Five Lines: Weaving Together Music and Memories
Written by: Freya Zaidi
In the ever-evolving world of music, it's not just the melodies and lyrics that captivate us; it's the stories behind the bands and artists, the journey that led them to create the music we love. Today, we delve into the captivating origin story of Five Lines, a band whose beginnings are as unique and entertaining as their sound. We'll explore their collaborative songwriting process, the magic of their live performances, the inspiration behind their lyrics, and their candid approach to social media. Join us as we uncover the remarkable world of Five Lines, a band driven by authenticity and a deep connection with their fans.
Origins
The band Five Lines came together through a series of chance encounters and social dynamics, creating an intriguing origin story. It all began when Matt Dixon was caught attempting to 'borrow' a sofa from their university's games room. An adventure that would spark a series of connections leading to the formation of Five Lines.
Alex Donovan, who became the lead guitarist of Five Lines, was privy to the alleged sofa heist, found entertainment in the pursuit; a memorable first impression. The students needed more seating for their university accommodation, and the communal area was lacking in comfortable furniture. Matt allegedly “borrowed” the sofa and moved it into the common room of his flat.
Matt and Euan, another guitarist who would later take a hiatus from the band, had started playing together alongside their then drummer David. They had posted an advertisement on their university's social pages, seeking a bassist. Calum, who was already acquainted with Donovan, sent Matt a message regarding the bassist vacancy. However, Matt didn't notice the message initially, leading to a humorous encounter at a party.
The tale takes an unexpected turn when the band members reveal that Matt attended a Halloween party dressed as a 'Tory,' a reference to the UK's Conservative Party, a joke within left-wing student circles. While some at the party failed to identify his costume, Matt judged their reactions to the reveal of the intended costume as a way to gauge their true political leanings.
Matt's antics at the party left a memorable impression on Calum, the potential bassist, and the interaction led to the addition of yet another band member. They started rehearsing together, and eventually, with the addition of Alex (Donovan) on guitar and Alex Haywood as their drummer, the band solidified their lineup.
Alex Haywood, the final piece of the puzzle, came from the same area of the country as Alex (Donovan) and was known to him beforehand. His impressive drumming skills made him the perfect fit for Five Lines, and after some persistence from the band, he joined their ranks.
These serendipitous events led to the formation of Five Lines, creating a unique and entertaining origin story that showcases the band's humour and camaraderie.
Writing Process
The Five Lines' songwriting process is a group effort with a holistic approach. While the vocal melody is mainly crafted by one member, they maintain a collaborative atmosphere. There's flexibility, allowing different sessions to see varying levels of contribution from each member.
Donovan, always prepared with his guitars, brings ideas to the table. However as they dive into the process, things can take unexpected turns. They discuss, suggest, and vote on different parts, which sometimes leads to a mix of various ideas coming together.
Consensus is essential, and having an odd number in the band helps resolve disagreements. However, there's an occasional hiccup when Matt compares their sound to other bands, and Calum's disliking of those bands might influence their decisions.
In essence, Five Lines' songwriting process is a blend of preparation and spontaneity, combining individual input with collective decision-making, making it a unique and dynamic creative process.
Live Performances vs. Recorded Tracks
The band's live performances and recorded tracks are closely intertwined. When they played an acoustic set at the 2k Trees festival, they had to adapt their songs, taking a fresh perspective on their music. However, that live adaptation didn't significantly influence their studio recordings, as the changes made were for that performance specifically.
Live performances are, however, essential to their identity. Ordinarily bringing a high energy and lively engaging stage presence, they aim to replicate this energy in their recorded music. Their single "See Red" is a reflection of their live sound, capturing that same vibrant essence. They emphasize the importance of making recorded music feel as energetic as their live shows, ensuring that their recorded tracks are a true representation of the band's dynamic and captivating performances.
Five Lines values having their live energy translate to their studio recordings, as they want their music to reflect the same level of intensity and liveliness that defines their live shows.
The band currently focuses on their live shows due to a lack of released tracks, but they plan to hit the studio sometime after their second single's release in November. They acknowledge that the delay in releasing more music has allowed them to refine their sound and gather more material. Although they've had some challenges in the studio, they've learned from these experiences, and the extended time has helped them shape their sound more consistently.
The discussion also touched on how playing live has shaped their music and allowed them to experiment with new ideas. They emphasize the importance of gauging the audience's reaction and evolving their songs accordingly.
The band mentioned their first single, "Semi-Nude," and revealed that the song's lyrics aren't highly complex; it's more about rhyming couplets and maintaining an energetic and entertaining sound. It was initially created with a freestyle approach, stemming from a playful in-band tradition where they'd perform freestyles and roast each other during rehearsals, which ultimately gave birth to the song. "Semi-Nude" became a signature track for their live performances, and its success encouraged them to continue refining their sound and exploring new creative avenues.
In essence, the band's journey has been marked by learning experiences, experimentation, and the evolution of their sound, guided by their focus on live performance and their desire to maintain the energy and intensity that makes their shows special.
When Inspiration Meets Catharsis
The band draws inspiration from various sources for their songs. Many of their songs in their current setlist are inspired by a past breakup, with lyrics often conveying the emotional state of that time, typically set to a minor key or with a darker sonic atmosphere. These songs often carry an intense and sometimes angry or sad energy, serving as an emotional outlet and reflecting the band's feelings or experiences.
When creating newer songs, they look for situations and emotions that inspire them, often gravitating towards challenging themes. They also find inspiration in elements from music they admire and try to incorporate them into their own style. The band's approach to songwriting includes drawing from their personal experiences, observations, and empathetic storytelling. They explore different perspectives and emotions, sometimes diving into the experiences of others to create a more diverse and empathetic lyrical content.
When performing these songs live, the band members still feel connected to the moments when they were written. They can trace back the emotional origins of the music they play, which enhances their live performances by allowing them to connect with the song's history and meaning. This approach adds depth to their live shows and makes the performances more meaningful to both the band and the audience.
A Night to Remember
The band recounted a remarkable chain of events during one memorable live performance at the Sebright Arms. At the show, they received a substantial amount of beer as part of their rider; there was confusion about where it was stored, leading to double the expected amount. Despite the beer-related mix-up, the gig was brimming with energy.
During the performance, the lead singer (Matt), feeling dehydrated, asked if anyone had a drink. To which an audience member was far more than happy to oblige with a pint being handed up to the stage from the front row. This moment was captured in a photo, which later became the lead singer's profile picture.
Matt and Alex recall that during the same show there was a moment in which the entire crowd was wholly immersed in the music. Everyone appeared to be in a collective trance, fully engaged with the performance. A night that will stick in their memory as unique, no one in the audience was busy taking photos or videos; they were all focused on the music. Truly taking a page out of what concerts once were as opposed to the busy and heavily recorded events they tend to be these days. This is music being shared at its essence.
These unforgettable experiences highlight the band's ability to connect with their audience and create special, immersive moments during their live performances.
Approach to Social Media
The band's approach to social media is characterized by a commitment to authenticity and honesty. They value the direct connection they have with their fans and aim to maintain a down-to-earth demeanor in their interactions. Despite their growing popularity, they strive to stay true to their roots and continue engaging with their fans on a personal level.
However, their perspective on social media did experience a significant shift following a Twitter incident related to The Skinner Brothers v Louis Tomlinson drama that they chimed in on. This event prompted them to be more mindful about their online presence, while also making them very grateful for the support Louis fans have shown them. What to them was merely speaking up on something that seemed to be a crude take on a kind gesture, fans took to heart and flooded Five Lines with love and support, leaving them stunned and grateful.
The band also shared insights about their TikTok experience. They view TikTok as a platform where they can share humorous or interesting content without feeling pressured to produce it regularly. They prefer to be spontaneous and post content that genuinely entertains them. They emphasized that their primary focus remains their music, and they want to ensure that their music takes precedence over social media content. This approach helps them strike a balance between maintaining a strong online presence and focusing on their music.
The unexpected viral success of a video in which one of the band members dressed as a referee was a remarkable incident. This video not only garnered a substantial number of views but also made its way onto notable platforms, further demonstrating the power of social media to them.
Overall, the band remains deeply grateful for their fans' support, particularly those who discovered their music through social media. They acknowledge the impact that social media has had on their music's reach and reception and intend to continue using these platforms to connect with their audience while staying true to their core values.
What’s to come?
In the near future, the band is focused on their songwriting, which they believe is continually improving. They express great pride in their recent work and are dedicated to crafting better songs with each new project. The band's approach is to allow their music to naturally progress without forcing creativity.
They plan to return to the studio with a set of songs they're enthusiastic about. While an EP is a possibility, they acknowledge that the music industry is currently favoring single releases. Platforms like Spotify and TikTok emphasize the significance of individual tracks, and listeners seem to prefer easy-to-access content. This approach aligns with the band's current strategy, ensuring a steady flow of single releases.
Furthermore, the band has two upcoming shows, one in Southampton on November 11th and another in London on November 16th, where they will be supporting their friend and fellow artist. This opportunity highlights the band's commitment to collaboration and supporting their peers in the music industry.
Five Lines stands out as a band driven by a remarkable origin story, a captivating approach to music, and a true connection with their fans. They remind us that authenticity, passion, and genuine camaraderie are the keys to creating music that resonates deeply. With evolving songwriting and exciting performances on the horizon, they are set to make more waves.