Hailing from the concrete shores of Croydon, New-Wave-Disco-Punks Bugeye are back with their first single of 2023 – ‘Dancing Out In The Dark’.
Capturing the energy of 90s bands such as The Subways, Ash, Elastica and Blur, ‘Dancing Out In The Dark’ taps into the essence of youthful exuberance as Bugeye explore the sentiment of sneaking out at night as a teenager to rendezvous with friends. With one foot in pop’s past and another kicking down the door into the future of female led indie music, Bugeye seamlessly blend elements of 70s dance floor and post-punk with the essence of noughties optimism.
Following the release of ‘Dancing Out In The Dark’, we sat down with Bugeye’s front-woman and lead guitarist Angela Martin to find out more about the inspiration behind the band.
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
It was the guitar. I used to listen to my dads record collection and hear this beautiful and dead cool instrument singing out loud and proud and wanting to be able to play it. There was a lot of air guitar going on back then. It wasn’t until I was 16 that I decided to teach myself how to play.
What was the first band or artist you enjoyed when you were younger?
Too many to list, but I suppose a band that really has been a key inspiration for me personally has been Blondie, and then later, David Bowie. Again, I discovered both via my dads record collection. With Blondie I have always loved the way that they merge styles to perfection; pop, punk, disco… and never really producing songs that are formulaic. And that is exactly what I have always strived for with my writing with Bugeye.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Oooh first album, let’s see… I think it was either Pearl Jam ‘Ten’ or maybe it was a Guns n Roses album. I never really had much pocket money when I was a kid so I tended to get mixtapes off friends and then wait until Christmas to ask for a few killer albums.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
So many and it changes all the time. If I had to pick one song though, the first one that springs to mind is Date With The Night by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Captured a certain energy that just makes me smile.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I struggle with just picking one, so here are my top 5 go to artists of the moment: Hotwax, Last Dinner Party, Jemma Freeman & The Cosmic Something, Re-discovering about also loving the new stuff by EMF and Berries
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
Playing Wembley in one of my old bands. We supported The Cranberries and it was absolutely incredible. A real life changing moment.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
Here is my wish list: St Vincent, EMF, Le Tigre, Arcade Fire, The Subways, Blondie, Pulp, Blur… I’ll end there, but just know it’s a long list.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
All of the above
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Being with my band family in front of a crowd. It’s the best feeling being with your mates on stage, having each other’s backs and feeling that magical vibe of playing live. The absolute icing on the cake is the crowd’s reaction. There is nothing else like that!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Don’t take yourself so seriously. Yes, take your career seriously but have fun with what you are doing. Avoid being a green eyed monster at all costs. It’s pointless. Just focus on what you are doing and enjoy it.
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‘Dancing Out In The Dark’ is available across all streaming platforms now and sets the stage for an electrifying 2024 for Bugeye.
