Introduction
Scottish alt-rock band Conflict Hope have that edge that makes their music both easily listenable as well as binge-worthy! Combining powerful vocals with thought-provoking lyrics and melodic guitar with tempo-driving drums makes this band one not to miss!
With four singles currently out and we hope many more to come, the future is staring at the sun bright for this trio! Their reach has been enhanced recently due to a once-in-a-lifetime moment for guitarist Jake. He got to play with his heroes, Green Day!
More on that later, check out our exclusive Conflict Hope interview and give their tracks a listen!
For Fans Of – Biffy Clyro / VUKOVI / Green Day
Interview
So, a fun one to kick us off! Love/Meh/Kill – Haggis, Battered Mars Bar, Irn Bru? (Sorry, we couldn’t not include a Scottish produce question!)
We couldn’t agree on this because Jake is an absolute Irn Bro fiend.
Inaxio/Mollie: Haggis, Irn Bru, Battered Mars Bar
Jake: Irn Bru, Haggis, Mars Bar
Where did the name of the band come from?
We’ve been asked this a lot and we would absolutely love to say that we put a lot of thought into it. In reality, we needed to come up with a name for a school talent show and it just sounded cool.
Since then though, it has actually turned out to reflect the message of our music. The antithesis of conflict and hope we feel reflects the feelings that can arise when experiencing mental health struggles which is a subject we try to address in all of our songs.
In modern-day music, how big of a help do you think social media is? Is there anything about social media as a band that you don’t like?
Social media is such a great tool to connect with fans, we love having an opportunity to improve our relationship with our audience. The potential success people can have from social media is insane.
Coming up with videos just to promote our songs can be a bit tedious but overall we appreciate what a great opportunity it can be.
Your new single ‘Won’t Disappear’ is beautiful. What/who is it about?
Jake and Inaxio wrote this for me to help me cope with the sudden loss of my dearest Grandad Tom. He was such a massive fan of the band, he let us film a music video in his garden and would constantly ask me to put our content on the TV anytime he was round, sometimes on repeat.
He had the most iconic laugh, which we sampled in the song. The song explores the complex process of grief.
What is the songwriting process like? Does one person come up with the lyrics, or is it a collaborative process?
It’s definitely a collaborative process. Inaxio and Jake both bring instrumentals to the table, though Jake writes most of the lyrics. Jake gives me a guide vocal and Mollie will write a vocal melody.
We have to mention our producer Mark Tindal of Open Eyes Productions who’s opinion we value so much to improve our songs. He also has the patience to let us try a thousand ideas only for us to go for the first one, cheers Mark!
Any plans to release an album?
At the minute we can’t disclose too much but we definitely have big plans over the next year.
How do you think music can help people?
From our own experience, we believe music can heal all emotional wounds whether that can be by relating to lyrics or gaining a new perspective.
Inaxio is actually beginning a course in music therapy this year, and Mollie’s Psychology dissertation explored how singing can improve mental health. We always strive to make “rock music that heals”.
What is the message behind your debut single Echo?
It was actually inspired by a transgender fan who was being bullied online simply for being themselves. The message is to accept that really horrible things can happen in your life but it is so important to acknowledge how they have shaped you in order to move on.
If you could only watch one film for the rest of your life, which film(s) would it be and why?
What a cool question!
‘Top Secret’ because its so stupidly funny- Inaxio
Definitely any of the ‘Twilight’ saga because they are all my ultimate comfort films. -Mollie
Pulp Fiction- Jake
We noticed you are fans of fellow Scots Biffy Clyro. If you could cover one of their songs, which one would it be and why? (My personal favorite is Who’s Got a Match?)
“Get F*cked Stud”
Where can people see you live this year?
We don’t have any plans to perform live this year as we are throwing everything into our upcoming project, which we hope will be worth the wait! Next year however we plan to play as many gigs as possible.
What is your favourite place you’ve played live?
Before Mollie joined we had the privilege of playing at The Hard Rock Cafe in Madrid. More recently however, definitely Audio in Glasgow.
Have you got anything brand-new you would like to shout from the rooftops about?
We have just released new merch! https://conflicthope.myshopify.com/
For those who don’t know Jake performed on stage with Green Day in what can only be described as an epic moment! So it would be remiss of us to not include some questions about it!
What was it like performing with Green Day?
My dream literally came true, in real time, before my very eyes and there’s just no words to describe how much it meant to me. I play music because of Green Day and the fact I got to play in my favourite band for a few minutes in front of 35,000 people is just so surreal.
I went through so many emotions while being up there – it was like having the happiest panic attack of my life or something and I totally broke down afterwards with how overwhelming it was. So yeah, if you’re bored one day, I would absolutely recommend playing on stage with Green Day!
Have people seen the band differently since Jake appeared on stage?
Absolutely! We have received so much interest and support on our socials, which we are so grateful for. We’ve received so many messages about how people feel a connection with our songs. It has totally changed the trajectory of the band as a whole.
What is your favourite Green Day song?
One Eyed Bastard- Mollie
I literally cannot possible pick one but if I had to, it would be ‘Still Breathing’ (which I have tattooed on my chest) or ‘Whatsername’.-Jake
“Like a Rat Does Cheese” – Inaxio
Finally Which band would be your dream tourmates?
Unanimously; “Green Day’ for sure.
All the songs, used in this interview belong to their respective owners and this website does not claim any right over them. All images were provided by Conflict Hope and were taken by Everlong Photography.
Let us know what you think to Conflict Hope and this interview in the comments section below!
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