Manchester’s indie scene never stays quiet for long, and one of the newest names already making serious noise is Bank Holiday. With their debut single Out Of The Blue officially out now, and us witnessing the hottest Bank Holiday Monday we have had in forever, it felt like the perfect time to catch up with the band as they kickstart what’s already shaping up to be a huge first chapter. Featuring familiar faces from previous projects including The Maloners and Shade, the band have hit the ground running with a rapidly growing online following, a sold-out debut headline show at Gullivers on Saturday 13th June, and the release of their debut single Out Of The Blue, which is out now on all streaming platforms.
With momentum building quickly around the band, we caught up with Bank Holiday to talk about the new project, the response to their debut release, the visuals shaping the band’s identity, and what fans can expect from their first hometown headline show.
Here at Soundmate, we’ve had the pleasure of working with you previously through projects like The Maloners and Shade respectively. How does Bank Holiday compare to your past bands, and what feels different about this project?
Mac: I think Bank Holiday feels like a really nice fresh wave of new material moving more with the modern times but sticking with our previous influences. Also with the experience in songwriting and gigging between us, we feel a lot more confident and prepared this time.
Luke: This time it we feel a lot more free, we can make the kind of music we actually want to be making, it’s great to have a fresh start too.
Your debut single Out Of The Blue already has a really strong feel to it, and TikTok seems to have picked up on it quickly too. After putting so much work in behind the scenes, how does it feel to hit the ground running like this?
Mac: It honestly feels amazing. A lot of people would say we didn’t expect it at all, but without sounding big headed, the only option for us was that the tune was gonna do well, especially after the countless hours of work we put in whilst setting up this project over the last 8 months or so. But yeah it feels incredible and we don’t take any of it for granted, extremely privileged for the support coming our way.
Luke: It’s scary when you think about it, we never expected that kind of reaction from it all, don’t get me wrong it’s amazing that people love our tune but we know from past experience how hard it is to get that kind of trackion straight off the bat, especially as a new band which makes us even more greatful for it.
The visuals around the band have been quality from the start – from your social content and promo shoots to the artwork itself. What’s the vision behind the aesthetic of Bank Holiday?
Mac: The initial idea was to create a really strong visual to go with the song, as I feel like especially in the times now, social media is the main point of interest with bands and artists and is one of the things that matters the most. We sort of took the piss with the blue thing as it was just the title of the song but we just ran with it, and it seemed to do really well. We’re just trying to establish our visual identity as best we can and we’re really glad the work is slowly paying off.
Luke: I think we’re still slowly figuring that one out as we go but we just thought to stick to the blue these for the first single. Makes it a bit more interesting to watch, catches your eye.
Selling out Gullivers almost instantly must have been an incredible feeling, especially with it being your debut Manchester headline show. What can people expect from the night?
Mac: Here’s some things to expect. Exclusive unreleased merch, a shit load of brand new tunes, an exclusive announcement or two, and most importantly, A MASSIVE DANCE.
Luke: It’s really blew us away to be honest, this is something you alway aim and dream for when you start a band but it rarely ever happens so yeah we’re buzzing. We’re gonna play some massive unheard tunes of ours and possibly a cover too.
With such an exciting start already, it must only make you hungrier for what’s next. Is there one Manchester venue you’d love to headline one day? And what festival would be top of the list for Bank Holiday?
Mac: I think neighbourhood festival would be an amazing place to play having been going there previous years, also Kendal Calling was the first festival I went to, as sound mate will know!! Venue wise, we’d love to headline new century hall, it looks incredible inside, especially the lighting and I believe it would be a really big moment in our careers.
Luke: Honestly for me Night and Day is my favourite Manchester venue so as long as we play that i’m happy and I think that’s the next one on the cards. I’d love to play isle of white fest, seems like an incredible atmosphere
As debut releases go, Out Of The Blue feels less like a first step and more like the arrival of a band who already know exactly who they are. With a sold-out Manchester headline show, a rapidly growing audience online and a clear identity both musically and visually, Bank Holiday have all the foundations to become one of the city’s most exciting new names. If this opening chapter is anything to go by, there’s no doubt they’ll have a huge future ahead of them. Out Of The Blue is available now on all streaming platforms, and if you haven’t listened already, now’s the time to get familiar with a band that look destined to make serious noise.