Interviews

Kyte

Bill Cummings 05/01/2009

As we gaze with optimism into the fresh sheets of paper that are the opening days of 2009, we decided to ask one of 2008's rising acts, Leicester based electro flecked dream pop outfit Kyte, for a overview of a year that included the release of their the album back in February (that's hushed emotional vocals, twitchy electronic sweeps and building instrumentals drew favourable comparisons with Maps, Sigur Ros and Spiritualized). 2008 also saw Kyte constantly touring, major festival appearances, a two-page feature in the NME and the announcement of a big set of tour supports with School of Seven bells at the tail end of last year, so things are shaping up nicely for the band in 09. Considering they're only 21, and they still don't have a proper deal! Kyte vocalist Nick kindly wrote a piece under the heading:

"A year in the Life of Kyte"

"At the start of 2008 all we'd released was a single a few months back on the Sonic Cathedral label, and a mini album in Japan on the Rallye label. We were so proud to have records released on labels, this was pretty different for us. We were lucky enough to release our mini album in the UK on Kids Records in March, and also got out to play some more shows. Our friend Simon from I Like Trains gave us the amazing opportunity of supporting them on their UK and Ireland tour in April, and it was an amazing few weeks. Their fans were so patient and open minded towards us, and it was really cool to continually watch a band so devastatingly good at what they do. Not only that but they are all such great people; we have continued to keep in touch. Last week we were at a Polish venue two days before they were due to play there; we left them some coded messages. I can't wait to hear their new LP next year, I'm positive it'll blow minds. We managed to somehow get to Ireland to support them, and they let us stay in their hotels when it turned out our accommodation fell through!

The next big thing for us was somehow touring Japan! We managed to sell enough records out there to fund a trip over there, to play sold out shows (!) and go to Universal Studios Osaka. We were supported on the tour by a band called Llama who are probably one of the best bands we've ever played with. They are an 8 piece, its like technical beautiful pop music and it was inspiring every single night. Japan in general is so inspiring, we can't wait to get back there. Even if at times we weren't too sure what we were eating, it was still amazing.

We did a few festivals in the UK and one in Germany, which mostly went really well. The highlight for me was easily Latitude festival, I'd been the year before and I knew how amazing it is there. We opened the BBC introducing stage and we didn't expect anyone to be awake, let alone coming to check us out. I remember being so happy for the whole weekend, and stumbling into the woods and watching The Little Ones, absolutely amazing. It was great to meet Huw Stephens as I think he was the first radio DJ to really enjoy what we do, and play us on his show. He also picked us to play Latitude, nice guy!

Since the summer we've done two European tours, as we put our record out in Europe thanks to our friends at Erased Tapes Records. In September and November we toured mainly Germany, Poland, Switzerland and Belgium. On this recent November tour we were allowed to take our fellow Leicester friend Rival Consoles on tour with us as an amazing support. If anyone hasn't heard his music yet, you should do. Especially when its loud and in a venue, it'll punch you in the face.

We just recently put out an EP (Two Sparks, Two Stars) of four songs, on Kids Records. So far all the press has been very flattering, including getting radio play from Huw Stephens, Rob Da Bank, Steve Lamacq and on an XFM playlist. Over Christmas we've been doing a whole load of recording, and changing the live sound a fair amount. I'm so excited about the new songs, we will have so many songs to choose from for the next release."

Kyte are set to embark on a UK tour supporting Brooklyn trio School of Seven Bells. The tour will no doubt continue the quintet's tendency to deliver breathtaking live shows, as seen last year with the likes of The Whip, Maps, iLIKETRAINS and Olafur Arnalds.

The dates are as follows:

24 February GLASGOW, Captain's Rest
25 February LEEDS, Cockpit
26 February LONDON, Cargo
27 February MANCHESTER, Night & Day
28 February BRISTOL, Start The Bus
1 March BRIGHTON, Audio

Kyte's 'Two Stars, Two Sparks' EP is out now on Kids recordings.