Following the release of their debut album last year, which came in the form of Seen Leaving, Milton Keynes band Reporters have been enjoying a taste of success in the world of music. With the news that the band would be releasing their second EP, Only Noise, we caught up with Reporters frontman Dan Stock to get his feelings on the new EP, amongst other things.

Hi Dan, how are you and what have you been up to this week?
I’m good thanks, been busy writing and recording at home in sunny Milton Keynes.

Since we last spoke you’ve released the new EP Only Noise, what can you tell us about it?
It’s 3 stripped down songs I wrote late last year. The sound is really raw and honest with just guitar and drums, so there’s nowhere for the songs to hide.

Only Noise is your second EP , following on from 2014’s ‘Seen Leaving’ – what are the differences in this from your last one?
It’s definitely a step-forward in terms of song-writing. I was only 16/17 when I wrote the last one and since then I’ve been listening to all sorts of music rather than just guitar bands, which has had a big influence on the songs for this new E.P. I think it’s more difficult to pin comparisons on the new E.P, it’s got more of a unique sound and draws inspiration from all over the place.

Do you have a favourite track on the EP?
The last track on it, ‘In a Minute’ is probably my favourite. It’s an acoustic version that I recorded straight after I wrote the song, it sounds really intimate and is a nice way to finish the E.P.

Can you describe the new EP in 3 words?
It’s only noise!

You also played a gig to launch the EP at the Macbeth on the 2nd May. We were at that gig at it was great – how was it for you guys?
Ah thanks, glad you liked it! Yeah we really enjoyed it, the Macbeth’s a great venue and some great bands have played their so was cool to play it for the first time. Plus Peter Crouch was there which was amazing!

You’ve been receiving plenty of praise, including the likes of NME and Q magazines, how does that feel?
I’ve read those magazines for years so it’s great to be recognised by them. Since I was a kid I dreamt of being in the NME especially so was a massive thing for me personally! I love hearing what everyone thinks about our music, whether that’s my next door neighbour or a journalist from a magazine.

Although we’re well affiliated with you guys, how would you summarise yourselves to people that haven’t heard of you before?
We’re all about the songs, rather than any tricks or gimmicks. If you like catchy noisy guitar music then you’ll like us. If you like EDM then you probably won’t.

Which other bands are currently catching your eyes right now, and why?
I really like Slaves, they’re doing exactly what they want which I admire a lot. I love Isaac’s lyrics and they’re brilliant live.

You’ve supported some great artists recently – if you could pick one act to support who would it be?
That’s hard to pick, there’s loads I could choose but probably can’t get better than Arctic Monkeys. They’re a massive band for me and they play to big crowds so we’d be able to sell lots of T-shirts!

What’s next for Reporters?
Now we’re just back to writing and recording ready for the next release. We’ve got big plans for this year and want to keep moving forward!

Anything else to add?
Thanks a lot for the questions and the support! Really appreciate it!

Massive thanks to Dan for taking the time out to speak to us and we wish Reporters all the best!

Only Noise is out now via Phret Records, read our review here.

 

James Cummins.
@CummyBear