Meath-Wicklow five-piece Columbia Mills have released Isolate (FM Mix), the new single from their recent album CCTV. We asked them the BIG questions . . . And premiere their new video
Speaking about the new song, lead singer Fiachra Treacy said: "The song explores the moment you see someone stare into space and realise that there is a deep hurt within their mind.
Video by Pete Kingston
"It's about pulling them back from the brink and helping them realise that life will always have more to offer, no matter how difficult the situation is.
"The song is about helping each other out and making sure nobody feels isolated within their problems. It's important that they know that the feelings they have are not unique to them and we are all the same."
To celebrate the release of Isolate (FM Mix), Columbia Mills have teamed up with Bi Polar Bear Wear to create a T-shirt featuring lyrics from the song.
Tell us three things about yourself
We are a five-piece band from Bray and Dunboyne but we are based in Dublin City.
We are all close friends and have been recording and releasing music since 2014.
We have released two EPs and two albums. The latest album being CCTV, which was released in April this year.
How would you describe your music?
We try to develop our sound on every release. We are an Indie post punk band with an electronic heartbeat so we can jump around a bit and experiment with the sound.
We use guitars and synths with live drums and drum machines along with driven bass guitar. This allows us to dip into different genres while maintaining our own sound.
Most of our songs will have an emotional edge and we try to bare all and be as honest as we can with the lyrics.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I suppose we all have different inspirations but as a band we really look up to The Cure, New Order, Television Personalities, LCD Soundsystem, Jesus and Mary Chain, Glasvegas, Moderat, Gorillaz, Pet Shop Boys . . .You can see where I'm going here:)
How did you occupy yourself during the coronavirus lockdown?
We have been doing as much promo as we can without being able to gig. The fact that we can't perform the new album live is devastating but we managed to do some 'live stream' gigs. The latest being with the folks from The Lock Up Live you can check that out on YouTube.
We have also started to write album number three to keep us sane. We have been going over all the ideas we recorded at rehearsals before the lockdown and started to put a shape on the new album. We have been deciding on what sound and mood we want the new songs to take. This is a very exciting process and it has really helped us to continue and look forward without dwelling on the things we can't control.
What's your favourite song right now?
This is an impossible question as it changes by the second. We are all massive music fans so we are always listening out for new music. The new Fontaines D.C. track I Don’t Belong is so good. I've also been listening to the Gorillaz track Aires today and I love it. Two very different songs but both absolute quality.
Thats two. Sorry. And if you asked me in an hour I'd probably give you two different songs.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Again this is extremely difficult as I've never really thought about it. The opening line of a song is so important as it sets you up for the rest of the song and can make or break it. Van Morrison's Madame George is a fine example.
"Down on Cyprus Avenue
With a childlike vision leaping into view
Clicking, clacking of the high heeled shoe
Ford and Fitzroy, Madame George"
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life what would it be?
Pictures of You by The Cure. It's stayed with me since I was seven so I'll stick with that.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Check out all our music on any streaming service, It's all up there or come check us out at www.columbiamillsmusic.com. If you want to see what we are up to, follow us on Instagram or Facebook.
