When Chordblossom came into existence, it was always our aim to shine a spotlight on the artists and bands that make up the music scene in Northern Ireland. We’ve been doing it for over ten years now and one of our favourite methods is our Introducing feature.
Put the kettle on, curl up on your sofa and and join us for a quickfire Q&A with some of our favourite new musicians. Who knows, maybe you’ll even discover your new favourite artists.
This iteration of Introducing features the musical talents of Lunch Machine who just released their latest single ‘Pipedream Graveyard’.
What was the inspiration behind your artist name?
I (Jude, lead vocals) used to work as a waitress. I served people their lunch every weekday for two years, around the time we started the band. I felt like a robot doing the same lunch routine, wished I could be replaced by a machine that did all the work for me and I could sit down and be served lunch instead. It’s silly and fun and came to us organically. Who doesn’t like lunch?
You’ve just released a new single. How did it come about and what does it mean to you?
It’s one of the first songs all four of us wrote together I think. We’ve been playing it for years, I don’t really remember how it came together. After playing it live a few times folks mentioned it to us specifically as their favourite one. It seemed like a no brainer. It’s our first proper single as a band so it’s super special to us.
Have you any more releases or studio time lined up for later in the year?
Yeah, probably. I think we’d like to gig a lot more for now though and get some more performance experience.
Tell us about your song writing process.
Well it’s sometimes me writing a song at home on my own and I’ll come to the lads with it, they learn it, put their own flair on it and we go from there. Other times, we jam something new and I try to come up with lyrics on the spot or I get a hook or a melody, go away and come back with lyrics for the next practice. Sometimes Pearse brings a song he’s been working on. The end product is always a representation of the four of us though. I think we stay true to our individual styles which gives us our sound.
Who were your favourite artists/bands growing up? Have your influences changed over time?
For me it would have to be Blur, Radiohead, Eels, Sonic Youth, just off the top of my head. I loved indie rock/pop and went through the 2000’s emo rite of passage. But I have a really eclectic taste and I wouldn’t really narrow myself to those bands in particular. At the minute for example I’m in a massive pop music phase, which I denied myself growing up as I had notions of being too cool for it. Hilarious, really.
The 2022 NI Music Prize has just concluded, what’s been your favourite album and single released this year?
For 2022, there’s so many good ones. I love Alvvays’ new album Blue Rev, Tom Verlaine is my favourite off that. CMAT’s debut that just won the Choice prize, Wet Leg’s debut, Stumpwork by Dry Cleaning. Closer to home – Robocobra Quartet, Elaine Howley, Arn, Aoife Nessa Frances, Pretty Happy, they all had new absolutely class releases last year.
If you weren’t a musician, what line of work would we find you in?
Well I work as a stage manager for theatre so I’d just be doing that I’d say! Would love to direct and produce my own plays one day.
If you could collaborate with one artist or band from NI, who would it be and why?
Ah jeas, I’d have to say Junk Drawer and Big Daisy. Not just ‘cause they’re mates but because their music is some of the best coming out of Belfast. Love Tramp too, check them out.
It is intensely difficult to be successful in the music industry. What does NI need to do to invest in/develop to boost your chances?
Well, I don’t think the NI music industry owes us anything. If people like our music and we promote it properly to get it to them, that’s good enough for me.
What does success look like for you?
Selling a few t-shirts innit.
You’re going out on tour and can have anything you want on your rider, what would we find on yours?
Diet Coke, lemon and ginger tea, salt and vinegar crisps, the bougie ones. Perfectly ripe bananas.
Where and when can we next catch you live?
We’re playing Kelly’s in Galway in April 22nd with Cherym and Gender Chores(promoted by a modern movement),the 8th July in the kickin donkey(promoted by treehouseproductions) with Arn and RCC Letterkenny on the 22nd July we’re doing a B2B set with Tuath opening for Pretty Happy, also with Arn(promoted by Féile an earragail) (we love Arn)
If you enjoyed this feature and fancy discovering some more new artists, we suggest you jump on over to our archive of Introducing pieces.
If you are a band or musician based in Northern Ireland interested in taking part in our Introducing feature, we recommend submitting new music to us via our Contact page and if we enjoy it, you’ll no doubt hear from us.
