SWITCHES
The SiS Interview by Miriam Lamey

Switches is a rather charming group of shaggy haired British hipsters (or "Britsters" if you will) comprised of Matt Bishop (guitar/vocals), Ollie Thomas (guitar), Max Tite (bass) and Jimmy G (drums). The four friends formed Switches while in university, ended up touring with The Rakes and made their SXSW debut last year. Recently, Stranded in Stereo had the chance to uncover Thomas' thoughts on the band and playing in America.

In the early days of Britpop, when Oasis and Blur battled it out and quirky indie kids Radiohead sang of “The Bends,” breaking into the American music scene was a huge deal. Traditional Britpop bands such as these have become household names, and a new musical generation queues up to make or break America.

Among this hopeful group is the Guilford, England-based quartet, Switches. And it seems the excitement and challenge of wowing America remains the same, according to Switches guitarist, Ollie Thomas. “I think it’s a massive achievement,” he muses, “it’s just so vast [here]…now we’re hoping we get the push we’ve been working towards.” The lads may be in the midst of their second US tour, but they are still “excited” to bring their ‘70’s-rock inspired tunes to as many new audiences as possible.

“Our music is for any mood, for anyone,” he continues, “songs have a fun theme – there are love songs, melodic songs, chaotic songs…people can relate to it.” And relate to it they do. Switches’ current American jaunt finds the band opening for The Bravery, and Thomas modestly jokes, “everyone seems to be enjoying us.” He continues, “in America, people are more open to different types of music…it’s a bit hard to play in England – people are more cynical.”

But just what is Switches’ appeal considering they’re just another British band waiting to wet their feet across the pond? “We play harmony pop with nice vocals – some chaotic guitars,” explains Thomas, “[but communicate] universal messages.” In other words, this group keeps maintains an upbeat, accessible sound through memorable choruses and hearty, pounding riffs, particularly in the track, “Law Down the Law.”

Other suavely fast-paced songs like “Drama Queen” try to communicate their thoughts on, according to Thomas, “absolutely anything from day-to-day life – songs, scenarios, people, even just going out.” Perhaps this explains Switches’ appeal.

Or perhaps it’s each band members' overall perky demeanor and curiosity for life. Either way, Thomas feels they succeed by keeping an open mind and just enjoying their music. “It’s fun to play,” he cheerfully remarks, “it’s great to have a job where you can travel to new places...I love it.” Decide for yourself whether Switches debut album, Lay Down the Law, will rock the States when it drops here on March 18th.