EVERYONE FOR THEMSELVES: INSIDE THE RISE OF OUR NORTH
- Scott O'Shea
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Hailing from Sheffield with roots in Yorkshire and a DIY ethic, Our North are carving out their place in the modern metalcore landscape. Mixing rap, riffs, and raw emotion, the band opens up about their formation, influences, their latest EP, Everyone for Themselves, and what to expect at Novacaine Festival 2025.
Origins & Evolution
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How did the band form? What’s the origin story?
The band formed from the ashes of my previous band. At that time the band only consisted of myself (Chris Harrison), Dan Feast and Christopher Hepworth. Then we found other members. Sam Coveny has been with us for a while now. We had a run of drummers for a while before Jonny Dransfield settled with us.
What are your musical backgrounds and influences?
Each member has different tastes in music but we are all pretty open-minded. I guess you could say we play this style of music because we have all stayed true to the music which caught our attention and inspired us when we were young. Bands like Limp Bizkit, Rage Against the Machine, Linkin Park, Green Day, Blink-182, Killswitch Engage, Papa Roach, Deftones. We were young teenagers when these bands blew up and we were lucky to feel like we were a part of something exciting. I feel sorry for the youths of today who haven’t been as lucky.
How did you come up with the band name?
The name really is a nod of the head to where we come from. We are proud of where we come from. Other than Sam, who is from Essex originally, we are all from Yorkshire. Sheffield is where we base our band and I think we may have half-converted Sam to be a semi-northerner.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve overcome as a band?
Every step can feel like a challenge. We are still learning and we are mostly navigating our band with a DIY ethic at the moment. Building a fanbase can be difficult when you are a small band trying to find opportunities for busy shows. It’s really about networking and building a scene together.
The Sound & The Vision
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How would you describe your sound and musical style?
Trap/Metalcore, but we wouldn’t just pigeonhole ourselves to that stereotype. We are all super creative people and we take inspiration from lots of different sources.
What is your new EP all about?
Dan is probably the best person to explain this as he writes the lyrics, however you have my limited take on it. I guess the title of the EP explains it – Everyone for Themselves. It’s about the struggles and social dynamics of everyday modern life and the toll it can take upon us as individuals, but also the impact this has upon our overall society.
I personally feel this every day. The internet is a fantastic tool but I feel it has a lot to answer for too—especially its pull on us as humans working together. My generation was the last generation to know life with and without the beast of what is the internet. When I think back, we were all more connected as people without it. Life is so fast these days and everything is consumed.
What is your songwriting process like?
These days we all take responsibilities for different parts of what a band needs to thrive. I guess as things have evolved over the years we now work smarter, faster and play to our strengths. Dan Feast is our primary songwriter and has written all lyrics and songs. The rest of the members will either slightly change or add parts if needed. Dan has found his rhythm recently but over the years he’s scrapped so many amazing songs and ideas because he’s full of riffs and ideas.
Where do you draw inspiration for your lyrics and music?
Society, struggles, personal situations, mental health, mortality, love, family, victories, survival and defeat.
Which song are you most proud of and why?
Probably Everyone for Themselves (EFT). I enjoy playing songs that feel good on stage and this has that feel.
Are there any artists you would love to collaborate with?
Yelawolf, Jason from Fever 333.
On the Road
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What is your favourite part about touring?
Playing for sure. I could leave the driving part. But the venue, pre-show anticipation, connecting with our fanbase. Afterwards, a few beers. Performing is a great experience—it’s a moment you can honestly feel like you are the coolest person in the room, entertaining people and making them feel better… it’s a gift.
Do you have any memorable tour stories you can share?
Haha, I remember the first tour we did when the rest of the band slept in the van in freezing temperatures. Me and Christopher Hepworth booked hotels and we found the other members literally blue in the morning. I think we cancelled a show and went home for a night—they were that poorly.
How do you prepare for a live show?
Hmm, it’s changed over the years. There have been shows where I’ve been scared and anxious and literally had to have shots to ease my nerves. These days I’ve learnt how to channel my nerves and turn it into adrenaline. Before a show we chat about the setlist, transitions, practice through a few songs and warm up, check all our gear.
What is your relationship with your fans like?
Good. We love people connecting with us and letting us know what they think of our music. We make an effort in replying to our fans when they reach out to us.
What can attendees expect from your performance at Novacaine Festival 2025?
Energy, riffs, rap, screams.
Looking Ahead
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What are your goals for the band in the next year?
Continue playing shows and supporting our EP Everyone for Themselves, which is about [out now] to drop. Write new material and decide if we will keep ten [tracks] or share them as singles.
Are there any new projects or releases in the works?
As I mentioned, Everyone for Themselves is about to be dropped [out now]. We are super proud of the songs on this record. Every song has its own feel and identity, however it all works well together.
Where do you see the band in five years?
I’d love to grow our fanbase to a level where we are invited to play bigger festivals.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Don’t give up. Do it for friendship and each other as well as yourself. Work as a team, leave your ego behind. Collaborate together, learn how to critique each other without getting upset. Help each other and play to your strengths.
Offstage Insights
What is the most important thing you’ve learned as a musician?
My ears. I joined a choir a few years ago and this made the biggest impact upon my playing and ability to listen and play with the other members in my band, as well as improving my own guitar playing ability to improvise.
How has the music industry changed since you started?
It’s definitely got harder for bands as a lot of venues have closed down in the North.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not making or playing music?
The gym, family time, books, films.
What message do you want to share with your audience?
We sincerely hope that you enjoy the music we write. If you see us at a show, come over and have a chat.
Our North Online: https://linktr.ee/ournorth?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=afbc380c-10da-41ed-8704-dbef23ca4f5f
Don't Miss Our North at Novacaine Festival 2025
If you’ve enjoyed getting to know Our North, trust us when we say their live set is even more powerful. They’ll be taking the stage at Novacaine Festival 2025, bringing their signature energy, riffs, and raw emotion to what promises to be an unforgettable weekend. Join us for a stacked lineup of rising and established talent, and come be part of something special. Tickets are available now—don’t sleep on it.
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