Comic Sans are Rachelle and Loz, a Birmingham-based duo with lots to offer. Describing themselves as "an energetic and colourful girl band who strive to create vibrant and powerful music", they definitely exude fabulous energy (which I was lucky to witness live at an International Women's Day event recently) and a subtle and very honest eccentricity. Most importantly, they create great music with alt-rock/grunge/punk overtones.
Can you tell me a bit about Comic Sans - where you came from, how you got together, what you stand for ..?
Comic Sans: It’s funny really, we were put in the same halls at Uni but didn’t speak for a while. It
was only until the first night of the University music society and Loz grabbed Rachelle in the hallway before leaving to ask if Rachelle wanted to join. Rachelle actually joined another band previous to Comic Sans, where she was only allowed to cover the music of Oasis. This is why you will never find us covering any Oasis songs ...
Later in the year, we had a jam in our Uni kitchen and decided to piece together some of the lyrics Rachelle had previously written for solo stuff (pretty ironic considering she couldn’t - at the time - play any instruments). From there we got asked to perform for the Uni, we got into radio through a community station, networked with BBC Radio Lincolnshire and did a lot of work with their Introducing arm! Then we’ve just been having fun and playing music together.Regarding our musical ‘stance’, its pretty clear we’re loud, we’re queer and we’re here. If we forget the Pride flag before a live show it’s a genuine tragedy. How dare people think we’re straight.
It's important for young (and old) people to hear versions of themselves through the music they choose to listen to. It's all too often you hear common pronouns being used in romantic songs (which we've been guilty of, and we're looking to re-record our music with neutral pronouns), or all boy bands on a line up, and we’re trying to change this slowly.
So are you into fonts, or ..?
Rachelle: This is an "If I had a pound for every ..." moment!
I do graphic design to fund the band and I should cringe at the name, but honestly, we couldn’t be bothered to think of a real name, and when typing all of our mediocre ideas out on a Word doc. We were typing with Comic Sans, so we felt it only fitting to give up the ghost and use that.
The "market" is pretty full at the moment, with lots of new bands, and lots of new music
coming out (perhaps as a result of all the creative energy being used during lockdowns). This is great, but also means a lot of competition! What do you think makes you stand out?
coming out (perhaps as a result of all the creative energy being used during lockdowns). This is great, but also means a lot of competition! What do you think makes you stand out?
Comic Sans: It's deffo harder to make a name for yourself now - you have to prove you have
something to say. Even though there's lots of new bands and music, we actually really enjoy the community it's created - not sure whether it's because we've come out of our shells a bit more after Covid and started interacting with Birmingham musicians since moving back home after Uni, but it feels like the music scene is a lot more forgiving than it was before, because we all know how hard it is to hit the big time.
something to say. Even though there's lots of new bands and music, we actually really enjoy the community it's created - not sure whether it's because we've come out of our shells a bit more after Covid and started interacting with Birmingham musicians since moving back home after Uni, but it feels like the music scene is a lot more forgiving than it was before, because we all know how hard it is to hit the big time.
Rachelle: I’ll always remember what AURORA told me, if you have something to say, people
will listen. I just hope that because we are true to ourselves, and strive for equality on multiple
levels of the music industry - being feminine, queer etc ... that our music finds likeminded people who want to join our little family!
I always love to find out about bands' song-writing processes - what's yours?
Rachelle: I always feel like I let the interview down when I reveal my writing style ...! I literally just have the urge sometimes - it's like word vomit. I get a song written in about 3 minutes and the tune just comes with it. Loz and I spend more time then piecing the idea together but the whole process of creating the bones of a song is pretty short.
A good example is when we were on our way to re-record 'PSA', and on the train I wrote 'Talk Show Host' – our now favourite song – and we worked with our producer to have it finished same day.
I would like to start taking more time with my lyrics, but whenever I try to take time crafting them, nothing seems to come to mind.
Which do you prefer - the recording process, or playing live?
Comic Sans: Oh wow, they’re both so brilliant and exhausting simultaneously! Recording is magical because you go into the studio with only bones and ideas, but you leave with this physical thing you can listen to and show your friends in anticipation of a release. It comes with so much build up that you can't find from anything else.
Live is amazing when it goes well. Sometimes our vibe isn't reciprocated by the audience if we've booked a show where the audience isn't our target demographic. We're learning to be more wise with what gigs we choose so as to maximise connection with the audience and get the best artist / audience vibe going.
So what's been your favourite gig as a band to date?
Comic Sans: Both of our Sunflower Lounge gigs in Birmingham have been the best for audience reaction. We had moshing, dancing, the lot, it was amazing and we felt truly appreciated.
Regarding our queer identification though, our gig at Queer Off in London was fantastic; we were able to play alongside other artists who identified similarly to us, and just spread so much joy and love. Beauts.
You're a duo, obviously ... But I think you have some plans to gather more of a band together - tell
me more!
me more!
Comic Sans: Yeah, so this is something we really would love to do. It's difficult to form a band when you have spent the last 4 years making music together, and the last two- and-a-bit performing that music as a duo. We blend really well with other musicians - it's more connecting a busy schedule and learning an original repertoire.
We have done one show with a full band and it was fantastic though. It was at Sunny [the Sunflower Lounge] and the crowd were moshing - it was so awesome - we both can't wait to get that
energy back.
We're always looking for new people to join us and learn songs together, so we can have a little list of people to ask when we need musicians for shows. We also met a saxophone player that is interested which would add a super cool element.
Do you have any other Comic Sans goals for the year ahead?
Comic Sans: As spiritual beings we are heavy on the manifestation! SO many eyerolls are felt right
now by readers ..!We truly believe that what we put into existence will one day come
true though. We'll just keep booking as many gigs as we can physically get to, to get our name
out and about and meet as many people as possible – you’ve probably noticed us playing a lot more shows recently.
now by readers ..!We truly believe that what we put into existence will one day come
true though. We'll just keep booking as many gigs as we can physically get to, to get our name
out and about and meet as many people as possible – you’ve probably noticed us playing a lot more shows recently.
We also have a mantra that we WILL one day get a Glastonbury slot, and even though it may be career ending, Eurovision will happen. We tell everyone, we get laughs, but we promise it’ll happen!
We got a manager this year though [that's Rich - the man behind the amazing Indie Midlands roster] which is something we’re super grateful for, and has been on our band bucket list for quite a while, we feel like the cogs are turning and things are starting to happen! Also we are SO close to 1,000 followers on the gram, some people get it overnight, but we’ve been pushing for this for an embarrassingly long amount of time ...
Thank you - see you a gig soon I hope!
Listen to Comic Sans below, and look out for lots more live dates to come ...