Projector on the music industry, touring and social commentary

By Kerri Lacey

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The debate surrounding the state of the music industry has been a longstanding battle drenched in frustration, and for trio Projector, they perceive one of the battles as being the lack of investment from the government into the UK’s modern music.

Lucy: Considering the sheer amount of revenue that major UK artists bring in, there seems to remain an institutional snobbery that keeps diverting funding to orchestras and ballet companies.

Despite this observation, they remain optimistic about what they may experience going forward.

Demelza: Some really great bands that I have seen over a long period in Brighton are finally starting to gain momentum, so while the industry is vapid and potentially short-lived; I think if you keep chipping away then eventually you’ll be taken seriously.

As a band, they have been fortunate to have mostly positive experiences with those working in the industry, notably Josh Cooper of Roadkill Records, who has played a significant role in their recent endeavours. Deriving from an eclectic scene in Brighton, the trio admits they feel there have been some alterations.

Lucy: There was a good time in Brighton’s underground, that’s sort of ebbed away a year or two ago. However, we’ve seen a lot of excellent jazz gigs lately ā€“ Count Kujo and Yadisofi.

Ed: There are still lots of nice bands though in Brighton such as Demonstrations, Public Body and Thyla. They are my current favourites.

Regardless of uncertainty surrounding what the scene currently portrays, Projector do recognise their position within the seaside town.

Demelza: We are definitely part of a scene in Brighton. However, I think it is hard to see that there is a scene bubbling away when you are in it if you get me?

Affirmation of their musical path happened after touring in Europe, where Lucy explains they played one of their “best gigs ever” at a venue called Horst Club in Kreuzlingen.

Lucy: It was the coolest club with an amazing vegan chef bringing us food all afternoon under the trees outside. A friendly dog, lots of audience dancing and they put us up in an amazing house in the mountains.

Touring has its ups and downs, but for the most part, Projector embrace life on the road and the experiences it presents.

Demelza: I like being on the move. I think I’m a secret travelling gypsy at heart. It’s great for getting quite good at your instrument and hanging out with your pals. However, I am in a very dysfunctional, mostly great, sexless relationship with two other people. It’s a rollercoaster but a fascinating one.

Ed: I get a lot of time to myself in the back of the van, so it allows me to catch up on my correspondence.

When they aren’t locked away writing tunes or off performing in front of their fans, Projector take full advantage of downtime, but this is interpreted differently by all.

Ed: Projector are nocturnal.

Delmeza: One-third of Projector are nocturnal. I am quite the opposite as my son wakes up at 6 am. We usually go skateboarding or hang out at the beach and then while he sleeps, I try to work from my green ford focus. Sometimes I play the drums.

Projector take issue with the political discourse that occurs on social media platforms with a perception that it has become drenched in a back and forth mentality that in a lot of occasions rises to nothing of sense.

Lucy: I can’t stand inarticulate shouting, which seems to comprise the majority of political and social discussion on social media. The issue becomes diluted and alienated from the truth, allowing opponents to discredit it altogether. When a really eloquent artist comes along like Idles, I rejoice! His lyrics have such precise, striking imagery – that is real political commentary!

Ed: I really hate that musicians are brought up on the idea that if you have a voice, then you have a responsibility to use it. For sure, if you’ve something important to say and you can express it eloquently then go for it. But if your band’s message is just “Fuck the Tories”, then you are only adding to the noise.

Demelza: Music allows me an outlet from normal life and allows me to believe I can achieve anything.

Lucy: I think music contextualises life by giving moments poignancy.

The pondering of that question has paid off for the band as they released the much anticipated and well received single ‘Go Ahead’ back in April through Roadkill Records. The single was recorded back in January at Brighton Electric with Alex Newport.

Lucy: We had been wanting to work with Alex for ages, and it was a total pleasure, I don’t think we left the studio for more than a few hours over two days!

After a stint of shows and festival appearances at The Great Escape as well as Camden Rocks, the trio have more dates lined up for those wishing to catch them in action – and take it from me they are definitely a band you should make space in your diary for! 

See Projector live:

SAT 10 AUG @ Boardmasters Festival – Cornwall

SAT 14 SEP @ The Victoria – London

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Cover photo by Jessie Morgan