This weeks NME magazine cover features Matty Healy, frontman of The 1975 alongside his newest prodigy, Heather Baron-Gracie of the emerging band Pale Waves.
Both bands belong to Dirty Hit Record label, founded by The 1975’s manager, Jamie Oborne. Which gave perfect opportunity for Matty to offer his guidance to the Manchester based band, who he first saw play at Dingwalls, and loved them so much he decided to take them on The 1975’s two-month 2017 tour around the United States. Since then the work on Pale Waves debut album has begun and Healy seems to be having a big influence on the direction their sound and look is headed in while they remain under his wing.
Matty and drummer George Daniel of the 1975 had already worked previously on another Dirty Hit signed band The Japanese House whose EP was produced by the both of them, so Matty isn’t shy of being on the other side of the music, including producing and directing. Pale Waves joined Dirty Hit this year and gave the reigns to Matty and George to help produce their first single ‘There’s a Honey’. The four-piece managed to hit over 600,000 streams and still growing on Spotify with this one release.
This ‘soon to be big’ bands sound hits the ‘Indie Pop’ genre on the head, with very similar beats and song writing style to the 1975; you can really hear the influence. The up-beat synths and catchy lyrics give off strong ‘I Like It When You Sleep…’ vibes and they have recently released a second single named ‘Television Romance’ with a music video directed by Matty himself, which has hit 1.1 million views already.
For a fan it could feel as we wait for The 1975’s third album of their ‘trilogy’ of records, Healy is offering an alternative for your ears, with Pale Waves front Heather Baron-Gracie owning very strong similarities to Matty in style and aura. The female fronted band could be described as the love child of all members of The 1975 combined. They give the similar classic dark meaning to an uplifting catchy chorus and have been gathering more fans from their recent live shows. Especially appearing on the BBC Introducing stage at both Reading and Leeds festival this year, small gigs around London and now are out on their European tour. You can buy tickets for this here.
In the NME magazine interview with both Matty and Heather, Matty wants to make it very clear about how involved he is with helping Pale Waves make their music. He said “I always have a fear of being overbearing. I know what it’s like to be want to be prided on your own merits, and I would hate to be resented by an artist for feeling I’d strong-armed my involvement for my own personal gain.” Showing Matty is simply lending a helpful ear and eye to the band, and what a man to have on your side, going off the success of Brit award winning band The 1975.
Heather told NME that she is back with the rest of the band in the studio recording an EP, and then the album will follow in a year’s time. While sat with Matty she explained “With the album, I think we’re just going to show another side to us which is a lot more emotional and not as – I don’t know how to put it… Just, like, a bit more intense.” For any 1975 fan this is definitely one to count down the days for.
