i-Files: Kingswood
“To have friends you need to be a friend.”
In the days since COVID-19 has dominated our screens, and mandatory self-isolation is being enforced globally, things can seem pretty bleak. With the recent announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson effectively placing the UK into a lockdown, all non-essential travel has been restricted, and only urgent outings (including to buy essential food, medicine and exercise once a day). This change, which is set to last for a further 3 weeks and then will be reviewed, has been imposed as a way of ensuring social distancing measures are used to quell the spread of the outbreak. EQUATE took this time to catch up with our favourite artists and creatives for our ‘Isolation Files’ to see what they are doing to keep their spirits up during this time, and bring some positivity to our readers.
Defined by simply being undefinable, the 4-piece Melbourne band, Kingswood, has been on a journey of discovery, and returns with their long-awaited third studio album, ‘Juveniles’. Establishing themselves as one of Australia’s most formidable and engaging live acts, Kingswood’s ability to reinvent themselves and flourish within the realm of new sonic influences has remained at the centre of their work. We caught up with the guys on the other side of the globe to see what lockdown has been like down under.
EQ: Hey guys! What are you doing to stay busy right now?
KW: To be honest, it has been fairly easy for me to stay busy; these conditions are aiding my creative efficiency. Usually, the challenge is trying to find time amongst let’s call it ‘normal life’ so that I have time to write, record, etc.
I’m sure that it will become more difficult the longer it goes on, but for me at the moment, writing, editing old tour footage, watching movies, perfecting a carrot cake and exercising to burn off the carrot cakes is holding back any kind of new madness.
EQ: What are the top three tracks on your playlist at the moment? Anything in particular you can’t take off repeat?
KW: I’ve been listening to a lot of Neil Young. I’m so in love with his voice, it almost doesn’t matter what he’s singing. I’m gonna give you three of his songs all from the record, as the listening experience should parallel that of a three-course meal in a decent restaurant, rather than feed you three completely different street meats from across the globe.
1: Unknown Legend – this song has only two chords, learn it on guitar and have it up your sleeve for when an overstepping host thrusts a guitar in your hands.
2: Harvest Moon – put it on whilst you are cooking dinner, call in your love if you currently have one, slow dance around the kitchen, they will never forget the moment and love you forever, so be careful.
YouTube/Neil Young Channel
3: One of These Days – So it’s on the record, play this song at my funeral, please, also be inspired to sit and write letters to all your friends and loved ones, you have the time.
EQ: With so much content out there right now across socials, is there anything that has stood out to you that you can share?
KW: To be honest I haven’t been spending too much time across the socials, but we have been apart of a few ‘live from your phone’ shows, although the quality isn’t great, I do like the intimacy of watching artists in their homes, live, there is something nice about how connected you feel to them and the rest of the viewers. Whenever I see someone is live, I like to pop on and have a look, maybe even say hi. If I have to recommend something, John Mayer’s ‘Current Mood’ is a laugh.
EQ: What would you recommend we all tune into on Netflix/Amazon Prime?
KW: I only just saw the Korean film ‘Parasite’, there was a lot of buzz about it, it won the best picture Oscar, the first non-English speaking film to do so. I thought I’d let the hype die down and wait till I could give it my full attention. So, one morning after I returned from a walk with coffee, I sat on the couch cross-legged, phone in the other room, and watched it.
A week earlier, I watched Tarantino’s latest film, which was also up for best picture. I’m a big fan of him and I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, but I will say this: it has nothing on Parasite. It’s one of the best films I’ve ever seen, and I urge you all to watch it. But it requires focus and commitment; don’t allow yourself to be distracted. All good art deserves 100% focus.
YouTube/Madman Films
Instagram: @kingswoodband
…I do like the intimacy of watching artists in their homes, live, there is something nice about how connected you feel to them and the rest of the viewers.
– KINGSWOOD
EQ: What’s a positive mantra that’s getting you through this time?
KW: I heard a good one the other day on a podcast, something like ‘to have friends you need to be a friend’. I took it as a reminder that friendships need nurturing; you may not be seeing your friends as much, so make sure you call them, check in, and be a good friend to them. Some of them might not be doing so well.
EQ: With all the spare time, how are you tapping into your creativity?
KW: Without the inspirations of day to day interactions, traveling, talking with friends or strangers in bars, it has been challenging to be inspired, of course there is isolation and the impending doom civilisation but I have no interest in writing about that stuff I’m sure that will be covered by many, I want to write about joy, triumph, resolve, but as you can imagine that kind of stuff is not exactly pouring out the tap at the moment.
EQ: First place you’ll head to when everyone comes out of isolation?
KW: The pub, or a cocktail bar, both, somewhere there is a band playing, maybe something like an Irish folk band or something. Or a music venue called the Tote, its filthy, I miss the smell of beer-soaked carpets, you will find such a smell there, paired with of course, rock ‘n’ roll bands.
EQ: What can we look forward to hearing from you later in the year? Any exciting projects we should be looking out for?
KW: We released our third album into this apocalypse and had to cancel our tour; that’s been tough. But we already have a bunch of music for the fourth, we are still writing and recording so we may have the fourth out sooner than expected. We also have a few side projects we are working on so as soon as the gates are lifted, we’ll have plenty to show ya’ll.
Stream ‘Juveniles’ HERE
Keep up with Kingswood on socials:
Instagram: @kingswoodband
For advice or information on the COVID-19 virus, we recommend that you thoroughly read the NHS’s Corona Virus Advice page.
If you or anyone you know is feeling unwell and suspects you may have been in contact with an infected individual, then please (as instructed) self-isolate immediately, stay away from vulnerable persons, and call your local 111 service for further advice.
Please remember to wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, think about others, and stay safe during this period! ❤️
Love, Team EQUATE.