hmv talks to... Somebody's Child

Congratulations on the new album! For those who are just discovering it, how would you describe When Youth Fades Away in just a few words?

Thank you! I’d say it’s definitely a step forward from our first record. There’s a different dynamic this time around — new instruments, more layers, just a lot more going on sonically. I’d describe it as happy-sad, you know? It’s got this groove that makes you want to dance, but there’s a melancholic undertone running through it.

Now that listeners have had some time to sit with it, what’s the one feeling or message you hope stays with them?

I wouldn’t want to tell anyone exactly how to feel or what to take away — it’s more of a sensory experience. Our lyrics can be a bit abstract, almost like a dream. They might not make perfect sense at first, but they sort of shift and transition from one idea to the next. It might only click when you're reflecting on it afterward, and I actually like that ambiguity. I think that’s how I’d like people to approach it.

Looking back, how did the writing process differ from your debut album?

It was very different — we kind of flipped everything on its head this time. With the first album, we had opened ourselves up to loads of influences, but in hindsight, we ended up falling into familiar patterns. It became less unique than we wanted it to be. And for me, I can’t move on to the next project unless I feel like I’m building off what came before — like it’s evolving, not repeating.

With this one, I actually stopped listening to music altogether for a while. We wanted to strip it back and figure out what we sound like, without outside noise. We focused on maybe five artists at most throughout the writing process, and that really helped us zero in on our voice. It felt good — like setting a goal and actually reaching it. I’m trying to hold onto that feeling before the album is fully out in the world and takes on a life of its own.

How would you say your sound and songwriting have evolved since that debut?

It’s definitely matured. The new songs are more measured, more deliberate. There’s a sense of identity now, rather than searching for one. I think the first record was a bit more chaotic, which had its charm, but this one feels more grounded.

When Youth Fades Away feels like a creative turning point — where do you see things heading next, musically?

I think there are two ways to approach making an album. You can either try to give people what they expect from you, or you can go inward and really explore what you want to say as an artist. We chose the latter with this one, and while it’s scarier — because you don’t always know where you’ll end up — it’s also way more rewarding.

We’ve actually just started writing what could be the third album — literally yesterday. We’ve no clue what it’ll sound like yet, and honestly, that’s exciting. That discovery is what makes doing this worthwhile for me. It's a wide open space right now, and we’re just stepping into it.

Love that! Shifting gears for a second — you recently played the Olympia Theatre in Dublin. How was that?

Yeah, it was amazing — it’s the biggest venue in Dublin before you hit arena size, so it was a real milestone for us. Although... I fell over during the first song! Pretty embarrassing. And of course, I could see my family and friends in the crowd, just watching like, “What’s going on?” I was mortified.

You should’ve played it off — made it part of the choreography!

I know, right? People actually asked if it was deliberate. I should’ve owned it!

So what’s coming up next? Any shows you're particularly excited about?

Yeah, by the time this comes out, we’ll have announced a big in-store tour, plus we’ve got dates lined up in Germany and a full European tour towards the end of the year. We’re also hitting a few festivals, which is always a good time.

Last year was a bit quieter release-wise, so we definitely felt like we were still touring off the fumes of the first album. Having new music out now — it gives everything fresh energy. It feels like we’re entering a new chapter, and that’s a great place to be.

Shop the band's new album When Youth Fades Away below.