Bristol-based five-piece IOTA have released their new single, Sometimes. We asked them the BIG questions . . .
Sometimes was written with Lee Kiernan of Idles and recorded with Ben Johnson (Skindred, Chaouche) and Kiernan, mixed by Tom Hennessy, and mastered by Pete Maher (Pixies, Jack White, The Rolling Stones).
Speaking about the single, IOTA vocalist Jodie Robinson says, "This song was written about a loved one after a freak accident that I witnessed.
"It really put everything into perspective and threw me into a realm of gratitude with a whole newfound respect for having that person in my life. It's a love letter to this person and a reminder to appreciate what you have before it's too late."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
We named the band after a shop we saw whilst on the bus to work. Jodie joined the band via a site called joinmyband, later finding out we were all currently studying at the same uni at the same time as all of the rest of the band. At the beginning of the band, we used to have pie breaks mid-way between every rehearsal.
How would you describe your music?
Mule: I'd describe our music as punky rock with floaty bits (?!).
Jodie: 90's inspired modern grunge with shoegaze elements.
Who are your musical inspirations?
As a band we’re very much influenced from that 90’s realm of Garbage, Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins. QOTSA is a big one for us drum and vocal wise, plus elements of newer bands such as Slow Crush, BMTH, Loathe, Static Dress.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Jodie: I was going to lie but something lame like S Club 7 with Busted? Which encompassed my whole life at the time haha.
Mule: First real gig I went to was Murderdolls, supported by The Defiled and Black Veil Brides.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Jodie: I think mine was Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours.
Mule: The first record I ever bought was Crowded House’s Woodface.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Jodie: Mine is Soft Kill - Pretty Face.
Mule: My favourite song right now is True Friends by Bring Me The Horizon.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Jodie: "Underneath the bridge, The tarp has sprung a leak, And the animals I’ve trapped, Have all become my pets, And I’m living off of grass, And the drippings from the ceiling, It’s okay to eat fish, 'Cause they don’t have any feelings." Something in The Way - Nirvana.
Mule: My favourite lyric of all time is 'like she's trapped inside a frozen waterfall'. It's in the second verse of Billy Talent's Saint Veronika.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Jodie: That is the hardest question ever. Maybe Planet Caravan - Sabbath because I’m super attached to that song and I can’t imagine ever hating it.
Mule: One song forever would have to be Sara by Fleetwood Mac - It's got some super happy memories attached to it.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Our socials are all @iotaofficialuk - catch us on all the streaming platforms, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music etc. We have some shows coming up and currently announced are 17 September Rough Trade Bristol and Burn It Down Festival, 2 August.
