Self described as an “80s mixture of powerful analogue synthesis, melodic sweeping vocals and huge grooving percussion,” The Ocean Beneath are a UK based band dedicated to crafting new sounds and experimenting with soundscapes that make them stand out amongst artists of similar profiles.

Formed in 2017, the group have spent the last three years cultivating their sound and preparing to take the world by storm in 2021.

But with a pandemic putting their yearly plans on hold and switching up their recording processes, the band have been forced to rethink their launch into the live music world and spend this year continuing to build their portfolio and stay creative despite the newfound difficulties.

We had the chance to chat with The Ocean Beneath about these struggles, along with their latest single, “Skin” featuring Fran Minney and how recording a feature works in a year of social distancing.

You can read our full interview below, and be sure to stream “Skin,” out now.

Second Society Report: How are you holding up during this insane year that is 2020? Hopefully your friends and families are staying safe and healthy! 

The Ocean Beneath: We’re thankfully all good here, it has been a crazy year and we’re fortunate with how little we’ve been affected really, it could have been much worse. Hope you are all okay too?

SSR: Did you have any big releases or tours that were put on hold because of the pandemic? How has that affected the band? (could be personally, financially, morale wise, etc.) 

The Ocean Beneath: Thankfully we had not taken the project live before the pandemic started so no real loss there, it’s probably slowed down some of our studio work but we’ve still managed to release new music, so again we’re really lucky.

SSR: How have you been spending your newfound “downtime” while the world has been essentially shut down?

The Ocean Beneath: With my work outside of music I’ve actually been really busy and getting by with less staff so it’s kind of been the opposite for me. I need a holiday from this year.

SSR: Have you picked up any new hobbies while quarantining that you’d like to share?

The Ocean Beneath: Not new hobbies really, I’ve been cooking more and baking but playing synths and video games are still taking up my time just nicely. 

SSR: Have you worked on any new releases during this time? Any that are already out or that we can get a sneak peak of? 

The Ocean Beneath: So our new single “Skin” ft Fran Minney just came out! We worked on this with Fran through the whole lockdown and whilst it may have slowed the process down never actually being in the same room we’re super proud of it. There’s a video on YouTube or you can buy it here.

SSR: If already out- what was the inspiration for the release? Have you written any songs specifically about the state of the world right now? 

The Ocean Beneath: Lyrically this song is definitely influenced by what’s happening. Fran said “It encapsulates the almost drunken touch-starved feeling a lot of us have experienced during lockdown these past few months with a beat to help you dance out that desperation.” I think that just about sums it up.

SSR: How has it been being an artist in a time when you cannot tour? How have you been working to promote your music and expand your reach? 

The Ocean Beneath: Just working on more music, for us that’s always the goal. We’ve been trying to grow the YouTube channel a bit more and promoting our music through that as well. Just more of the same, keep getting the music out there.

SSR: Do you have any words of advice for fans that are feeling particularly bummed out about the live music world coming to a halt? 

The Ocean Beneath: I would just say try to support the artists you know need it most, the local artists you know who’s entire life and work has ended. Go buy some merch, buy something from their Bandcamp store or just fire over a small donation. Helping them through this time will definitely ensure a return at some point. Hold your head up high.

SSR: When the world returns to a safer spot and we are able to (hopefully) attend live shows again- say in 2021- what do you hope to achieve? 

The Ocean Beneath: 2021 was always going to be the start of live shows for us so we may be nearer 2022 now but expect a night of huge sounds, guest vocals and dancing!

SSR: Is there anything you wish your fans would know about you or about the current state of the music world? 

The Ocean Beneath: We all just need to embrace the change as sad as that is. Find new ways of doing things, I know nothing will fill the void of being in a room full of people listening to your favorite artists playing your favorite song but the live streams, the intimate things bands are sharing with their fanbase and the connection between fan and artist is stronger than ever. These things are going to be around now for a long time and we can certainly embrace them and make them even better.

You can stream The Ocean Beneath’s latest single “Skin,” out now, and be sure to connect with the band via social media to stay up to date on all things new music and eventually live shows.

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