Interview w/Love Ghost: a smart young band whose ideas equal their talent

Love Ghost consisting of Finn Bell (Vocals, keys, guitar), Mya Greene (Viola), Ryan Stevens (Bass) and Samson Young (Drums), is a band with a sound and maturity that belies their young years. Taking inspiration from the renaissance of non-conformity, dirty sounds and high ideals that was the early to mid nineties grunge and post-punk scenes, Love Ghost will grab your attention by the ears through their use of discordant sound and melody.

Their new single "Scarlett Letter"  has this wonderfully alien sound, the haunting guitar and drum are softened and made more emotive by the viola, while the vocals break through with a throaty power that is reminiscent of Dolores O'Riordan of The Cranberries. Coupled with lyrics like "thousands live unaware/with false labours/so unfair/diverting someone else's journey" the single is a thought provoking and arresting piece, one that far more experienced bands would be proud to put out.

I caught up with the incredibly funny and insightful Finn Bell to find out some more about the people and driving forces behind their music.

Interview:

I know you all grew up together but what inspired you to make the decision to form the band?  

I was Playing out solo around Los Angeles and eventually I wanted to play music with other people so I gathered some hooligans and we formed a band.

Your single 'Scarlett Letter' is based primarily on one of your member's biographical experiences of being misdiagnosed with autism, you've spoke about overmedication of children in the USA, do you think the availability of platforming may help to create a pushback?

I think that it can get more people thinking about it, and the awareness is what would assert itself into some type of pushback against labeling.

It feels as though their is a culture of finding imperfection or diagnosing imperfection or difference, how do you see the indie scenes role in kicking back at this?

I think that the more people express themselves and just open themselves up, the more desensitised people will get to honesty. Once someone is desensitized to honesty, I think they’re comfortable being themselves and hopefully prejudices from labeling would just dissipate.

Which bands or musicians would you say have inspired you most?

Alice In Chains, Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins. 

 

You've toured festivals and supported bands like Smash Mouth, do you have any fond or weird memories from the festival scene?

When we opened up for Buckcherry, Josh Todd walked up to during sound check and said “ Hey man, did you bring any bitches tonight?” I looked up like an awkward goat and said “I brought my mom.” I then started with a stone cold- face right at him. We then chuckled as my eyes drifted towards my shoes.

What can we expect from you guys next?

Lots of Music Videos, most of them are really more so similar to short films, it’s just as much as a platform for storytelling as our songs are.

Finally, any plugs or thank yous?

A big thank you to Mark Renk, Eric Lilavois, Nic Capelle to name a few. Any Plugs? Like Drug Dealers? I don’t know if I can disclose that information, haha.  

You can find out more about Love Ghost by following them on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Soundcloud.