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Ellie McGuire

Interview - Pharmacists

UK-based singer-songwriter Pharmacists has released his latest single 'Heart Of The Nation'. The project was initially meant to keep lead singer, William Porteous, sane throughout his monotonous 9-5 job. He writes about bereavement, grief, and social discourse.


We had a conversation with Pharmacists regarding the release, his future plans, and the reasons you should listen to his music. Check it out here at IGNITE!


Hey Pharmacists, how are you doing?


I’m doing just grand, thanks!


Who are your main influences as a band? 


That’s pretty straightforward (if that’s really possible) Weezer, Alvvays, Springsteen and Pixies.


Sum up your music for us in three words? 


Big fat choruses.


What's your biggest highlight so far? 


Recording my first single. It was truly freeing and relaxing which hasn’t always been the case. Creativity is a necessity, it’s immensely rewarding when you get it right.

 

How have friends and family reacted to your journey so far in music? 


Ummm still don’t give up your day job but well done. A few pats on the back. A few patient sighs…


Congratulations on the release of your new single 'Heart of the Nation'. We're loving it! How did it come about and what’s the meaning and/or message behind the song?  


It was originally a sort of angry love song. It evolved when I grew sick and tired of seeing the far right of this country warp people’s perception of refugees, people massively in need. It’s about a guy who falls out of love with society and gets mixed up with the wrong crowd. You can’t break off the heart of the nation, can ya? That’s aimed at the far right. They have in some regard and so in that way perhaps it is an angry love song.



What was the recording and writing process like for this song? 


It was magic. It was me and Pete at Plug Studios for two days and after the ups and downs of previous bands recording sessions, it was like being on a mediation retreat. It was so cathartic. Pete got everything I wanted.


How would you describe this single sonically for our readers? 


Good question. I think it’s full. I aimed for those Weezer guitars on the blue album with a pinch of Taylor Swift towards the last verse. It’s fuzzy and ironically joyous.

 

What are your plans for the rest of 2024? What can fans expect? 


Well, I’m aiming for a few more enthusiastic pats on the back maybe even see how the single goes and get out to some venues. We’re a three-piece so it’s small and punchy, just like it should be. 

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