INTERVIEW - THE FAITH ESTATE

The music scene in Lincoln is undoubtedly at its hottest point in around 15 years, and when Back to Mono decided to start running interviews with bands, artists and songwriters, it was clear that there was only one place to start. That would be with the name at the forefront of the Lincoln music scene and a band that's grown an impressive following which continues to grow with every live performance or new music release. The Faith Estate are continually filling venues and increasing their scope around the UK, with venues getting more prestigious, crowds becoming more enthusiastic and the name carrying more and more importance as they continue to evolve. I caught up with front man, Rhys Turner at Lincoln's Cardinal's Hat to talk about how this all came to be, and what's next...

So take me back to the beginning? When was The Faith Estate born into existence?

Me and TJ pulled the curtain on our first band, and immediately decided that we wanted to start something massive. I believe it was in the William Foster in Lincoln that we came up with the idea for the band.

Explain the name. Where did “The Faith Estate” come from?

We were adamant about having a name that included a collective noun, like, family, group etc… and so we eventually landed on Estate. The “Faith” part was used because of a particular graffiti tag that’s plastered all around Lincoln, and the hopeful connotations that naturally come with the word. Also, because the graffiti serves as free advertising, and everyone who hates us has a constant reminder.

Not only in your music but in your stage performances, you can always feel the presence of some really substantial influences. I can hear Bob Dylan’s electric phase, Iggy Pop and the Stooges and even the best of the UK indie rock n roll scene. What are your biggest musical influences?

We all pull from different influences, so I can only really speak for myself, but at the minute I’m listening to a lot of Gavin Clark’s music, especially his latest release 'Evangelist'. But also “Michael Head & The Strands” thanks to Jim Sonic from Back To Mono Records (another happy customer)

The Faith Estate appear to be at the forefront of the local music scene and you’ve amassed a really respectable following over the past couple of years. What do you think has drawn the crowd to The Faith Estate, and kept them so devoted?

Evolution. I think it’s important to be ever changing and constantly present. I can’t possibly say why people have gravitated towards us, I can only really suggest why I think we’re at the top.

You certainly have a strong work ethic when it comes to performing and it’s never very long between gigs, whether that’s in Lincolnshire or even much further afield. How do you keep up the pace and remain so enthusiastic?

It’s always been our collective passion, and that’s what keeps us entwined I think- we’re not even particularly similar, we just all love the craic.

What’s your favourite venue you’ve ever played and why is that?

Personally, The Engine Shed for the BBC. That was always my aim since I was a kid, everything else is just for fun now - just see how far we can push it before it implodes.

Of course anybody’s who’s anybody in Lincoln knows The Faith Estate, but they also know you (Rhys) for your solo work. Is it difficult to maintain both and give them both the same energy?

Not at all, I write a lot of music and I need more than one outlet - nobody wants to attend a Faith Estate gig and hear about my feelings, so I save that for the solo performances

So what’s next? What is The Faith Estates real goal?

Get this album out, and try some new styles and methods in the studio, as well as to play to every corner of the world.

Finally, we’re always looking for new music at Back to mono so, tell us.. what are you listening to and what can you suggest we play next?

Anything Michael Head has ever touched, as well as Gavin Clarke as I mentioned before. But also The Coral’s new album is boss as well as The Dream Machine. In terms of local bands: Red Afternoon, Velvet and our Harry’s band Hot Squash.

You can keep up with all things Faith Estate at Instagram & Spotify.

Article by Stuart Green

Main cover photo credit to Meg Hollis and supporting photo credits to Robin James