East Exchange are a new Liverpool band and have just released their first single, Four.
Originally a duo of Sonny K and Will Mc, the talented pair have recently formed the new group. Sam Millne caught up with the band’s singer and rhythm guitarist, Sonny K…
When did you start playing/singing music?
I started when I around 10, playing the guitar.
Burge [East Exchange’s drummer] was the same, but Frank [East Exchange’s lead guitar player’ and Will [on bass and vocals] only started playing music in the last three years, so relative newcomers to playing an instrument.
However, Will’s has been singing from a young age like myself.
Who got you into the guitar?
My mum wanted me to play an instrument my whole life and when I joined secondary school I started guitar lessons – shout out Mr Kee!
Who do you think are you biggest musicical influences?
We all have many influences in our life and this is well represented in our music.
For me, specifically, I like the [Red Hot] Chilli Peppers, Kings of Leon, Oasis and, of course, The Beatles.
My love for the guitar was heavily influenced by the likes of Ben Howard and Ed Sheeran but as I played more with Frank and Burge, I was introduced to many more musical geniuses and developed a whole new level of love for the guitar.
You’ve decided to start East Exchange band, what was thinking behind moving into a band?
I wanted to start a band my whole childhood and when I began playing music, I had it in the back of my mind.
When we (Will and I) met up and jammed with Burge and Frank there was instant chemistry and the band was formed that night.
What’s your songwriting process like?
Songwriting to me is something which has to feel natural.
A lot of the time, the riff will come first followed by a melody then lyrics, however, there is the odd occasion when the melody or even lyrics are the driving force – but as long it progresses naturally, it doesn’t really matter.
What’s next?
We got a massive response to the first single, Four, and following on we look to get more shows booked and play live more.
We love playing live and that’s the goal, more songs and more studio time with our producer, Jono Tringham.
We are working hard to make sure we show what we have got to the fans and listeners, and are very excited to see what’s to come
To everyone who’s bought or downloaded Four, we love you all and can’t thank you enough!
What’s the reason for the name, East Exchange?
The reason for the name remains a secret and up for your own interpretation.
Our only hope is that it’s remembered for good reasons and great music.
You can follow East Exchange here.
You can stream Four here.
Mersey Music 