The Northern Irish band release their new album in September

Brand New Friend began as a duo, when brother and sister Taylor and Lauren Johnson started playing and writing together after Taylor received his first guitar for doing well in his GSCEs.  

When the Northern Irish group became a five-piece after the release of their debut EP, they developed a fuller, punchier sound and they soon began picking up gigs and plaudits with the release of their debut album ‘Seatbelts for Airplanes’ in 2018.

Now they’re back with a new album, ‘Grandstand’, which is released on September 15th - so we caught up with frontwoman Lauren to learn more.

1.What’s the music that you listened to growing up, that you still listen to today?
My favourite band growing up was Paramore. I found their music when I was 11 years old, and immediately fell in love. I think Hayley Williams is one of the most talented vocalists of her generation, and I admire how they’ve been able to evolve their sound over the years, from energetic pop-rock to thoughtful alternative/indie.

2. In three words, describe the minute before you walk on stage.
Need to pee (small bladder/anxiety is not a great combination.)

3. How do you wind down after a gig?
The guys in the band will usually have a few drinks in our hotel room or in the green room after the show. I don’t drink, but I’ll usually hang out with them for a bit, then grab some snacks and watch trashy television until I fall asleep!

4. What’s the one song (by another artist) you wish you’d written or recorded first?
'Seventeen' by Sharon Van Etten.

5. What is your pet peeve?
I hate being rushed! It really stresses me out. I am the kind of person that carries out tasks at my own pace, and someone saying “hurry up” is enough to make me an anxious mess.

6. Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.
Record: The National - ‘Boxer’
Book: ‘No One is Talking About This’ by Patricia Lockwood
Film: ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ (2006)

7. Pick the director and lead actor(s) for a biopic about your life.
My biopic would be an off-beat indie comedy starring Rachel Sennott and directed by Greta Gerwig. I’d watch that!

8. You’re ordering take-away, what do you get?
A sourdough pizza with chicken, pesto, sun-dried tomato and red onion.

9. Describe your perfect day off.
I would lie in until around 9am, and then get a coffee and a pastry for breakfast. Then, I’d go for a long walk and a dip in the sea at Castlerock beach with my family and dogs. I’d come home, get showered and head out for some dinner (because my day usually revolves around when I can eat next). Then I’d finish the day with some live music—in this scenario, I go to see some of my favourite artists live, so the gig of my dreams would have a stacked line-up of Harry Styles, HAIM and Maggie Rogers. 

10. Tell us, in one sentence, why we should come to your next gig (whenever it may be.)
We’ll be playing plenty of material from our new album Grandstand, which is full of energy, catharsis and heart. 

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Brand New Friend release 'Grandstand' on September 15th.