A PEAK BEHIND THE SCENES - A KROOKED TONGUE INTERVIEW
- Scott O'Shea
- 4 hours ago
- 6 min read
Bristol-based alternative rock trio Krooked Tongue have been on our radar for some time, but it wasn’t until early 2025 that we finally had the pleasure of working with them.
The year began with the release of ‘Let Em’ Loose’—a soaring, undeniably catchy track that set the tone for what’s shaping up to be a standout year for the band. That momentum continued with ‘Marigold’ in April and ‘You Don’t Need A Sun Tan’ in June, each release revealing more of their evolving sound and emotional depth.
With a growing catalogue and a clear creative vision, we found ourselves wondering—what’s next for Krooked Tongue? So, we reached out. Luckily for us, they were more than happy to answer a few questions.
Band History and Formation
How did the band form? What's the origin story?
"We met at BIMM, Uni and just had a common goal of starting a band like the artists we liked. Obviously very green and inexperienced so we just learnt along the way. We all had our own skills so it was just a case of working through the rough patch and actually sculpting ourselves into a capable act."
What are your musical backgrounds and influences?
"We all have our own backgrounds with music. I (Oli) am based in the singer songwriter realm originally with lots of influence in indie with bands like the Stereophonics and then classics like Elvis and Rod Stewart, Dan was into metal as a teen with his fave band being Linkin Park and Harry was a rock lad too, loving QOTSA but also some of the classics too. Bands like Death Cab."
How did you come up with the band name [Krooked Tongue]?
"It was just a concoction of randomness to be honest, many a iPhone note of endless combinations of words. We landed on that. Despite our dislike for it these days, people seem to enjoy it still."
What has been the biggest challenge you've overcome as a band?
"Definitely the lockdowns. We got started right as all that shit happened and we had such a big bang from our first release that we were on a really exciting trajectory for a young band. And then with basically having 2-3 years of disruption and uncertainty, we only really got everything up and running in 2022 when we released our debut EP [No Vacancy Hotel]. So we always say really, our inception was in 2022."
Music and Creative Process
How would you describe your sound and musical style?
"It’s a sound that draws from our influences. Bands like Highly Suspect, Death from Above etc but we do have our own sound I think. Like splitting the bass signal similar to how Royal Blood does so, but combining it with atmospheric guitar tones. It sits somewhere between indie and alt rock."
What is your songwriting process like?
"Oli is the main songwriter, normally he tends to write the song beforehand. Lyrics, structure etc and bring into rehearsal to work on tones and all the other niceties. But with some of the newer stuff, like brand new stuff, we’ve been experimenting with jamming a few ideas in the rooms and seeing where they go, which has been quite nice. Like Dan might play some atmospheric intro on guitar and we’ll jam it. Then Oli goes off and organises it a bit and adds lyrics. It depends really on what the idea feels like, if its there in the room then why not use it and see what it can turn into!"
Where do you draw inspiration for your lyrics and music?
"As I mentioned earlier, Kelly Jones [Stereophonics] is a big inspo. I always found his lyrics in the early days to be really insightful. That ‘fly on the wall’ style that normal people can relate to. Watching life go by, small towns, people just existing. There’s always times to get soppy and play on emotions but I always find stories mixed with metaphors to be more compelling."
Which song are you most proud of and why?
"From a songwriting perspective, I think a lot of the newer stuff has really show how far it’s come. Nothing Ever Grows is a great example of really poetic lyrics that accompany a tune that tears a big hole in your brain. Chaotic beauty, I suppose."
Are there any artists you would love to collaborate with?
"Our mates Big Special! We’d love to do a song together next year maybe. I think we could create something really sick."
Touring and Performances
What is your favourite part about touring?
"I guess the easy answer is to say ‘performing’ but to be fair, all of it. The hotels, meeting fans, making new fans, meeting people in general. It’s always something that strengthens the brotherhood. We’ve had some mad times on the road that we think of fondly."
Do you have any memorable tour stories you can share?
"We have loads of funny ones and ones probably best left in the vault but one that sticks out in terms of one of our favourites was on tour with Kid Brunswick. Being on the beach in the sun in Swansea or playing packed out Key Club in Leeds. We bonded with those lads on that tour which is always nice when touring with another band."
How do you prepare for a live show?
"Just lots of practice. Being as well rehearsed as we can be and making sure we put on a proper old school rock show."
What can fans expect from your live performances?
"High energy and hooks! We want to get to crowd lively but also want them to leave humming the tunes."
What is your relationship with your fans like?
"We really appreciate all of the support from everyone that’s been following us. It’s harder now to even reach those on social media with algorithms and all that rubbish but we always feel the love on what we’re doing and are extremely grateful."
Future Plans and Goals
What are your goals for the band in the next year?
"Yeah so we recently signed with a publisher and booking agent and we have loads of cool shiz lined up for 2026 that I don’t think we can talk about yet but stay tuned. Our immediate aims are to keep releasing music throughout the year and just keep upping the live shows really. We wanna grab new fans throughout the rest of 2025."
Are there any new projects or releases in the works?
"Yeah so we just teased a debut album with our recent single release ‘You Don’t Need a Sun Tan’. So that might be happening, or might not. Or it might."
Where do you see the band in five years?
"Honestly I know everyone says it but we want those afternoon slots at the big festivals. The sun is setting in, everyone’s a bit sauced. Perfection. Glasto, Download, Bring em’ on."
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
"Keep grafting, that’s all you can do. Find your talent and stick with it. No ones gonna hold your hand so you need to be the sail on your own ship."
Personal Insights
What is the most important thing you've learned as a musician?
"It takes time. Nothing that bares real talent or craft is an immaculate conception. Even when you think you’re ready, you’re not."
How has the music industry changed since you started?
"Everything is about content, it’s a conveyer belt of content. Which I know a lot of artists feel the pressure of. It seems to be less about how good the music is, and more about how well it fits over a Tik Tok or a reel, and that’s blood sad ain’t it. But we still hold onto hope. There so many loyal music fans and awesome bands still around, that I think we can pull through together."
"Oh and BRING BACK CD’s!"
What do you enjoy doing when you are not making or playing music?
"Collectively we have a pretty diverse range of interests. Like Dan is really into filming, he’s been filming our latest music videos which has been really great and they’ve been turning out awesome. Oli grew up riding motorbikes, and surfing which he still enjoys to do over the summer months (despite being a Brummie and living nowhere near the coast), poetry too (no shit) and him and H both play football. Harry has been really getting into graphic design, creating all our latest single artworks, which look awesome."
What message do you want to share with your audience?
"Keep the music alive, we’re all nobodies without it."
-End Of Interview-
A massive thank you to Krooked Tongue for the opportunity to interview them — it’s truly an honour to get a glimpse behind the scenes of a rising artist and help share their journey with the world. We’re incredibly excited for their upcoming debut release. If their recent singles are any indication, it’s shaping up to be an absolute powerhouse — one you definitely won’t want to miss.
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