Oversize are a heavy shoegaze + grunge rock band from the UK. They have just released their debut album, Vital Signs.
Of their latest single, "Fall Apart," vocalist Sam McCauley shares: ''Fall Apart' lyrically shifts around the themes of grief and heartbreak. Reflecting on a moment of disconnect. How you can feel numb and soulless whilst still yearning for a connection, for love. The basic want of someone to hold you and tell you it'll be just fine, while simultaneously isolating yourself from the world."
You can check out "Fall Apart" here:
I recently had the opportunity to chat with McCauley about Vital Signs, and more, and this is what he had to share.
What made you choose Oversize as an artist name, and how do you feel it represents you?
Lewis (Guitarist) came up with the name. Not entirely sure if it even means anything.The focus has primarily always been on making the music we enjoy. I personally like the idea of people making their own interpretation of the name.
Can you talk about the creative process behind your debut album, and what themes or messages you might be trying to convey?
Creatively, we are fortunate where everyone in the band can play multiple instruments, so everyone is able to bring something to the table. We have collectively always seen ourselves as a band that wants to create a vibe through a body of work such as this debut album. The creative process is always to get into a rehearsal space and see what value we can find in each other's ideas and build it from there.
The underlying themes lyrically for this record is grief and the lack of connection and communication with yourself. For me it also feels very nostalgic and we wanted to write a record influenced by some of our favourite bands growing up.
If you had to pick out your favorite song or lyric from the album, what would it be?
I don’t have a particular favourite however, Vital Signs for me captures the overall vibe of the album and gives me a sense of closure on the feelings portrayed throughout the album.
Your music defies easy categorization, blending elements of different genres and styles. How do you approach genre and style when writing and recording music?
I love the idea of not being easily categorised. I think when it comes to writing and recording music, we try not to get too bogged down by genre, sure we are a guitar band but usually we focus on the feeling or mood that we want to convey. Sometimes it’s a bit of a mash-up of ideas that just feels right in the moment.
Who was your favorite band while you were growing up?
I actually listened to a bunch of 90’s britpop on my cassette player growing up in my early teens. Radiohead was one of my favourite bands. I always admired Thom Yorke’s unique lyricism and singing style. Radiohead was also the band that introduced me to raw emotive lyrics and I definitely resonated with them as an angsty sad teenager.
What artists have you been playing on repeat lately?
Fontains DC, DIIV, Mannequin Pussy, Deftones, Nilufer Yanya.
What's the strangest or funniest thing that's ever happened to you at a show?
Strangest thing for me would be in our early years of being a band. This lady grabbed the mic from me, the room fell silent and she continued to tell the room to fuck off for not dancing or moving to our music. Felt super awkward, more than strange I guess.
What are your goals for your music career, and where do you see yourself in the next few years?
I think if I was to speak collectively on behalf of the band. Our main goal for our career and beyond would be to continue to play awesome shows with great bands and make new connections in different corners of the world. Heading to the states is also on our bucket list for sure.
Hype yourselves up! If someone were to ask you why they should check out Vital Signs, what would you tell them?
Check out Vital Signs if you want music for your head and your heart. Guitar music meets a journey of emotions. Hopefully you can connect with it.
Lastly, is there anything else that you’d like to share?
We have a bunch of headline album release shows in March across the UK. It’s probably the only time we will play ‘Vital Signs’ in full. Ticket link in our Instagram bio. See you there.
