Interview with Kids On Bridges who drop their new single “Weapon Of Choice”

After the recent chart success of Kids On Bridges new single, Weapon Of Choice. We were fortunate enough to catch-up with the lead singer Christian Bragg.

Tell us how the band got together

We originally met in Alien Sound Studios. I was working with the producer Mark who runs the studio, extremely talented but like the Yoda of producers. On some early ideas for what would be the debut album it was originally meant to be a studio project. Dan and Andy were in another band working on an album, albeit our two worlds met and we become Kids On Bridges

We also ended up working with Steve Dub (Chemical Brothers) who finished the album.

Is it true you got your name from some kids throwing bricks off a motorway bridge at your car?

True story. I had a new car and was driving to Manchester and got to end of M62, I looked up at the bridge to see bricks falling which smashed my car! But to take a positive I got the name for the band!

You’ve been described as Pop Terrorists is that a good description

Lyrically yes. I think it came from being part of anti X-Factor and having all our social media shit down! And also our video to bankers was band! The idea of the music was always to have a message behind it but one that was to a catchy backdrop that sometimes led to the message being more subliminal. I think we are lucky enough to have the opportunity to free speech so if you have something to say then say it. Not everyone is going to agree with your opinion but that’s fine as long as you speak your mind.

Who are the bands biggest influence?

We are massively influenced by bands such as Phoenix, Mutemath, Depeche Mode, David Bowie, Dr John & the Meters. (I love the production and effort that goes into some of those bands listed, music) I’m a studio obsessive! Love great production. My brother has also been a big influence he always introduced me to music. As most do I absolutely love buying music.

Being based within the UK, how was it to play in New Orleans

We’ve been fortunate enough to perform in the States a fair few times. New Orleans is possibly my favourite city in the world it lives and breathes music. To perform at venues such as Tipitinas with some of the finest musicians in the world was a truly amazing experience. On the new album we will have a few guest performers from the city and have been fortunate enough to have Ziggy Modeliste, of the Meters feature on a track as well as a fantastic poet called Chuck Perkins.

Tell us about the new single Weapon Of Choice.

It was really an old idea that we had performed live with the Hot 8 Brass band a few times and one we were constantly being asked about. The time seemed right with what’s going on in the world and the lyrics seemed to resonate. As it says at the start of the video we all have our religious and political beliefs but sometimes it’s about doing the right thing and the most powerful weapon we have for change is our voice, you have one so use it! Weapon Of Choice is currently top 10 UK and number 15 in France, so we can’t complain. Our fan base and the public have pretty much turned it into a viral release. We also played it at shows with Beck, LCD sound system and two door cinema club.

What are the plans for the remainder of 2019?

Hopefully we will have the new album out, we will be looking at a final mixdown over in the states (New Orleans & LA) before some shows in China & Japan, then we should be good to go. It’s been a labour of love the new album, we haven’t rushed it and have had time to deliver melodically what we really wanted to.

How important do you think syncs are to helping break bands?

Really important, I think it’s possibly one of the only ways a new band can really be heard on a level playing field. We’ve been fortunate enough to have a tune featured in footlocker and that exposure brings more attention than radio play (radio is still great but there aren’t that many stations that give new music an opportunity) and then with a sync you end-up with more Spotify and Apple music plays. That again results in plays in stores etc., so it all goes hand in hand. Further to syncs, working on remixes is a great way to expose the band to a new audience. We worked on a fair few in our time. We beat Nile Rodgers Of Chic to get the INXS, Kick 30 job!

If you could work with any artist who would it be?

Ahh difficult… If they were still alive it would be David Bowie or Prince. However unfortunately they are not so, Red Hot Chilli Peppers or Phoenix or Mutemath at that. They would also be on my list.