Toploader

By Claire White

Taken from the their new album Only Human Toploader shall release their new single She Said on 31st October.

To coincide with the release, the band shall tour the UK this month with a total of 16 dates.

As Toploader were heavily influenced by their label in the past, Only Human gave them the chance to have full control of their sound.

We spoke to front man Joseph Washbourn to find out more about their new release, what to expect from upcoming tour dates and the change in the band’s sound!

How would you describe ‘She Said’ in just one sentence?

A return to a slightly heavier, darker sound.

Why do you think fans voted ‘She Said’ to become your next single?

Probably because of the above, we’ve always made rock songs in the past but they’ve been overshadowed by the more ‘poppy’ singles. It’s a return to familiar territory for the fans.

Which track of your new album would you like to become your ‘most-known’ track?

It’s too difficult to choose just one, they all have something different to offer. I love Sound Of Your Soul and Paradise.

How do you go about the writing process for albums?

I spend months locked away writing in a room exploring every corner of my mind in hope that something sticks. I then bring these songs to the band and they tell me if they think it’s worked.

Have your inspirations changed now with your new sound, or are you still influenced by the same artists?

With this album we went back to listening to some of the records we were listening to in our teens like The Smiths and The Cure. We moved away from the more seventies influences of Onkas Big Moka.

Do you feel more passionate about your new releases now they are the way you prefer to write them, or do you treat every release the same?

The songs on this new album were like delivering a baby. They took a long time to conceive but were worth the wait. It’s when you have to let the kids go that it becomes difficult. We’re very proud of them though.

What can fans expect from your upcoming UK tour?

We’re looking forward to getting out and playing Only Human live. That’s when the songs really come alive and are different every night. We’re also playing some off the first two albums to mix it up, even these older ones have taken on a new life.

Is there anything else you wish to add?

Only that it’s been great making a new record and one that we wanted to make after all these years!

You can find out more about Toploader and see a full list of their upcoming tour dates by visiting http://toploaderofficial.com/.