From sharing stages with the likes of Napoleon, Reclaimer and Blood Youth, it is clear that the influence of these bands has had a lasting impact on the band’s development – and has continued on to project itself onto the later years of their career.
On the 26th of June 2020, We Struck Gold delivered the explosive full length To Conquer a Fear/All Life Is Divine before entering the studio once more almost a full year later. Time away from social distractions over the course of the pandemic has allowed the band to sit back, graft hard and document the process, all boiling down to their latest instalment.
It’s difficult to summarise ‘Giving Up On Giving In’ in a few words, and without listening to the bands prior releases you may never full understand the concept. Looking back over the bands discography there is a distinct progression through different era’s, from influences old and new alongside obstacles and knock backs – slowly moulding the project into the latest model of themselves. It’s a track the band are understandably proud of, and we strongly hope we won’t be waiting around long for another dose. The band have poured all of their frustrations surrounding social norms into one crushing three minute single, bringing a brutal combination of stadium sized guitars and a passion akin to The Here And Now era Architects. The band have always had a fearsome reputation for relentless touring, and following the release of ‘Giving Up On Giving In’ we’re certain that there will be plenty more enthusiasts scrambling for tickets.
We caught up with the Bristol collective to ask about the single, the new lineup and plans to get back on the road.
Before we get into the new music – For anyone who doesn’t already know who you are, what’s the We Struck Gold origin story?
“We are a collective of like minded musicians and dreamers. Our music is our message, our being is our dream.”
It’s been nearly two years since your last release – how long have you guys been sitting on Giving Up On Giving In?
“The song was one of the first to be written after the last release. In truth we have been sitting on this for a very long time due to a multitude of factors. Covid played the biggest part of all, Omar was stuck out of the country when airport closures made his 3 week holiday turn into 11 months away. This obviously held back the schedule massively, but as soon as he was back we hit the studio and started work on bringing this new chapter of WSG to life.”
What inspired the lyrical content behind the single? Is there a specific message you’re looking to send with the track?
“The inspiration behind the lyrics were conjured up as a result of the false sense of self and the idea of true self potential not being reached. It is the beginning of our war waged on self doubt for the reclamation of desire and purpose.”
Is ‘Giving Up On Giving In’ intended as a stand alone release, or is this the start of a fresh record cycle?
“There is a lot in the works. All will be revealed in due course.”
On the topic of records as a whole – As a band, which release to date has brought you the most catharsis?
“It would be ‘Giving Up On Giving In’. The song is the new beginning, the revival. Everything is finally coming together and this song marks the start.”
How have you found the dynamic adapting to encompass a fresh lineup?
“Everything has shifted in a proactive and positive way. Three like-minded people, willing to make every sacrifice. It’s hard to find this and harder to hold onto, but we are and we do, because we all have a very clear vision and are intent on bringing it to life.”
You’ve dipped your toe back into the South West live circuit for sure – any touring plans for the rest of the year?
“All shall be disclosed soon.”
What’s been the highlight of your journey as a band so far?
“May be surprised to hear this but it would probably be the time generated from lockdowns and the step back from the world of live music. It allowed us to really hone back on what we wanted as a band and strategise. The time out was our rebirth.”
What’s the main thing fans can expect from you this year?
“The unexpected.”
If you had to sum up the WSG ethos in three words, what would those words be?
“Positive Mental Attitude.”