Palace Interview: New Music Is Sounding Beautiful

Palace are the latest band to have stolen my heart and I'm sure yours will be next. Represented by Fiction Records which has housed many successful bands including The Maccabees in the past, shows this band have the resources to reach the highest heights. We caught up with front man Leo Wyndham to find out more about this dreamy band.

Why the name palace, what does it mean to you?

My younger brother Wilby came up with the name as a joke. And for reason it resonated. I don't know why but it just fits the sound. I can't explain why really. Just feels very much right. Makes you think BIG, EPIC and ethereal vibes - like how we try to make our music.

I love your album/ EP artwork, who's the artist?

Again my younger brother Wilby. He's done a lot for us. Gave us our name, our artwork and was our first bassist. If anyone's the fifth member of Palace it's him. Follow his Instagram page for beautiful art and other things on @wilm_danby.

Your lyrics are always so beautifully crafted, what's the process around songwriting?

Usually I will bring in a very simple idea. Some chords with a melody and then everyone builds upon it with their epic parts. We do a lot of surgical kind of taking apart of songs and reconstructing. It's a beautiful satisfying process most of the time.

What did it feel like to finally release 'So Long Forever'?

Best day of our lives hands down. Our baby was born. And we felt incredible pride for something to have achieved as great old friends. Doing something like that with your pals is just insanely proud making.

What's been your proudest moment as a band?

Releasing our album. And also when we get emails from people saying our music has got them through a tough time in their lives; or that the music somehow helped.

Genuinely that gives us great joy to know that someone out there has got something from it. I know that music has helped me through tough times for sure.

I caught you at truck & loved your set, what's the best thing about playing live for you?

The buzz is next level. Seeing people singing back and having a good time is like the pay off for what we do really. Getting to prance around on stage like a twat is always pretty fun too.

If you could pick any band, dead or alive, to tour with, who would it be?

We'd have to say The Beatles. We're all in love.

Who's your favourite new band?

Our friends Dead Pretties are great. As are Febueder, Franc Moody and Hot Dreams.

If you could only sing a 3 song set for the rest of your time as a band, which 3 songs would you choose?

Wow. Probably our song So Long Forever as its a banger and fun to play live. Then a cover of The Rocker by Thin Lizzy. And our song Bitter - as the crowd who bonkers for it.

What's the weirdest thing you've experienced together as a band?

We've had some people turning up at our hotels with cakes and gifts and stuff. Thats pretty surreal, very sweet though.

Where did the idea for 'Palace Presents' come from?

When we started out as a band our mate Max had a night at The George Tavern this epic 600 year old pub in Shadwell. We used to play all our early shows there. It's a special place in our hearts. It's also under threat from building contractors like many great London venues, so the night brings some attention to the place and also is an excuse to get all our friends and fans together and watch great music and have a Laff. It's become so fucking special. Can't imagine not doing it anymore. Next one August 24! Come.

What are you most looking forward to about going on tour with Public Service Broadcasting?

Playing huge venues with an amazing interesting band. We get to play Hammersmith Apollo which is nuts. They play really clever kind of eccentric music PSB, so we're super hyped to watch from the wings and learn a thing or two.

Is there anything else you'd like our readers to know about, any releases coming up?

We're gonna be announcing some big things very soon. New music is sounding beautiful. Be ready and keep spreading the Palace love!