Interview: Goldfish Don’t Bounce (Written)

Goldfish Don’t Bounce are a three-piece rock band who are currently knee deep in the recording process of their debut album “PHISH PHOOD” (Fish Food) with internationally renowned producer, Neil Treppas. We learn a little more about them with this interview.

1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.

Thanks for having us. We are Goldfish Don’t Bounce, a three piece rock band from Bolton, England. The band is: Charlie Butterworth – guitars and vocals, Marco “Max” Power – bass and Callum J Burke – drums and backing vocals. Charlie and Callum have been in bands together for years and Marco and Callum were in a band before this one, so we all know each other well. We are actually all lead guitarists but playing out of position. We think it works, but you can be the judge of that!

2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?

Absolutely everything! We are a rock band at our core but we do pull in all different styles to keep things interesting. Songs have sprinklings of blues, funk, psychedelic rock, metal and even a bit of jazz. We do have a signature sound, though, so you can tell it is us when you hear a track. We have a little bit for everyone to enjoy, or that is the plan.

3. What’s currently going on in your camp? New releases? Tours? Etc.

Releases, releases and more releases! We are currently recording our debut album “PHISH PHOOD” (Fish Food) with internationally renowned producer, Neil Treppas. We expect the album to be completed early next year, but we are releasing most, if not all songs as singles. We have just released our ballad (every rock band needs one before you sigh) “Heart & Soul” and this is our fourth single. We will be releasing new singles every 6-8 weeks, so keep your eyes peeled for some more GDB loveliness!

4. What has been the most positive experience of making music to date for you?

Honestly, it has been the reaction to our songs. They have performed better than we could have ever imagined so we are riding that wave at the moment and we thank every person who has given us a listen.

5. Likewise, what has been some of the more challenging aspects and how have you overcome them?

Promotion and getting out there. People have never heard of us, so the biggest challenge is trying to convince people to give you a listen or take a chance on your music. We are constantly reaching out to playlisters, radio stations, anyone who we think may like what we are doing and the hard work is paying off. For any other band starting out or in a similar position, just keep going and don’t stop. There will be hundreds of rejections but they make the times you get a “yes” sweeter. It only takes one yes to change your life.

6. How do you handle the modern expectations of being in a band? Always online, having to put out content constantly, your success measured in likes and follows?

It is kind of normal for us. It would be harder for bands who started before this was the way things were as that transition would have been crazy. We embrace the chaos because chaos creates opportunity. Is that too cheesy?

7. What’s something that really ‘grinds your gears’ about the industry/business these days and what would you propose is done to combat it?

Just fairer payments from the streaming sites. In this day and age, everything needs to be instantly accessible. That is great for listeners as they have a ridiculous amount of songs at their fingertips. There is a need for these sites, they just need to give back a bit more as without the artists, there would be no streaming sites.

8. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support your music?

Not just for us, but for every unsigned band on the planet, please go out and support live music in your local area. There are thousands of amazing bands around and they just need an audience to turn up and get involved. You could discover the next big thing before they are big and then you can constantly remind your friends about it!

For us, we would love it if you would give us a listen and if you like us, tell a friend or two. We are very easy to please.

9. Outside of the music, what’s do you do to relax?

We are very close as a band so we often socialise together with our wives and girlfriends. We all enjoy a beer, gym and playing squash. No driving Rolls Royce’s into swimming pools, or anything like that…just yet.

10. Where can people find you?

Our website would be a good place to start – https://goldfishdontbounce.band. We are on all the major streaming sites as well as Instagram (@goldfishdntbounce) and Facebook with the same handle (note the missing “o” from dont).