Can you tell us a bit about yourselves and where you are from?
We are a band called Joseph & David from Leeds, me (David Henshaw) and Joseph Lawrenson write music together and then we play live and on record with a band of friends.
‘Falling Wood’ is the very powerful lead track taken from your new EP Rise Up The Sun, can you tell us a bit about it?
‘Falling Wood’ was probably the most interesting writing experience out of all of the tracks on the EP. It was written over a weekend with the band and friends at a camping barn in the Lake District. Taking the band into a new environment really allowed for us to create something a bit different, So after a few late night beers and some serious group chanting with our friend Ben Leftwich, we came up with the bones of the song. Then we finished the lyrics and instrumentation at home. The track is about being there and sharing with friends, your loss but also your gain.
David – Falling Wood
Who would you say has influenced your sound the most?
I think our sound comes from a real love of songwriting and melody. We work so hard on trying to create something that moves people on different levels, be that musically or lyrically. I’d say we are influenced by the likes of Sigur Ros, Leonard Cohen, Foy Vance and so many others.
What has been your standout moment this year?
We have had such a fun year so far! Touring with Benjamin Francis Leftwich was a great experience, but also recording Rise Up The Sun with James Kenosha [Pulled Apart By Horses/Dry the River] at his studio was really special for us.
Where and when can people catch you live?
We are going on a small tour of the UK in December to celebrate the release of the EP. People can catch us in Manchester, Durham, Cardiff, London and Leeds.
What was the first piece of music you bought?
The first piece of music I bought was Travis The Invisible Band. I think I listened to that album in conjunction with David Gray White Ladder everyday all the way through high school.
CD, Vinyl, Digital? Where do you stand on these formats?
CD and Vinyl all the way. Owning a physical copy of an album with all its artwork and sleeve notes has always been pretty special to me. Digital download in the long term doesn’t seem to be as treasured by anyone.
Name one thing no one knows about you?
As a band we have a keen interest in the art of surrealist dance. We have spent many a late night working on our technique and throwing different shapes. We are currently in the search for an outlet that combines both our love for surreal dance and soft acoustic music.
What are your hopes for 2012?
We hope in 2012 to keep writing music as much as we can and I’m sure we will be playing shows all around the UK. Hopefully in places we have never been before. I think we are still learning and trying to understand what it is we do better so in 2012 I hope to experiment and maybe release another EP coming from a different angle.
Finally, give me one sentence that sums up Joseph & David or your music.
We try to create music that is uplifting and moves people.
