No one can say that East India Youth, a.k.a William Doyle, isn’t passionate about his music. Anyone who was at the sold out Sebright Arms gig last night could tell you about Will and his headbanging ways. Will himself put on twitter “Whoever it was last night that asked me if my neck would hurt in the morning from all my rock-out headbanging, I’m sorry I doubted you”.
There is no doubt however that East India Youth is going places. He was listed as No.1 in Time Out’s ‘Watchlist for 2013’, has had a successful summer of festivals and will be starting a headlining tour following the release of his new album, which will be released early next year. His video of one of his latest tracks ‘Looking for Someone’ has had over 5,000 views on Youtube in a short period of time and is sure to get a lot of exposure on the radio.
East India Youth is unashamedly experimental. With a number of influences, spanning over three years, his new album is sure to grab people’s attention. From moody, dark beats and vocals, to full on electro-dance like the last track played at Sebright Arms, which had the whole place bouncing. This definitely seemed like a taster of Will’s abilities and a taste of what’s to come.
Having a brief chat days leading up to the gig, I spoke to Will about his influences and the future plans for East India Youth.
You’ve recently announced an album release for early 2014, what can we expect from it?
It’s called TOTAL STRIFE FOREVER and it’s out on January 13th through Stolen Recordings. Perhaps not what people may be expecting – there’s a lot of instrumental work on this album and the vocal tracks are what tie it together. I thought it would be interesting to do it that way as usually it’s the opposite configuration. There’s a big mixture of styles though, from ambient tracks to dance tracks and poppier moments.
You’re Sebright Arms gig is sold out, how does it feel? Is this a reflection of the success of summer festivals?
I’m really happy that we’ve managed to sell it out. I like playing at the Sebright so there should be a good atmosphere. I think the success of this gig is down to interest in the upcoming album and the reaction to things like the video we’ve just put out, more than anything.
What was it about Electronic music that attracted you to it?
The idea that you can create any sound from the massive range of audible frequencies. It’s a very liberating notion.
How did you get in to music?
I always found it a mysterious process and so as a ten year old boy I naturally wanted to discover it and learn how it had such a strong effect on me. The best way to do this was to learn an instrument and start writing songs. That sense of wonders persists to this day.
Who or what are you influences?
Off the top of my head: Arvo Part. Brian Eno. Tim Hecker. Laurel Halo. Scott Walker. David Bowie. Perc.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
A lot of Vatican Shadow, Perc, Pete Swanson, Daniel Avery, some recent R&S 12″s I bought, Paula Temple and Tessela amongst them. A lot of the heavier, darker side of techno.
Earlier in the year you were on Time Out’s top 10 bands to watch 2013, how did that feel?
It was a massive surprise, because I hadn’t achieved anything at that point – my first EP hadn’t even come out. I guess word of mouth spread to the Time Out editorial staff and I sent them the original mix of the album. They duly placed me as number 1 in the top 10 which was very flattering and encouraging. I think that helped kick-start things for me.
What’s the future plans for East India Youth besides your album release? UK tour? US tour?
I’ve got a UK tour booked for late January and early February and the rest is in the planning stages.
Can we expect any collaborations?
Not until Brian Eno starts answering my letters.
How did you come up with the name East India Youth?
I used to live by East India dock in London’s Docklands. We used to jokingly call where I lived the ‘youth hostel’.
East India Youth’s album is out 13th January 2014.
For more information go to:
Facebook.com/eastindiayouth
@eastindiayouth
soundcloud.com/east-india-youth