Name: Blackout Season
Formed: 2016
Hometown: Portadown
Genre: Post Punk Alt Rock
Line-up: Alex Close – Guitar & Vocals | Peter McCabe – Drums | Johnny Morgan – Bass Guitar
◀ Q & A ▶
▶ Tell us about your band name
Blackout Season started off as a joke, we were changing our name and someone made the joke about one of the members getting really drunk and suggested the blackouts. It was already taken so we added season to the end of it and it made for a boss name.
▶ When did you start playing music and how would you describe your sound?
Everyone started to learn their instruments while they were still in school and just continued on. Peter and Alex have been playing together in and out of bands since 2013 until they met Johnny. We don’t have a specific description but it’s definitely rock n roll.
▶ What releases have you put out so far?
We’ve released 2 EPs in 2017 and we recently recorded a 360 video that we shot in the AmmA centre, Armagh. We’re hoping to release some more bits and pieces so stay tuned for that.
▶ Is there a particular live show that stands out amongst all the rest?
We ran a gig in Alex’s village at the cricket club in March of this year. We got a great turnout and we were surprised to have everyone singing along to ‘Own Way’. Everyone was up and dancing it was just a good night in general and we won’t forget it!
▶ Can you talk about a Highlight and a low point of the journey so far?
One of the highlights was back in June or July of last year we got played on across the line from our first ever song we wrote together – system. We were over the moon to be recognised on ATL.
A low point is our current situation. We didn’t get selected for any festivals this season, which is a bit of a bummer. A few of our gigs we had planned for summer got cancelled as well due to unforeseen circumstances on the venues end. Nevertheless we’re going to keep our heads up and come back bigger and better. There’s always room for improvement and we’re always trying to get better.
▶ If you weren’t a musician(s) how would you spend your spare time?
Alex – I would be lost, I think I may actually get a proper job. Scary.
Peter- Working in the bike shop and writing more I suppose.
Johnny- *shrugs shoulders* I don’t know, I might move to Africa or something.
▶ If you were to go on a world tour and you could pick any 3 acts come along, who would they be?
Chicago Typewriter, Highly Suspect & Foo Fighters.
▶ What would be the 3 strangest things on your rider if you were able to make any demand?
Alex – a kettle with milk sugar and teabags.
Peter – coffee.
Johnny – lava lamps, 12 of them.
▶ Is there a particular aim or goal which you hope to achieve through music?
We want to play a big mainstream festival. We don’t want to be the next Rolling Stones but we want to make money and travel doing what we love.
▶ Who has been your biggest inspiration as musicians?
Alex – honestly, Bon Jovi started me off.
Peter – Breaking Benjamin.
Johnny – Brian Warner from Marilyn Manson.
▶ Are there any other Northern Irish musicians we should check out?
Chicago Typewriter, anytime we’ve played with or seen them play they bring the house down. Some real unique sounds.
▶ What is next for you?
We recently released our single ‘Black Lipstick Girl’ and hope to get a few more gigs under our belt after the summer.
◀ LISTEN ▶
Facebook ▶ /Blackout Season
Twitter ▶ @Blackout Season
