and how the guys manage to balance their music as well as maintaining full time jobs!

Narrow Plains have been on a steady rise upwards since the release of their debut EP some three years ago, which featured some incredible tracks. Despite the success, Charlie maintains that the band have kept their feet firmly fixed on the ground.

"We're not really sure our big break in music has come yet. We feel that we are still a work in progress. Our experience is that industry and mainstream recognition is a slow process and we feel that we just have to keep writing and performing good original music. We just hope that we keep getting new fans and followers and get invited to perform at great venues. Anything else is a bonus!"

Perhaps one occasion when the band could have been forgiven for getting carried away was in April when they were crowned the Hard Rock Rising winners in the The Hard Rock Cafe in London. A feat that Charlie, Stuart and Roger were understandably thrilled with.

Charlie described it as being "the world's biggest battle of the bands competition." He informed me that each city holds its own competition and around 300 acts signed up in London alone. Fans were then invited to vote online for their act to reach one of two live semi finals where they would then be judged by a panel of prestigious music judges and three acts are then invited back for the final.

"We were fortunate enough to be chosen as winners and it was an unbelievable evening that none of us will ever forget. We are so grateful to everyone who came along to see us for the semi final and final, and to anyone who supported us online with the voting stage. We were also delighted to play at such an iconic venue - The Hard Rock Cafe, London."

As I mentioned before, the guys have the rather difficult task of trying to balance their music with their own separate jobs too, especially now as they are working hard on a debut album!

"You're absolutely right. It's tough but we are pretty obsessive about our music so we just make time. I'm not really sure that we always strike a perfect balance but we just keep working at it." 

Point taken. The guys are extremely busy! But me being me decided to ask the question on whether or not they had any plans for gigs, tours, festivals etc. Surely Charlie was thinking "Aren't we busy enough?!" But to his credit, he kept his cool and told me all about their debut album. Phew!

"To be honest, we only have one main focus at the moment - finishing our debut album. Everything else is taking a back seat. We have signed an album deal with a Scottish indie label, Smart Indie, and we are working with Chris Daniels at his recording studio in Brighton."

Narrow Plains recorded their debut EP and single at Stuart and Roger's grandmother's house in Dorset! So Charlie says it is a welcome change to professionally record their album.

"After recording our EP and single on a shoestring, it's brilliant to have the chance to work with a real industry professional with great equipment. We have written a bunch of new songs and are beginning to get pretty excited with the way they are sounding!"

So the guys know just how difficult it can be starting out in the music industry, therefore, what advice would Charlie give to aspiring young artists?

"Just stick at what you do well and work as hard as you can at it! Also, accept any help that you get offered along the way!"

That's exactly what this band has done and they continue to succeed! There's no doubt that their fans are greatly anticipating the release of their new album. Whether you're a long term fan or just being exposed to these guys and you don't think you can wait until then, here is how you can check them out!

Website: www.narrowplains.com
Twitter: @NarrowPlains
Facebook: Narrow Plains

Their EP 'Somewhere in Between' and single 'So Rewind/Keep You Anyway' are available for download on iTunes, Amazon and most other online retailers. You can also view their videos on YouTube or stream their music on Spotify and Apple Music.

Watch this space.

EOIN!