First of all, tell us about yourself, who are you and what do you do?

We are SQUARMS, a duo from Newcastle Upon Tyne. We were recently announced on the BBC Introducing In the North East’s ‘Tips for 2020’ list and featured on BBC Sounds ‘The Hot List’.

Why did you choose to become a musician/songwriter?

I’d say it chose us. Heard it before right? It’s the kind of path I’ve fallen in without doubting it. I’ve came through a tundra of experiences and bands since first picking up a guitar. It’s a trajectory that I neither chose or had any desire to force into existence and damn i love it. It’s also somewhat
of a select existence though; it is truth in its unfettered form for better or worse, teetering on the edge of expression and anonymity in an ever growing web of a world that seeks to drain, distract and numb your soul. There is no music without soul, so the war goes on, and its televised for the G pop to scroll past and consume like an item from the saver menu. Are you really hungry or do you just think you are? Who are you?

As a young musician/songwriter, who were some of your biggest inspirations?

Inheriting record collections, 80’s/90’s goldies, accruing me to have somewhat of an appetite for more. Vivid memories of Yellow Submarine on VHS as i went to bed. Looking back, that’s some really trippy s***, I think it must have had some Clockwork Orange type effect.

What do you feel is your biggest achievement in music so far?

Hard question. We shot a music video in Tokyo last year, that was pretty cool. Releasing ‘She Left The TV On’ with Kaneda records is definitely up there too, especially all the guys knocking about the Biscuit Tin Studios at the time of music video shoot. That summer in particular was wild. My biggest achievements or things I hold in high regard have to go to the people I’ve met along the way on this journey, kindred spirits and night owls, music fanatics and down to earth 3am chatters. We also were the first band to ever (to our knowledge) perform on a Ethereum blockchain ticketed live stream event (Paypal for Punks) – which is certainly an interesting idea
with consideration to the future.

What are your biggest aspirations within the music industry?

Become self-sustained doing the thing i love, to create. I can’t really ask for anything more than that can I? I’m set on a path, aspirations or not, it’s the one i’m on. I hope the universe is kind.

If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice as a young musician/songwriter, what would it be and why?

I’d say “ignore everything I say and continue doing what you’re already doing, you have no control over anything anyway so just get on with it. oh yeah it’s very fun, enjoy”

Why is music education so important?

Keeping the arts alive in academic study, especially in more unconventional ways which seek to invigorate creative ideas in youth is vital. It holds down the fringe frontline with undercover agents of knowledge, upholding ideas and shaping new ones. The UK’s incredibly vibrant connection with music culture is unmistakable, a lot of stuff started here believe it or not. We pioneered some radically reality changing counter cultures from which our everyday lives globally have been altered for better or worse. Expression and creativity embraced as a human right should be the norm. Music education has its faults, mostly rooted in establishment, and boy there is many but
it’s important not to gloss over the treasure beneath. In its essence, it is the flag bearer for generations of creatives seeking validation for inherently wanting to create things in a society that seeks to reduce, minimise and restrict funding in the hopes of turning you into a manufactured pipe-fed pop consuming, tabloid reading sheep. Too far? Stick airplane mode on and take a few deep breathes, you’re gonna be fine.