We’ve had our eyes on Head Ballet since the release of their first single, and now we’re celebrating their debut EP release Suddenly It's Making Sense. If you’re into dream pop, keep reading.
You’re a band that started in the pandemic? How has your musical journey changed since the world has opened again?
We’re now able to meet up whenever we like as opposed to packing our bags and literally moving in together. HEAD BALLET has become less digitised and the importance of having those real life connections and experiences with fans has never been so obvious and essential.
"Writing music in-house allowed us to have complete creative control and freedom to experiment fluidly with no preconceived ideas of how the first project would end up."
What have you learnt from past musical projects?
That it’s very important to like who you’re working with, to have balance and that nothing needs to be put into a box, explained or defined all the time.
What inspires you?
Usually life experiences! I love going from taking one small feeling and dramatising it so a song is the antithesis of that and satisfies the need for expression. Inspiration varies though as it’s not really linear. It’s often unexpected and found in books, conversations and evoked by other art.
Which song is your favourite from Suddenly It’s Making Sense?
I’ve got a soft spot for ‘Beachgrass’, the lead single of the EP. I remember going to bed, not being able to sleep and having a light bulb moment where I wrote the second verse lyrics in my notebook. The production on it is so dreamlike and I love how it can be delicate one moment then really jarring the next.
What is your favourite lyric from the EP?
Our favourite lyric is ‘waiting for the moment and we never know we’re chasing bliss’ from ‘Eraser’. It’s about realising you’re prone to romanticising situations, building them up in your head, creating a false reality when you need to face the one you’re in.
You self-produced your EP, what was it that led to you doing it in-house?
Writing music in-house allowed us to have complete creative control and freedom to experiment fluidly with no preconceived ideas of how the first project would end up. We wanted to be able to make mistakes and figure stuff out without any pressure. Having both the tools and skills paired with a trusting friendship really opened up a positive writing space where we could be spontaneous with our ideas without limitations.
What did you learn about yourselves when producing?
We learnt each other's strengths and weaknesses pretty fast and how to play them. Danny’s very patient and methodical - he’s really good at releasing half-formed ideas, listening and staying focused. By staying focused I mean he’ll probably be the first to instigate the end of a two hour life update procrastination session.
"Trust your gut, and have confidence in yourself and know that you don’t have to be the loudest in the room to validate your place or to challenge stigmas."
Who would you love to collab with?
So many artists! Though an immediate ambitious no-brainer are CHVRCHES. If we’re allowed to honourably mention others then MUNA are up high up there along with St Vincent. The list is just going to keep on going if we don’t stop now!
How would you like to see the music industry change for women and gender minorities?
It would be amazing to see festival line-ups be more diverse and inclusive, pushing minorities forward. Though progress is being made, we aren’t there yet. It would be amazing for award nominations to be more diverse across genres.
What advice would you give to a woman or gender minority that want to enter the music industry?
Know you belong as much as anyone and don’t let the ‘nos’ deter you. Trust your gut, and have confidence in yourself and know that you don’t have to be the loudest in the room to validate your place or to challenge stigmas. Don’t put a lot of weight on things but always put in a lot of effort. I also think it’s worth mentioning that you can’t please everyone and that’s okay.
What can we expect from you next?
Gigs! And more music. We’re playing Notting Hill Arts Club in London 4th August.
Stream here:
