Rock trio Naked Six unveiled their debut album Lost Art Of Conversation last month, eleven tracks that serve up an array of emotions whilst bringing together hints of Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes, Nirvana and Queens Of The Stone Age. We caught up with guitarist/vocalist Seb Byford to find out more about Naked Six, including their influences and what they aim to achieve as a band.
Firstly, tell us a bit about yourself and your band.
Good day Bring The Noise, we are Seb Byford (guitar/vocals) and cousins Tom Witts (drums) and Callum Witts (bass/keyboards).
How did the band form and how long have you been together?
The band formed back in 2015 amongst the Yorkshire Moors, the line-up has changed slightly over the years until we found our vibe. A passion for music and life brought us together, it feels good to have it down man.
Can you remember the first time you realised you wanted to make music?
We have all been brought up around great music, Tom and Cal have had a range of music blasting in their homes since childhood, inspired by the likes of artists like Neil Young, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Supertramp and Elton John, just to name a few. I’ve been drumming since I was little and shared a similar interest in the artists we all love. In terms of a defining moment that made us realise we wanted to pursue music, it must have been a moment on stage – where your entire life folds away and it’s just the music and the people. That feels the best man.
Who and what are the band’s main influences?
In the last few years since we’ve moved to Manchester and have been living together we have discovered some great new artists. We are big fans of Dope Lemon, Big Thief, Radiohead, Brian Jones Town Massacre, Michael Kiwanuka, The Doors, Joni Mitchell – the list could go on! We can’t beat a bit of Coltrane or Chet Baker – it’s expansive and it’s forever growing with new discoveries you know. But I think we take influence from just living, experiencing life and watching it unfold – especially recently, it’s a mad, mad world we’re living in!! We all like the outdoors, surfing and walking, keeping the mind free. As much as our influence comes from what we listen to, it comes from what we’re up to.
What do you aim to achieve as a band?
We want to make records, our sound is always developing and changing and we just want to get that laid down and shared with the fans, they make it all worthwhile. We also want to get over to America and play some shows across the vast country, that’s an exciting thought for us all.
For those who are yet to see you live, what can they expect from a Naked Six show?
It’s hard for us to say what to expect, because we are on the inside of the music. We think it’s down to you to come and see how it makes you feel. But expect some loud guitar, the occasional dirty riff and some floating melodies. We like to let loose on stage and hope you can do the same.
What’s next for Naked Six?
Unfortunately because of COVID-19 we are all back at our homes locking it down, keeping it real. But we will soon be back in Manchester continuing our second record. We have a headline show over in York at the Fullford Arms on the 2nd October (if lockdown has been lifted, touch wood)! We will be organising some more shows across the north as well, so keep your eyes peeled on our socials and all that jazz.
Naked Six‘s debut album Lost Art Of Conversation is out now via Silver Lining Music, available to stream or purchase HERE.
