INTERVIEW: BODIES discuss origins and influences alongside new album ‘Ores’

After years of evolution, setbacks, and raw persistence, Irish post-punk outfit BODIES are roaring back into the frame with ‘Ores’, their boldest and most emotionally charged statement to date. Following the teaser single ‘Health’, the Dublin-based group now unveil a full-length album that marries gritty realism with sonic firepower.

So we sit down with the band to talk about the making of ‘Ores’, the fractures that inspired it, and what it means to create art that doesn’t flinch in the face of collapse.

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What was the first rock song or artist that made an impact on you?

Hearing Drain you by Nirvana when I was 12 made me think for the first time “That sounds how i feel”

Who are some of your biggest musical influences within the rock genre?

Nirvana,Suuns, Deftones, Pixies, Title Fight, Radiohead, Slint , Nine Inch Nails, Bloc Party, Placebo

Are there any non-rock musicians or genres that have also influenced your music?

Electronic Music & Folk music definitely have an influence. 

In terms of electronic ‘Apparat’ especially and his other project ‘Moderat’ with modeselektor. 

Scottish folk musician Bert Jansch has definitely had an influence on the guitar in some way.

What is your main inspiration when looking to write new music?

Whenever I start to write something i’m just looking to find something my ears find interesting. Which is usually something I haven’t heard before but occasionally I’ll try to capture the vibe of another song while trying to keep it sounding like Bodies which can be very satisfying.

What do you enjoy most about performing live and do you have any memorable live performance experiences you’d like to share?

One of my favorite parts of playing live is having our very intense light show and just feeling indistinct from the visuals and noise projecting from the stage. Being part of a whole. 

The album launch last week in workmans was the best show we’ve ever played.

What has been a particularly rewarding moment in your musical journey so far?

Making the music I never thought I’d have enough talent or skill to make. I like listening back to this album. I think teenage me would be very proud.

How would you define success as a musician?

Partially making the music you want to make and getting it to completion. Partially having enough people out there who like your music to justify you keeping making records to release commercially.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out?

Just cos you suck now doesn’t mean you’ll always suck. Don’t give up.

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Listen to BODIES’ new album ‘Ores’ below.