There is something refreshingly genuine about Bottlemoth. Formed from the ashes of previous projects and built on years of friendship, the band have wasted little time establishing themselves as one of the UK's most promising emerging alternative acts. Drawing influence from emotionally resonant heavyweights such as Manchester Orchestra, Frightened Rabbit, The Gaslight Anthem and Jimmy Eat World, Bottlemoth have crafted a sound that balances intimacy with widescreen ambition. We caught up with Ethan from the band to discuss Bottlemoth's origins, life on the road with The Lemonheads, the realities of DIY music, and why staying true to themselves remains at the heart of everything they do as they look towards an exciting future.
Let's start at the beginning. How did Bottlemoth come together, and what was the spark that convinced you this group of musicians had something worth pursuing?
Bottlemoth was born out of other bands coming to a close. The 5 of us are long friends, and we had a lot of material to get us started. That first year we were running straight out of our debut album, getting into shows and starting to get the name out into the world.
Many bands have a story behind their name. We assumed Bottlemoth might actually be a species of moth (we discovered it’s not!). What's the real story, and how did you settle on it?
Ah! I wish there were more meaning. A long evening of us all sat around my kitchen table, pushing words together until we had something that was brand new. Something that meant nothing yet, but could describe us in the long term. Lots of cool ideas from that night, but Bottlemoth was the stand out.
Bottlemoth is still a relatively new band, but the members have plenty of experience behind them. What lessons from previous projects have you brought into this chapter?
We’ve all been in bands since our early teens, and there’s waves to all that. Lots of amazing memories on our past tours, working hard on making it happen. Without speaking for the guys, I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is to stay true to your own sound. It’s gotta be fun, you’ve gotta be passionate about it, and hopefully this all leads to your best work.
Your music feels both intimate and expansive. Which artists, albums or songwriters have had the biggest influence on the Bottlemoth sound?
Thanks very much!
I’d say my biggest influences are Manchester Orchestra, Frightened Rabbit, The Gaslight Anthem, Jimmy Eat World, Wonder Years. All of them are real masters of that dynamic style that we’re still aiming for.
Who are some of the artists, bands or creatives in your circle that our readers should be keeping an eye on right now?
It’s a great question, and lots of great pals making wonderful music. Some of our faves from this year are China Bears, DaySleeper, Noah Villeneuve, Truck, Adult Leisure, Dutch Criminal Record, Jim Lockey - we are spoilt
Supporting The Lemonheads across six UK dates must have produced a few stories for the tour scrapbook. What's your favourite memory from those shows, and did anything happen that still makes the band laugh today?
It was a lush week of shows and magic to be out with The Lemonheads. Some of the biggest shows we’ve played as Bottlemoth, and super grateful for that. Loads of hangs and we met so many cool new people!
The biggest laugh I had was with Matt where an air BnB address took us to a stable in the middle of nowhere one night. For a moment we thought Henry had booked something weird, and we were worried we’d be sharing a room with horses. Eventually found the right spot, but odd!
Every band dreams about playing the perfect festival. If Bottlemoth could curate their own one-day event, which five artists are on the bill alongside you, living or dead?
For me, it would have to be Motörhead, Jimmy Eat World, The Gaslight Anthem, Manchester Orchestra, Frightened Rabbit
Away from music for a moment. If Bottlemoth appeared on Come Dine With Me, who's hosting, what's on the menu, who's washing up and who would be the first to criticise the food?
It’d be very different for each of us, few vegans and veggies in the band. If I am hosting, I’m an avid chicken wing and burger fan. So I’m saying Buffalo Wings, into smash burgers, into a New York cheesecake.
The dishwasher can handle all the washing up, and the rest of the guys can criticise for not being able to join this time.
Keeping with the dinner party theme, you can invite three guests from any era, dead or alive. Who gets a seat at the table?
Lemmy, Bowie, Scott Hutchinson - some collective heroes here
What's being played in the background while dinner is served? Give us the soundtrack to the perfect Bottlemoth evening.
Maybe something wild but instrumental so can float into the background, like the Cowboy Bebop soundtrack
Touring can be glamorous in photos and chaotic in reality. What's the most memorable, funny or completely unexpected thing that's happened to you on the road so far?
It’s a hustle when not hiring a van, and on these dates we were in a couple of cars. Do our best to not sleep on floors or sofas like our first touring days!
The most memorable moment though has been our Little Rock holiday to the Isle of Wight Festival last summer. Super to be invited to perform at the festival, then a magic afternoon down on the beach before heading home. Bring on more rock holidays!
What has been the biggest challenge you've faced as a band since launching Bottlemoth, and how did you overcome it?
I think starting a new band is always hard to get the name out there, and we are still working on that. DIY promo is also a minefield - everything’s always changing. We’re always learning though, always pushing, and dead excited for all we’re working on.
When you look ahead to the next twelve months, what can fans expect? New music, touring, festivals, surprises?
We’re currently working on finishing our second album - all the songs are there, just getting them recorded and mixed!
We’ll definitely be on the road again as soon as we can, and hopefully at a chunk of festivals too next summer if all the stars align
If someone discovers Bottlemoth for the first time tomorrow, which song should they listen to first and what should they know before pressing play?
Personally, I’m dead proud of our latest two singles Lilac and Suki. Both showcase where our sound is heading, and I’m so excited for that. Produced by us, mixed by Matt in the band. The thing to know is we write about what we know - our friends, family, loved ones.. Our goal has always been to make music that is dynamic and relatable, as well as memorable.
Finally, every great interview needs a great cheese question. What is your favourite cheese, and exactly how should it be served? Crackers? Crusty bread? Pickled onions? Chutney? Grapes? Paint us the perfect cheese board.
I’m a smoked cheddar fan, which Chessa will say is boring. Chessa’s really into blue cheese, which I think is a bit gross. Matt would bring a vegan cheese that we’d all tuck into as well. I’m not sure what Henry and Tom would bring along - hopefully a brie and a melted Camembert with lots of bread for dipping. It’d be rude to not have crackers, pickled onions and chutney too now you’ve said it!
With a second album currently taking shape and more touring firmly on the horizon, Bottlemoth are a band moving forward with quiet confidence and a clear sense of purpose. Their songs are rooted in the people and experiences closest to them, creating music that feels both deeply personal and instantly relatable. Whether it's the soaring emotion of recent singles Lilac and Suki, memorable festival adventures, or ambitions for bigger stages ahead, Bottlemoth remain focused on growth without losing sight of what matters most: friendship, authenticity and writing songs that genuinely connect. Judging by their momentum so far, this is only the beginning of the journey.
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