After spending the last few years releasing an array of rich and enticing offerings, Peterborough-based duo The Candle Thieves return with their latest upbeat release 'Bulletproof Vest'.
Channelling a warm and vibrant alt-pop aesthetic from start to finish, 'Bulletproof Vest' makes for a wonderfully blissful return for the pair. Jam-packed with uplifting textures, sweeping hooks, and some beautifully tranquil vocals throughout, these two are certainly have certainly developed a captivating sound.
So with the new single out now, we joined them in a quick chat to find out more about their origins and influences over the years.
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What was the first instrument you learned to play?
Guitar which I started when I was 13, although I have a memory of playing things like Ocarina and Recorder before that in early years at school. I remember as I got older our school gave us the option of learning Violin or Cello, and I was listening to a load of punk rock at the time so didn’t have a lot of interest in either of them. The music teacher told me to stop coming after 3 lessons and said that I would never be able to play an instrument. Such a weird thing to say to a kid, looking back!
What was the first album you remember owning?
Do The Bartman by Bart Simpson and a Jive Bunny cassette, but I can’t remember which one came first. I was super into Michael Jackson too.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
Yeah I was in a couple - one we changed band name 3 times! Our last name was Atticus Finch and we were pop punk, it was an amazing time! I loved being in a band with them. The singer went on to become a super successful songwriter, writing with Dua Lipa, James Arthur, Eminem etc, while our guitarist went on to win a Grammy for his work on a Mumford and Sons record. I went on to being the least successful member of the band haha!
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
Great question! Getting that down to one feels impossible. I’ll go with “Gypsy” by Fleetwood Mac.
What has been the most thrilling moment about creating your own music?
Particular gigs stick out, like our first headline show in Shanghai. Or when a song comes to life in the studio. When you’re younger it’s also super exciting when your band is featured in big magazines, papers etc but as you get older you place less importance on that stuff. More than anything it’s when people tell us a song of ours has meant something to them, or the band means something to them.
And what about the most frustrating part?
I remember we poured our heart and soul into our second album “Balloons” and our management/label didn’t have a lot on enthusiasm for it, which was deflating (pun intended). And perhaps not having the budget to spend more time in the studio or put more into our live show. I really couldn’t care less about having money for a bigger house or a new iPhone, I just care about making good stuff and I guess having more money would enable us to do that. We get by though, just!
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
Glove Compartment. And maybe Kesha.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
I would love so much for the band to still be going. We said we’d stop when it stopped being fun or we didn’t have anything left to write, and thankfully that day hasn’t come yet. Grateful for the years we’ve had and anyone who has joined us along the way because they have genuinely made our life better. I’m not sure where we would be if we hadn’t had that support.
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The Candle Thieves' new single 'Bulletproof Vest' is available to stream now. Check out the new video for it below.
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