Belfast indie band Lonely Astronauts have released their new single, These Nights. We asked front man Matthew Toner and lead guitarist and backing vocalis Ruán McCready the BIG questions . . .
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Speaking about their new song, the band, who have played support slots to Aslan, The Bluetones and Ocean Colour Scene, say, "This single is our first release of the year, and we want it to make a statement.
"The whole thing came together really organically - it's built on each of us offering four different perspectives on love, relationships and life experiences, which have come to shape the song in expected and unexpected ways and make it what it is. At its core, it’s about resilience, integrity and connection"
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Matt: I'm getting married next year, I love running, and I have a scar above my eye from running into a railing spike.
Ruán: I love a good musical (I'm actually writing this response in London waiting on The Lion King starting). It's my job to survey some of our rarest wildlife. For a music video, I once tried to play guitar hanging upside down from a swing set. The footage was not used as apparently I can't actually hang for that long.
How would you describe your music?
Matt: Melodic rock.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Matt: This has changed in recent years but if have to say Gaslight Anthem, Foo Fighters, Black Keys and Nirvana.
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Ruán: I'd also say Foo Fighters along with Thin Lizzy, Biffy Clyro, and While She Sleeps.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Matt: I want to say something cool but it was McFly and you know what, they have some absolute bangers!
Ruán: Mine was Nickelback. I get mixed reactions with that one... They put on a phenomenal show in Belfast. Lots of jokes and stories between songs plus a sick drum solo in the middle of the set.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Matt: Again, I'd love to say something cool like Nirvana’s Nevermind, but I do remember getting Kids by Robbie Williams when I was a kid and thinking it was the best thing ever.
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Ruán: I'm grateful that my mum had a big collection of CDs and vinyl to get me started into music. I think the first one I bought myself was Paramore - Riot.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Matt: Favourite by Fontaines D.C.
Ruán: The Sound of Muzak - Porcupine Tree.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Matt: "Is a dream a lie if it don't come true, Or is it something worse?" - The River, Bruce Springsteen
Ruán: "If you feel the urge to raise your hand, you can start a revolution or start a band" - Peace Is Free, Black Stone Cherry.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Matt: Heyday by Mic Christopher or Live Forever by Oasis.
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Ruán: It’s hard to beat September by Earth, Wind and Fire.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Matt: The usual places: Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. @lonelyastronautsog on Instagram.
Ruán: We keep debating starting an OnlyFans but I don't think there would be any demand.
Alan Corr
