Getting To Know: FIVER

The Oxford-based indie-rock band FIVER is making waves with their unique sound and electrifying performances. Celebrating the release of their second EP, 'Sewer,' in May 2024, the band sold out a headline show in their hometown. Now, they're captivating audiences with a series of nostalgic, festival-infused singles and music videos. With 'Thrown' debuting in early July, fans eagerly await the upcoming releases of 'Reach' and 'Too Close To The Sun.'

Formed by childhood friends from the Thame area, Owen, Alistair, Jake, and Dylan have been passionate about music from a young age. After playing in separate bands during their teens, they united to form FIVER, quickly gaining a loyal following with performances in Oxford, London, and Leeds. Drawing musical comparisons to Kings of Leon, Arctic Monkeys, and Bloc Party, FIVER's lead singer Owen delivers sensitive lyrics with a passionate and unique voice.

Praised by BBC Introducing's Dave Gilyeat and other indie radio stations, FIVER is a band to watch. With their infectious energy and heartfelt music, they are poised to become a staple on the festival circuit.

1. Congratulations on the release of your second EP, 'Sewer'! How does it feel to have such a successful launch and a sold-out headline show in your local area?

“It makes me blush” [Owen]

It’s amazing to see the response we are getting from our hometown, it makes us feel very proud to know that this all came from nothing. It wouldn't be possible without the efforts and support from our friends, family and team. It was a very wholesome evening.

2. Your upcoming singles 'Reach' and 'Too Close To The Sun' are set to join 'Thrown' soon. Can you give us a sneak peek into the themes or stories behind these new tracks?

“The story behind ‘Reach’ comes from quite a sombre place, which is a contrast to the upbeat sound. I felt a lot of artists were always talking about how great they were, which I was not a fan of. Instead, ‘Reach’ is a self-deprecating track. It is very honest and vulnerable, like a lot of my other songs. I try not to be self indulgent in real life so I use my lyrics to express that feeling, in hopes that it will get it out of my system. Spoiler alert: it doesn't work.” [Owen]

‘Close to the sun’ started with our bassist Jake bringing a cool bass idea to the rest of the band. Alistair and Owen then went back and forth with riff ideas during a jam session until we settled on something. Then Dylan did his thing and added the drums into the session, we knew we had a hit. There was such a short window between us writing the song, falling in love with it and heading straight to the studio to record. 

“The lyrics came after building the track in our jam session. I was told to stop being so ‘facetious’ and at the time I had no idea what that meant, but it definitely sounds cool in the song” [Owen]

3. FIVER formed organically through childhood friends of friends. How has your close-knit background influenced your music and the band's dynamic?

We are able to be very honest with each other, we don't hold back when sharing our opinions but usually we call them facts. The truth is objective, but there is never any judgement or sour air between us. Musically, we are all very aware of our place within the band and we know our taste well.

“We just get on with it. It’s much easier to write together as we don't dwell on silly stuff, we can filter out the good from the bad very quickly.” [Alistair]

“I have faith in the rest of the band. They allow me the space I need to write my lyrics in my own time and I trust they will be able to perfectly create the sound I envisioned.” [Owen]

4. You've been compared to big names like Kings of Leon, Arctic Monkeys, and Bloc Party. How do you feel about these comparisons, and what sets FIVER apart from these influences?

It is definitely an honour to be compared to bands that we look up to. These are some of the biggest bands in the world and individually some of our favourite artists, it's nice to know that people see the potential within us to create a similar impact.

“We do our own thing and we don’t take it too seriously. Our roots are set in punk music, you can hear that in some of our older tracks. This edge definitely sets us apart from those bands. I am glad that we are compared to a range of acts rather than just one. It is amazing that our listeners have merged a bunch of bands together to try and define our sound.” [Jake] “Like a mongrel!” [Owen]

5. Receiving praise from BBC Introducing and having a star-studded attendance at your recent London show are huge achievements. What’s next for FIVER, and what are your goals for the future?

“Fame and fortune. [Owen]

“We would love to support some bigger bands soon” [Alistair]

“I hope that we can keep evolving our sound” [Jake]

“If we could play one place, I would love to do just a random mountainside gig, with a generator to power the whole thing. Why not?’ [Dylan]

“I want to play at the o2 Academy in Brixton. I will know we’ve made it when a 13 year old comes up to me and says ‘Dem tunes are bussin for real’ hahaha” [Owen]

“More bangers! I just want to have fun, however that looks, I don't have rigid expectations as long as we can bring more people along for the ride. Playing from the heart, and sometimes playing from the penis.” [Dylan] 

“It's always been a dream of mine to be a full time musician and not have to work another job. We all want our sole focus to be on making more music. I hope the future brings more opportunity for that” [Jake] 

Owen - Vocals

Alistair - Guitar

Jake - Bass

Dylan - Drums