Female First got the opportunity to chat to Abi Sinclair of Bat and Ball before the release of their second single, and couldn't pass up on the chance to ask her questions on what to expect from their upcoming releases, live shows and the future.
Bat and Ball are Chris and Abi SinclairHow did you find yourself pursuing a career in the music industry?
We grew up in a musical household, surrounded by instruments and wonderfully supportive parents. We studied popular music at Goldsmiths where we met the rest of the band and started to try and make a name for ourselves. A mixture of hard work and good fortune brought us here.
Has music always been a passion of yours?
Always. As long as I can remember there has been nothing better than listening to music and performing. As a band we have many interests in art, making videos, poetry and political issues. Being able to combine these with music, like making ‘Stops My Mouth’ music video, is the best thing.
What are some of your earliest music-related memories?
Playing Shania Twain covers under the guidance of our Dad is an awkward but fond memory.
How important is it for you to have creative control in what you do?
It’s what Bat and Ball are about. Every process from writing, recording, to the artwork and video are in the hands of the band.
This year you'll be playing The Great Escape Festival in Brighton - what do you expect from that experience, and what can those coming to watch you perform expect to see?
We are really excited about this show - it’s a chance to play to a new audience and turn some heads. People can expect some new material too. The line-up looks fantastic, so we’ll definitely be out and about to see the other bands. Once all is done we’ll sleep it off on the beach.
Your new single 'Stops My Mouth' is out later this month, how best would you describe the track?
We wanted this to be an ‘immediate’ song that would connect with listeners instantaneously with its melody and with a groove people want to dance to. But we wanted it to be a song that would repay repeated listening, so the lyrics are darker and deeper than the surface of the song would suggest.
What's the biggest hope you have for your career?
We hope to have a career that keeps us moving, seeing new places and having adventures. We’d like to be able to buy a canal boat and then live on it.
Where do you hope and expect to be this time next year?
To be writing and recording more music in a lovely studio somewhere and to having some outdoor festival gigs lined up, we love some gigs beyond England too.
Are there any other projects or works in the pipeline that you can share some details about?
Hopefully there will be some remixes of ‘Stops My Mouth’ coming out soon. We’re keen to remix some other artists music as well, so keep an eye out for that!
Bat and Ball release their Stops My Mouth single on Monday April 28th via Kissbility/ Hospital Samples, and play a live show on the same evening at The Shacklewell Arms, London.