Interview: Scotland’s Mixed Signals Delves Into Latest Single “Different Frequencies”
BY OLIVIA LEON
From Ayr, Scotland, Mixed Signals brings new energy to the alternative rock scene with latest single “Different Frequencies.” The band explores “love, hope, and heartbreak” through punchy instrumentals and melodic vocals luring you back to the song over and over again. We got the chance to learn where the inspiration for it all comes from and what’s in store for the group.
“Different Frequencies” feels like a great release to start off the new year with. What do you guys hope is in the cards for the band’s upcoming year? Anything in particular you’re excited for?
We just want to build some momentum on top of different frequencies. Last year we took quite a long break towards the end of the year to evaluate the band's direction and how we could take appropriate strides to get our enjoyment back. In that period it gave myself and the guys time to write the next EP and plan this year. We just want to be releasing music consistently, growing our live and social media audience while playing gigs.
The new single has a bit of a different sound than the band’s past releases! But it has the perfect blend between that quiet alt-rock sound and that catchy indie energy that gets you moving. What went into the writing process of this? Was there anything you drew from differently than other releases?
Having the break to write really helped evaluate the music of the band. Different frequencies was written with a good friend of the band, Callum Thomas (Dancing on Tables). It started off as a quiet acoustic ballad but once we took it into the rehearsal room it really grew arms and legs and got a lot closer to where we felt it needed to be. We knew the song needed to have a fresh new sound while still playing to the direction of the previous songs. Once Tayte Nickols got his hands on it, it became a lot shorter, to the point and way more experimental. We then met in Liverpool at Soundhouse Studio to record the track.
You mentioned the song is tied to “the swing between heartbreak and hope.” Can you delve deeper into what this means to you?
I think when writing music, the band has always turned to the themes of love, hope and heartbreak. I can't always pinpoint why this happens. Most of the time I like writing about these themes as every single one of us goes through these vast experiences every day. One person can find the love of their life on the same day as someone who is chasing the one they can't have, I find this really interesting. I think it's a relatable subject to everyone and our songs are then able to be perceived in either way that the listener wants to. I feel that when we play the songs live, the crowd are all in unison relating to past experiences in the one room together.
It really is the kind of song you could listen to on repeat and never get tired of — are there any songs you personally could listen to on repeat and never get tired of?
My biggest influences are Courteeners, Goo Goo Dolls, Inhaler, 1975 and Oasis but my favourite song from the lot is probably The 17th by Courteeners. I could listen to that song all day without getting fed up. I love it.
How do you draw inspiration from these artists in your own writing and music?
I think a lot of the lyrics from these bands are made up of honesty and relatable stories, with most of them being love songs. I think that's why fans like these bands so much. Musically all of these bands are exceptional too. I like that they all have such a vast discography of different songs and aren't scared to experiment. From the band's point of view, the one band that ties all our music tastes together is Biffy Clyro. I think that the same can be said about Biffy in terms of how they write.
Finally, when a listener tunes in— a few seconds in, half-way through a song, or multiple listens in, what are you hoping they feel from your music?
Just the same things I've touched on previously. I want them to be entertained throughout the song and feel a strong connection with the lyrics.
K E E P U P W I T H
