Interview with SHVPES
Samantha Beggins
SHVPES are fast becoming one of the most hotly talked-about young metal acts in the UK. Hailing from Birmingham, the five-piece have witnessed the rise and rise of the SHVPES name since the release of the debut EP, The Prosecutor. I managed to speak to vocalist Griffin Dickinson ahead of the release of their debut album.
Words by Cerys Donnelly
Q: You've just finished touring with Miss May I and We Came As Romans on their co-headline tour, how was it?
A: Yeah,It was great, it really was. Miss May I are just straight up metal and really go for it with their shows. I only knew a couple of We Came As Romans songs before we toured but it was still fun to tour with them.
Q: Last year you opened up for Bring Me The Horizon, how would you compare opening for them with this tour?
A: Rubbing shoulders with a band like that was great, they're such an incredible live band and have really loyal fans. Oli could walk on stage wearing a shirt with sh*t on it and before you know it fans would turn up to shows wearing shirts covered in sh*t. Playing in front of bigger audience is a bit easier, they get into the music quicker but when playing small rooms like with Miss May I the crowd were a bit harder to get going. I mean you've got to put everything into each show but a bit more with crowds like that.
Q: Your debut album was produced by Jim Brown & Carl Pinder, who've both produced great albums so was there any pressure with that?
A: There was definitely a bit of pressure with it being our first album but they were really good to work with & think we've got ourselves a good one
Q: 'God Warrior' was the first song you've released from the album, is that the type of vibe we can expect from the new album?
A: No, not at all. It's kind of the black sheep of the whole record, it's so different from the other songs we have for the album. So nobody really knows what to expect for the album.
Q: Now that the album is finished- do we have any set date for the release?
A: I know we do but me being me I can't remember it, It's after summer but before the end of the year.
Q: You’re playing the Saturday at Download Fest this year & sharing a stage with bands like Neck Deep, do you have anything special planned for that?
A: Yeah, we definitely do but I don't think I can say so you'll just have to wait and see.