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UK-based post-hardcore newcomers Keep This Up recently released a new single “Bury Me.” While their previous releases captured more of a pop punk style, the band has leaned into a heavier sound, signifying the beginning of a new musical direction. Keep This Up features the talent of Jared Turner (vocals), Chris Hicks (guitar), Dan Turner (bass), Dan Shamma (drums), and Jon Graye (guitar). In this interview, the band discusses the UK music scene, musical influences, and favorite live shows.
Since we’re based in Chicago, tell us about the UK music scene. Is there a strong music community in Peterborough, or do you branch out? What is your favorite part about the music scene(s) you’ve experienced?
Hey there! There are a lot of bands in our local area ranging in genre, to the point where
we have our own community of bands who work with/support each other. As a band we
often play anywhere we can in the UK – making a day out of it. This is one of the best
things I think, that we can hang out as friends and play to new people across the UK the
music we wrote and enjoy.
How would you describe your current sound? Which of your songs would you
recommend to first time listeners?
At present we are a Melodic Post-Hardcore / Alt-Rock band. For fans of Beartooth, A
Day To Remember, The Used, Silverstein etc. We would recommend our first new single
of 2023 – Bury Me.
What does your process look like when writing/creating music?
Quite often it is a series of videos/voice notes of riffs ideas that we then take to build
upon. A lot of song ideas are built by our vocalist Jared and the lyrics are written
together by Jared and guitarist Chris.
Tell us about your single Bury Me. What inspired the transition from pop punk to a
heavier, post-hardcore style?
As we shifted lineup (Jared & Jon joined) we looked at the styles we wanted to pursue and the bands that had the most influence on us. As it was a new EP we wanted to try work with a new style that we felt we would enjoy. This led us to create some demos that we felt represented where we wanted to go as a band.
What was the most memorable show you’ve played, and what was great about it?
Probably East Angrier festival or a show we did in Durham. To play some very intense
songs in a small packed room with people singing along was such a great experience.
Do you have any pre-show rituals? Where’s the best place to get food after playing a live show?
I think we have more a post-show ritual of going to the closest McDonalds and going
over the show highlights/resting.
If you could get any artists to tour with you, dead or alive, who would be on the bill?
I think for some of us it would be heavier bands like ADTR, Beartooth, The Used,
Silverstein, I Prevail etc. That would be a dream.
What artists got you through your teen years? Do they influence your music today?
I think for most of us it was a range of bands from those mentioned above, to heavier
bands like Thy Art Is Murder, Motionless in White and Whitechapel. But we also listened
to pop punk style bands such as Fall Out Boy, Green Day and Blink 182.
What is your favorite UK venue and why? Which UK venue do you hope to play one
day?
One of my personal favourite venues would be The Black Heart in Camden, London.
The venue itself is such a surreal experience, seeing a big band (Four Year Strong) in a
almost 100-cap venue was utterly insane. As a band I do not believe there is one
specific venue we would love to play – We are just hoping to play as many as we can
and share our music with the world.
What can we expect from you in the future?
Lots more music to come and a lot more gigging. We are hoping to release an EP soon.
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