Girl at the Rock Shows

The second I hit play on “Girl You Got Me” from Fountain Island, I was in love. This track filled me with such a sense of nostalgia, but also felt refreshing and new at the same time. To say this track is pop-punk perfect would be an understatement, and I just could not wait to get to know this Newbury, UK-based trio a bit more by asking them questions about anything and everything.

What’s the best island on the planet and why?

Alex (vox/guitar): Hawaii always seems the best. It’s been a good dream of mine to get out there and visit! Maybe on tour!
Jamie (bass): Monkey Island because good game
Jay (drums): Cat island – it’s just full of cats!

Everyone says that every crowd is their favorite but, what city has the best audience and why is it Minneapolis?

Jamie (bass): Because Prof is from Minnesota.
Jay (drums): Probably Manchester. Every time I’ve played there, be it my current band or a past band, we are always well received!
Alex (vox/guitar): I mean, Manchester in the UK takes the crown every time. And well if your city has the Timberwolves I can imagine the crowd being just as good. Never underestimate the Timberwolves!

Matt Skiba or Tom DeLonge– GO!

Jay: (drums): Tom Delonge.
Alex (vox/guitar): Tom all day everyday. But Alkaline trio are just goth kings!
Jamie (bass): Tom Delonge all Daylonge.

How would you describe your music to your grandma?

Alex (vox/guitar): Pop music with electric guitars!
Jamie (bass): You can hear the words this time.
Jay (drums): It’s not angry music (As she would put it 😅)

If you could compare yourself to a house pet, what one would it be and why?

Alex (vox/guitar): We’re Golden retriever energy for sure! Just happy to be here!
Jamie (bass): Pug – stinky, sleepy boi
Jay (drums): Do ducks count? I enjoy bread.

Favorite lyrics of all time?

Jay (drums): Band: Demotional. Song: Neverland. Lyric: “They’re just memories after all, The history we shared but it’s hard to make a breakthrough when we’re breathing the same air” 🤌
Jamie (bass): “I’m not a self help book I’m just a fucked up kid” – The Wonder Years LOCAL MAN RUINS EVERYTHING
Alex (vox/guitar): “Maybe it’s not my weekend, but it’s gonna be my year” – All Time Low – Weightless OR “Everyday’s a holiday, we stay hot when it’s cold outside – All Time Low – Sleeping In

If you were to rob a bank, what would be the song playing in the getaway car as you escape?

Alex (vox/guitar): New Noise – Refused
Jamie (bass): System Of A Down – KNOW
Jay (drums): Escape The Day – Open Your Eyes

What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?

Jay (drums): Sylosis 2008, my very first gig 🥹
Alex (vox/guitar): Blink 182 – o2 Arena London with All American Rejects supporting, 2012.. just a masterclass in performance.
Jamie (bass): Shrek The Musical

When playing Monopoly- who is the banker, who is what “icon”, who is the first to flip the board?

Jamie (bass): Alex – Banker..probably all fight over the Car, but all too polite to flip the board.
Jay (drums): Alex 100% banker..these guys haven’t played monopoly with me, so I’ll be the board flipper..
Alex (vox/guitar): I’d say I’m the banker and the top hat and also the one to flip the board. Jay the car and Jaimie the dog.

What’s your favorite video game and why?

Alex (vox/guitar): Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Best soundtrack, most fun and replay value!
Jamie (bass): Kane and Lynch 2! Terrible game play but awesome story.
Jay (drums): Harvest Moon – What A Wonderful Life. Owning a farm on a fictional island is just magic!

What’s the worst concert you’ve ever been to and why?

Alex (vox/guitar): Never had a bad time seeing someone I like but Slam Dunk 2023 landed right when Liam Gallagher played Knebworth so London was at a stand still and a nightmare to get around.. when the train finally arrived it got cancelled 2 stops in from the station. I was in London at 7am and only got to the festival at 1pm…. Nightmare fuel.
Jay (drums): Nothing But Thieves – almost 30 minutes late to the stage with no explanation and a set cut short.
Jamie (bass): Your Demise – 2 songs in, the singer broke his leg.

What’s your favorite method of listening to music?

Jamie (bass): My one giant playlist on Spotify.
Alex (vox/guitar): Vinyl hands down as it really is a ritual and gives you a chance to reflect on everything from the music to the artwork. And with headphones!

Who is the “Girl [who] got [you]?”

Alex (vox/guitar): A very regrettable ex that I should have noticed the warning signs.

What a fun song, can you tell me what came first here– the lyrics or the music?

Alex (vox/guitar): “Music was first! It sat on my laptop for a few years until it clicked to pair up with these lyrics. Having the contrast of upbeat pop with the subject matter worked so well and was fun!”

If this were covered by an extreme death metal or black metal band, what band would you hope it was?

Alex (vox/guitar): Lorna Shore would be fun!
Jamie (bass): “XavlegbmaofffassssitimiwoamndutroabcwapwaeiippohfffX”, just for the name alone.
Jay (drums): Either Dimmu Borgir or Sothis.

How much Forever the Sickest Kids were you listening to when writing this? Just kidding but, seriously, who was your biggest inspiration musically when it came time to make this track?

Alex (vox/guitar): I mean FTSK was a big one growing up but for this it was a lot of Waterparks, Marianas Trench and Head Automatica!

Out of all of the lines of lyrics in this track, which one is your favorite and why?

Jamie (bass): “Anxiety yeah it dictates my moods, can you call out my name? Make me forget my wounds” ❤️
Jay (drums): “Anxiety yeah it dictates my moods can you call out my name make me forget my wounds.”
Alex (vox/guitar): ‘I ain’t tripping, I ain’t Simping’ is a fun one. Really wanted to play with a lot of modern ideas when it came to relationships and how these particular dynamics work when it came to the story and wanting to convey how my actions didn’t match my words or desires.

As of now, this is a standalone single but is there more to come?

Alex (vox/guitar): Much more to come! It’s definitely paving the way sonically for our EP ‘Motor Hotel’ which this song really showcases the sound we’ve matured into in our upcoming material, so what better time for this to be released than before our debut EP!
Jamie (bass): Banger after banger after banger.

What else do you want everyone to know about Fountain Island and “”Girl You Got Me”?

Jamie (bass): We’re awesome, and the song’s awesome! But not in an arrogant way x
Jay (drums): We’re just a bunch of dudes doing what we love, and that’s playing music and interacting with our fans ☺️
Alex (vox/guitar): If you’re in the UK, be sure to check us out opening Reading Rising on November 16th with Millie Manders and the Shut Up, Still Remains, and Devil Sold His Soul! And keep streaming ‘Girl You Got Me’.

I know it may seem a bit cocky for Jamie to answer that last question “We’re awesome, and the song’s awesome!” but, truly, that is the truth. Not only can you feel the personalities of this band shine throughout this pop-punk banger, you can also see them throughout this interview. Fountain Island is one of those bands that doesn’t just bring a sense of fun into their music, they live the life, and I feel like with every passing question of this little interview, you get to see it a little bit more.

Like the band mentioned, there is much more to come so, when you inevitably fall in love with this band through this interview and/or from listening to “Girl You Got Me” on repeat, make sure to throw them a follow so you don’t miss what comes next for this amazing band.

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