Brighton quartet The Stanford Family Band return with their second EP, ‘Go Again’, out July 17th via Krautpop Records.

Following ‘For Your Listening Pleasure’, the new EP continues the band’s fondness for C86, sunshine pop, baroque pop and power pop, while opening up the writing process with Harry Hayes and Patrick Corcoran more closely involved. Recorded at the band’s studio in Brighton, the release keeps to a warm, analogue sound, with live takes, layered vocals and carefully arranged melodies at its centre.

In this interview, the band discuss how ‘Go Again’ came together, the influence of ’60s and ’70s pop, the balance between cheerful melodies and melancholy feeling, and the pleasure of being discovered through word of mouth. They also talk about what comes next, with more shows planned and further recordings waiting to be finished.

<a href="https://thestanfordfamilyband.bandcamp.com/album/go-again-2">Go Again by The Stanford Family Band</a>

The new EP’s called ‘Go Again’, and you’ve said it’s a bit of a follow-on from the first one. After ‘For Your Listening Pleasure’, what was the idea behind it? I would love to hear about the process of writing and recording it.

‘Go Again’ was a gas to record. We cut the whole thing at our studio here in Brighton. We actually did some of it live, which is rare for us, as we love a good overdub session. Especially with vocals, we’re all suckers for a crazy vocal blend.

I hear bits of C86, baroque pop, power pop, and more. When you’re writing, how do you stop those influences from taking over and make them feel like your own thing?

I guess we don’t think about it at all. It’s just what comes naturally and feels right. We love all of those styles, but with our own arrangements, I think we unconsciously take inspiration from our heroes.

It sounds like there were a few more people involved this time, with Harry Hayes producing and helping with the writing, and Patrick Corcoran joining the band. Did that change the dynamic much?

Yeah, we had a few changes. Harry produced the first record, and we play in other bands together, so it was an easy transition. Pad joined us right after ‘For Your Listening Pleasure’. Sharing the writing responsibilities has been great. We all have the same tastes and influences, so it works well.

A lot of your songs sound cheerful at first, but there’s often something a bit melancholy underneath. Is that balance something you aim for?

I don’t think it’s ever been a conscious decision, but you’re absolutely right, haha. It’s our bread and butter. We’re suckers for a good melody, even when we might be feeling a bit blue.

You’re based in Brighton, and your music feels like the sort of thing people stumble across in a record shop or through a mate telling them about a band they’ve found. How important is that side of things to you? Do you still like the idea of people discovering the band by chance?

Oh, I love that. Getting fans through word of mouth is such a compliment. It means we’ve really made enough of an impression to stay with someone, and that’s a wonderful thing to hear about.

What’s next for you now?

We’ve got a bunch of great shows coming up after the release. Lots of them are under wraps for now, so please keep an eye on our socials, etc. After that, just more recording. We’ve got a tonne of stuff in the vaults that needs finishing.

Oh, and tell us, what are some records you have been listening to lately?

I’ve been absolutely slamming Steely Dan, but that’s a common theme for all of us. The new LP by the Lemon Twigs is great. Fave record at the moment is defo Tchotchke’s ‘Playin’ Dumb’.

Klemen Breznikar

Headline photo: Milo Costelloe

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