The Bloodpoets are one of my favourite new bands on the scene, thanks to their energetic live shows and eclectic gem of a debut, Polarity. I recently caught up with the band’s lead vocalist and founder Thomas Murphy to chat about the album, life on the road, and all things music.
Your debut album Polarity has just been released. For those who haven’t heard of you before, how would you describe it?
I would describe it as a bit of a journey. Kind of like a day. The beginning of the album is vibrant and exciting, the type of thing you can leave on at a party. The final section is more diverse and interesting with songs that are a bit more emotionally intense, and finally the relief of “My Paradise” which is basically the going to bed song! Pretty much put this album on 45 minutes before bed at full blast.
Polarity is such an eclectic album. What bands are you listening to at the moment?
I am listening to Muse quite a bit just because I support their experimentation and diversity. I see it as a positive reinforcement that I can continue to release in that fashion and still aim for success. Also listening to old Radiohead and as always Beatles and The Cure
I saw you supporting The Badloves last month, and I was really impressed by the way you won over the mostly middle-aged crowd. How do you approach a show like that, where everyone is keen to see a headliner whose music is so different to your own?
We find the feel of the headliner and try and match it as best we can so people can have an ideal night. They expect to have a colourful sonic experience, so it’d suck if we rocked and ruined that preconception of the night out. We did throw in Borderline just to entertain the younger people. We did the same for The Whitlams though at the Tivoli and copped a bit of flack for being samey and uneventful. So we’re just learning to be a support, we should’ve rocked Whitlams, but we didn’t rock Badloves and it was fine. Just depends on the crowd on the night.
You’re currently on tour to support the album. What do you love about being on stage?
I love the idea that I know what is coming. I know what songs the crowd is there for and will react to, so I get this awesome anticipation of knowing that the room is going to explode in the next song, and I use the song previous to it to prepare for it. It’s an art in itself, and it’s much more intense and risky.