I got a chance to speak with buzzing Bristol band, Oswald Slain (formerly Little Thief), about their new album Bucky, the timelessness of Americana, their Dylan influences, navigating the current music landscape, and more.
First off, how’d you all get started as a band?
We started making music together quite a while ago. We met in a band called Bombs, then we started a project called Little Thief which is in turn now Oswald Slain.
You used to be known as Little Thief, why the change? How have people responded to it?
Yes we did. There were a few reasons but mainly we just fancied a fresh start. The music that we had recorded felt like a new direction and we wanted to explore that. I think we grew out of Little Thief a bit. We were also painfully aware that it was incredibly similar to Big Thief and Big Thief are just incredible so it started to get a bit weird. People seem to have responded well. It’s kind of hard to tell.
Who would you say are some of your biggest musical influences?
I spent my teenage years listening to Dylan, The Band, Neil Young, that whole 60’s, 70’s thing which I think comes through in the music we make. We were listening to lots of Pixies, Weezer and Electric Light Orchestra when making this record. I’m also a secret sucker for Radiohead, Blur, Gorillaz and stuff like that… but I feel like that’s maybe just so obvious and boring to say so sorry.
Any other bands out there doing things that catch your attention?
There are so many. Check out Mumble Tide and the Breakfast Records lot. Emily Breeze is cool as fuuck. Who’s doing things? Getdown Services are flying… check out that craziness. Scott La Vene is brilliant.
Being from Bristol, your sound has some decidedly Americana elements and feel to it. What about that style speaks to you guys? Is Springsteen an influence?
Yea I love Springsteen. I think it’s just classics isn’t it with Americana. Songs you can sing. The art of the song is coming back I reckon!!
Bristol’s great. I think I have a slight problem in that whatever is around me I just want to do something different which is great but also a bit of a pain. I’ve never really fit in. I still don’t. Oh to be in a local scene!!.. would be nice.
Congrats on the new album BUCKY! I’ve been returning to it regularly. How does it feel to have it done? What was the creative process like?
Thanks!!! It feels great to have it out. Honestly just a relief at this point. Pretty desperate to make a new one!! The creative process was quick for this album. I’d write a couple of songs in the morning then we’d pick one and put it down there and then… rough and ragged, vocals and drums, quick fun and satisfying.
Is there a consensus favorite song from the project? I keep going back to “Happiness is Overrated”, there’s something just so timeless and soul nourishing about it.
I think that’s probably all of ours too.
What do you want listeners to take from your music?
I just want them to feel good, or at least find some kinda peace within themselves.
Your music has a very cinematic feel and quality to it, if you could choose a TV show or film soundtrack to be apart of, what would it be? And why? (Personally, “Bucky” on The Bear for me)
Yea “Bucky” on The Bear works. Honestly being a chef looks fucking crazy hard. I really loved The End of the F***ing World when it came out. I think the chorus of “Happiness is Overrated” would be cool on some kinda bleak old football film. I don’t know. Having a tune on a film or TV show would be an absolute dream though. Especially a theme tune on good running series like The Sopranos or something… wouldn’t that be mad.
Do you have any hot takes about the current state of music?
I think it’s tough out there. It’s like 10% music, 90% content. The socials game is wild and feels like it could potentially be as if not more important than the music itself. I think there are a lot, especially older artists, who find it hard to navigate that. I certainly do. Its really fucking hard to make money with original music. Whoever works the hardest usually gets paid last, if at all, so it’s hard to maintain it without burning out.
The sheer amount of creativity and expression must be at an all time high which means it’s hard to break through. You have to be fearless and ready to crash and burn quietly in a corner when you put yourself out there. It’s scary.
For you, what does being fearless mean?
I think being fearless means trying in the face of failure.
Oswald Slain’s new album, Bucky, is streaming now.
