We had the pleasure of chatting with London-based dream pop band Anteros before their sold-out show at Jimmy’s in Manchester. Our conversation touched on their upcoming debut album, the importance of girl power, and Harry’s love for Coronation Street.
What came first: the band name or the song?
Laura: Definitely the song.
Josh: The song, yeah.
Laura: Josh and I wrote “Anteros” ages ago, before we knew what the project was going to be. That’s when it became clear that it was something bigger, not just a solo thing or a duo.
Josh: Yeah.
Laura: So the song came first, and then thinking of a band name was pretty hard work. Anteros defined the start of something, so we went with that. Harry joined on drums shortly after, and then Jackson came on board last year on guitar.
What was your favorite experience of 2017?
Jackson: There were a few, weren’t there? Community Festival!
Josh: Community Festival in Finsbury Park was amazing.
Laura: It was our first time playing a London festival that big. Playing to a crowd that knew our songs was a huge highlight. It was surreal to see people on shoulders singing along.
Do you feel support slots broadened your fan base?
Harry: Yeah, 100%.
Laura: It’s always a chance to pick up new fans. Playing live shows connects us with people in a way that press doesn’t. You can’t put a price on actual people turning up to your shows.
Who’s been your favorite band to tour with?
Laura: There have been a lot of great bands. Blaenavon was amazing.
Harry: They’re lovely.
Laura: Thankfully, we haven’t had any disasters. Touring has been about making friends in the industry.
What’s the meaning behind “Bonnie” and why do you get your fans on stage?
Laura: I’ve always struggled with body image, and “Bonnie” reflects that time in your twenties when you’re transitioning into adulthood. It’s a celebration of women. We want all the girls on stage to feel it’s their moment, and it creates a positive atmosphere.
What’s behind the space theme of your merch?
Laura: It ties into the Drunk EP, which has a lot of tracks about the moon and space. We love creating our own world around that theme, and it reflects our vision.
Do you have names for your instruments?
Josh: I have two basses—one is named Matilda, and the other is Tinker Bell.
Jackson: My guitar is called The Hoff, as in David Hasselhoff.
Harry: Mine is Deidre the DW, named after Deidre from Coronation Street.
How does Frida, your pug, find tour life?
Laura: She’s currently in her hotel room! It’s been fun having her with us; she’s used to it.
Jackson: I’m not a big fan of dogs, but Frida is great for making friends.
What’s your current favourite record?
Jackson: A Deeper Understanding by The War on Drugs.
Josh: I love Chance the Rapper’s latest album.
Harry: I’ve been revisiting Different Creatures by Circa Waves.
Laura: I can’t stop listening to Cocteau Twins’ Heaven or Las Vegas.
What are you most looking forward to in 2018?
Laura: Making the album! We’ve been recording and are excited to pour our hearts into something authentic. We want to focus on what feels right and not worry about external pressures.
