New kids on the block

Western Springs College has been the birth place of many great bands over the years. Members of Nesian Mystik and Supergroove passed through the school on Motions Road before going on to fame.

Theo spoke to us about how Daffodils found themselves in this position and what makes them tick.

We started by asking him how long he’d been playing music, “I’ve been playing music for more than 10 years, and I started playing guitar at age seven! It’s always been a big part of my life, and we’ve always had music playing in our house for as long as I can remember. Daffodils have been together for about 9 or 10 months, but we’ve gotten so much done in that time it feels like much longer.”

“Louis, Isaac and I have been playing together since we were 12, we all go to the same school. I met Jade and we got on really well, and I love synths, so that was a logical fit.
I tried to do some solo stuff for a bit last year, but I missed being in a band so much, and these guys are all such brilliant musicians it was an easy decision!”

Daffodils are influenced widely, and it shows in the washy surf sound that they create, “We all have different tastes in music, which seems to have a bit of an effect on the way we each play! We’re really interested in ethereal, atmospheric soundscapes and we try to incorporate that. We don’t really find influence from one particular band, just whatever interests us at the time and what feels natural. With that being said, I’m a huge fan of bands like The Jam, The Smiths, The 1975, and Joy Division.”

In some form or other they have entered Smokefree Rockquest for many years and to finally make it to the national final meant a lot to them, “It was pretty incredible, we’ve always looked up to the kids in the final and so being part of it was humbling. We met some awesome musicians as well, which was super cool.” The quality of music at the national finals was exceptional, with bands from around the country making their way to Auckland for the final evening. Theo speaks very highly of his music department and teachers, “We’ve got such brilliantly supportive teachers, and they really encourage us in all our musical ventures, which is wonderful.”

Obviously, ending up the finals of Rockquest leaves them with positive feelings about the competition but Theo can’t say enough good things about it. “I think it’s a wonderful thing! We’re so lucky to have such a welcoming competition that gives kids the opportunity to have a taste of what playing live music feels like. It’s been a great motivation for us, and the amount of successful musicians that have come out of it is testament to how beneficial it is for kids interested in getting into music, especially as the music industry seems fairly daunting!”

Daffodils is hoping to find themselves a spot within the music community over the coming months as they play shows and grow their fan base. The next step is always to take the success they’ve had and create a path to follow. “I’m hoping, I think we all are, that it’ll become a more serious prospect for us over the next year or so. It’s definitely a bit more than a hobby for us. I’m planning on locking myself away to write some new songs. We’ve got a few things planned.”

Watch this space as Daffodils take off. (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT)

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