With undeniable hooks and an energetic live show, ICYMI are one of the UK's fastest rising pop punk bands. We caught up with singer Elin to discuss their new EP 'Sweat' available now through Sound Hub Records.

Tell us about ICYMI for people who may not be familiar?

Well, we're a 4-piece Pop Punk band from Gloucestershire, we all met at college back when I was 17/18, which is a scary thing to think about as that was 3-4 years ago now! We love touring and playing the most energetic shows we possibly can (so if you do ever come and see us live, I apologise in advance for all the sweat).

What's the story behind the abbreviated band name?

Ah this always gets people. It's quite fun when someone asks what your band is called and when you tell them they look at you as if you asked them to solve an algebra question. However, the name actually stands for 'In Case You Missed It' and it's used quite a lot on social media now as a hashtag. 

A couple of years ago we had a little band meeting at Nando's (obviously) with our manager at the time and at this point we were actually in a five-piece band called Freefall but we really needed a name change and a general all over rebrand. We were young when we started Freefall and we were slowly finding out that there were a ton of other bands with the same name and we wanted to stand out. We were going through names and adjectives and words like you wouldn't believe when our manager said hang on a second, have you ever heard of the hashtag ICYMI? Obviously, we hadn't, just as many people still haven't! However, when we thought about it, it made sense, it's eye catching, it's different and we were ready to show people who we were. Not only is it a name but it has a message, watch out, we're coming, don't miss it.

What are the goals for ICYMI and for this EP specifically?

We have waited so long for this EP, it's been a long haul, and I suppose the main goal for this EP is to finally show everyone all of our hard work and to really get our name out there. We've been in the local music scene for so long now but when you're young and starting a band, you just don't have the funds or the contacts to record your music whenever you want, it takes time, and you know what, I'm really grateful for the time it took. We've done so much over these past four years that we've been able to learn and grow as people and musicians and I hope that shows in our music. Our EP is finally here and we want to show people what we can do, and the dream would be that our music helps elevate us and opens up new doors, whatever they may be!

What was the recording process like? 

We recorded SWEAT at our label's, Sound Hub Records, studios. Working with those guys has been amazing, they really want you to do well and they put just as much heart and effort into your music as you do. Also, they have a pet pug named Doug in the studio (yes, a real pug) and his bed is made out of a bass drum, it is the CUTEST thing and he wears little bandanas and it's just great.

However, it wasn't really smooth sailing, not going to lie. My drummer and I, Ben were quite ill on our first session of recording. We had five days booked and Ben had the flu so bad he couldn't even drive us there in his car which we needed because it was the only car we had that could fit all the kit in. In the end Jack (bassist) drove us in Ben's car, we left at 8am hoping to get there for about 10am but we ended up stuck in traffic for ten hours on one stretch of motorway. I didn't get to wee for 8 of those hours, Ben had to wee in a Lucozade bottle, people were just getting out and going on the side of the motor way because the cars moved about a mile per hour. It was ridiculous and we missed our first day of recording but luckily we still managed to smash it out in the days we had left, ya know, without bragging or anything...

Why should people check out ICYMI?

Well now that's a question! Well, we believe that we offer something different and something really honest. We want to break that stigma of "female fronted bands", we are a band that happens to be fronted by a female human, yes, but it doesn't mean we're trying to be someone else or that we’re too scared to give it our all. Our live shows are known for their energy and their care free vibe, we all want everyone who comes to any show to leave feeling excited and even feeling better about themselves. Honestly, we just love to have a good time and want more people to experience that with!

2018 plans?

Now the EP is out, we have so many things we can do. We're going to get back on the road again as its been about a year since we last toured, we want to get on as many festival line ups as we can, and just keep moving forward. I think last year was all about making the EP, this year is the year to show it off.

Where can people find you online? How's best for people to support you?

You can find us everywhere! Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Big Cartel, etc! And like I mentioned before, we love to have a good time and meeting different people from around the country, so just come down to a show! Any show, anywhere, come say hey, tell us what you thought about the show and tell us about yourself! The online presence is important now days, but we would still much rather meet people face to face!

Interview by Hena Larkin

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