Auckland
based up-and-comers The Beths have been proving that they are a band worth keeping an eye on. They are due to feature at Coastella 2019, which is taking place on the Kapiti Coast on 23 February. Bridie from Muzic.net.nz spoke to Liz (guitar, vocals) about how they formed, friendship and the year that was 2018:
How would you sell The Beths to a new listener?
Like me personally? Guitar pop I suppose. I feel like no one wants to hear me sell my band, it would be bad.
We were already playing a lot of music together in a bunch of different projects since studying music together, and then we made a decision to start a 'band.' I wanted to write songs again and we all wanted a fun side project.
Ideally, treating each other with respect.
I'd like to us to keep making and playing music and be able to support ourselves.
2018 was a year that felt to me like it used to when you were a kid and it took an eternity to get to summer holidays. All the new experiences and new places I suppose, stretching the time out.
Have there been any major challenges you’ve had to face as a band? If so, how did you get through them and if not, how do you keep each other in check?
Touring is tiring, and you need to look after each other. Everyone has days where they are sad or not functioning 100%, and that's okay when you know that if one of you needs space your bandmates can keep things going and will support you. That is the ideal, and it doesn't always work out that way.
Just warming up, nothing really ritualistic, for me anyway.
Honestly, not really. I mean, I have ambition and I want to keep making music and I want that music to connect with people and I want to be proud of it. Lists are quite a specific and limited representation of that connection. It still feels good when you're on one, of course, I just don't want to attribute any of my future happiness to being on any one in particular.
We're on Facebook, and you can follow me on Twitter and Instagram - @lizstokedstokes
Photo Credit: Frances Carter