INTERVIEW: Oliver Pinder discusses origins and influences alongside new single ‘Such An Angel’

Wakefield’s rising alternative voice Oliver Pinder returns with his latest single ‘Such An Angel’, a roaring, emotionally charged anthem that sees him push further into bold, guitar-led territory. Following his 2025 EP too late to tell you, the track continues his upward momentum, building on growing support from platforms like BBC Radio 6 Music and The Great Escape.

Written in a single evening during a spontaneous kitchen jam with collaborator Jack, ‘Such An Angel’ captures a raw, unfiltered energy that carries through the entire recording. Shaped by his full band, the track leans into a communal, cathartic sound that balances intimate storytelling with anthemic indie intensity. Lyrically, it explores the slow realisation of someone’s true nature, unpacking themes of manipulation, ego, and emotional disillusionment.

Known for creating music that feels both deeply personal and collectively experienced, Pinder continues to build a reputation for live shows that double as emotional release. With a new EP on the horizon and his debut album in sight, ‘Such An Angel’ marks another confident step forward.

We caught up with Oliver Pinder to talk about his origins and influences, and how he’s continuing to turn raw emotion into something shared and powerful.

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

I grew up with my dad playing a lot of Meat Loaf, and Bat Out of Hell was always on. That song just feels massive, proper theatrical, larger-than-life. I think that was my first real introduction to rock and how powerful it can be.

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

I’ve only really got into heavier guitar music over the last couple of years, but Wunderhorse were a big turning point for me. Their first album, Cub, completely hooked me; it felt raw but still really thoughtful with such phenomenal lyrics. Since then, I’ve just been diving deeper into that world.

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

Yeah, massively. I grew up on a lot of sad indie and folk, artists like Ben Howard were a big part of that. I also love Bleachers, there’s something about the energy and emotion in their music that really resonates with me. I think that mix of introspective lyrics and bigger sound has definitely shaped what I do.

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

Most of the time, it’s just life, really, what’s going on around me, things I’m dealing with, or stuff I’ve seen other people go through. I try not to overthink it too much and just write honestly about whatever feels important in that moment.

What do you enjoy most about performing live, and do you have any memorable live performance experiences?

The best part is getting to share it all with my best mates. Everyone in the band and the wider team, Morgan, Tucker, Max, Harry, Joey, Dylan, Ciaran, they’re a huge part of it. It never feels like I’m doing it on my own.

One moment I won’t forget (for slightly painful reasons) was when I bought my dream guitar, a Gibson 335. Literally a week or two later, we were rehearsing for a gig, my strap came off, and it dropped straight onto my Quad Cortex and chipped the guitar. Safe to say I invested in strap locks after that.

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

That’s a tough one, but playing Barn on the Farm Festival in 2023 meant a lot. I used to go there growing up, so to actually be on that stage was a bit of a full-circle moment.

How would you define success as a musician?

For me, success is just having people connect with what you’re making, on any scale. If someone listens to a song and it means something to them, that’s kind of everything.

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

Don’t get into it for the money, you won’t earn any, at least not for a while. You’ve got to be obsessed with it, not just enjoy it. Take your time, go at your own pace, and try to enjoy the process.

And with social media, don’t treat it like a chore, stop moaning about it, it’s your equivalent to going out and sticking up posters in the depths of winter. It’s about finding your own identity on there. I’m still figuring that out myself, to be honest.

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Listen to Oliver Pinder’s new single ‘Such An Angel’ below.