Sizeable Talk: With Problem Patterns
We had the pleasure of hosting Problem Patterns at SB-001 earlier this year with support from Buí and Gender Chores. They have played exciting gigs including dates in Dublin and support for Queen Zee in the Limelight. They have just released their debut EP 'Good for you, aren't you great? buy it here!
1) When and why did you form?
We officially formed in November last year. We had been playing together for a few months prior for cover gigs, but had talked about forming our own band for as long as most of us have known each other. It all finally came together after yet another rant session about some unsavoury news report. We needed somewhere outside of our group chat to vent, and music is the best way to do that- it turns something negative into something positive.
2) Where was your first gig & how did it go?
Our first gig was a weird one, in that it was headlining the Empire. Originally, Cherym were meant to play that slot, but weren’t able to. Jonny (Shizznigh Promotions) messaged us out of the blue and asked if we were interested in stepping in. We had every idea that our first show would be in a basement somewhere, not a stage as big as the Empire. We had only had a few practices at this point, and no social media, so it definitely kicked us into gear. It wasn’t the most conventional first gig, and we fully appreciate that we were very privileged to be given the opportunity.
The gig itself went better than any of us could have imagined. We were so nervous about the prospect of filling a venue that large on our first go, but the crowd was incredible. They gave us all the energy we needed, and the response was better than we could have ever hoped for. Bethany’s friends even came over from Scotland wearing shirts with her face on them!
3) What are Problem Patterns’ main influences?
There are a couple of bands we all enjoy and agree on as a whole (Charly Bliss, Paramore to name a few), but in terms of influences on how we play/write, we individually pull from a lot of different areas. We thought this would be easiest to write our own lists.
Beverley: Honeyblood, Sleater-Kinney, Veruca Salt.
Bethany: Blondie, X-Ray Spex, The Breeders.
Ciara: Amanda Palmer, Fidlar, Ty Segall, The Melvins.
Alanah: Dark Times, Pissed Jeans, Weezer, Pretty Girls Make Graves.
4) What would you be doing with your time if not for music?
We would all definitely be hanging out, likely still ranting to each other, just not in a fun way.
5) As a politically charged band, do you feel that the way you express yourselves comes mainly from what you’re saying, or through the high paced, loud and frantic nature of the music?
It’s both. A large part of the messages we try to convey through the lyrics in our songs is how they’re portrayed through our music and performance.
Although there are definitely plenty of talented artists out there who are able to express similar themes through calmer methods, it wouldn’t work for us. A song like “Allegedly”, for example, needs to be screamed. It comes from a genuine place of anger. It wouldn’t be as effective hummed over a piano- however, we completely welcome anyone who wants to try.
It also happens to be incredibly therapeutic (and fun) for all of us to be able to release our emotions this way.
6) To what extent do you feel your state of mind affects how you write music as a band?
It affects everything we do, lyrically speaking. Our songs cover a range of areas, topic wise, but it is all ultra personal. Everything we write is based on our own experiences, whether it’s day-to-day problems in our own lives, or how we are affected by wider issues within society as a whole. It’s these themes that set the tone for the songs musically, and if something has caused us to feel chaotic, then we will play something chaotic.
7) What are your 3 favourite Irish acts currently?
Gender Chores, Cherym, Strange New Places (honourable mention: Junk Drawer).
8) What are your plans for the next 12 months?
Our E.P. releases July 19th! We have a few videos planned for that, so we are excited about expanding our creative ideas into new territory.
Now that we’ve finished the first E.P., we are actually looking forward to writing new material. We haven’t even been a band for twelve months, so we only have a couple of songs in our repertoire, and we are eager to expand beyond that.
Outside of that, we are just taking everything one day at a time and enjoying what’s happening as it comes.
9) Finally - Best Pub in Ireland? NI: The Spaniard. ROI: The Beer Market.
We'd like to thank Problem Patterns for the interview and we hope they have great success with their E.P. and beyond !
All photos by Betsy Bailey
Just a quick reminder we have some amazing gigs on the way including Bleeding Heart Pigeons w/ Arborist and Post Punk Podge and The Technohippies W/ Mobwife. Fly over to the events section of our website for dates and tickets. More to be announced.