An Interview with Fountain Island

A brand new release from Fountain Island comes through with quite a vivacious approach and soundscape with a blend of pop-punk and rock overtone, along with sweet hooks that just get embedded in your brain for days after the song is ended, all delivered with a colorful approach and a certain level of honesty that makes the song.

One of my favorite attributes of "Girl You Got Me" is the simple fact that it comes right in with this massive hook and gets you pulled into the song straight away. This is smart songwriting because they're giving you the juice right up front, and so as the verses play through, you're paying attention to those lyrics, which is basically a love song of sorts, but you're waiting for that big chorus to come back around again, and that is something that keeps you engaged.

This track definitely means more towards a pop-punk approach, but it's not really over the top in terms of lining up with the genre. It's more of a pop-rock song to me because a lot of the guitars are clean until those hooks come back in, and it starts really rocking out harder.

The vocals are robust to say the least. They are full-bodied, loads of harmonies, that vibrancy that's undeniable, and you really get addicted to the whole approach of the track, which is kind of edgy in a sense, very explosive and high energy, and all falling neatly under the pop umbrella.

There are all kinds of cool effects going on with some overlapping guitars that sound almost like a voice box effect over the clean chords, leading into the robust choruses, and throughout all of that, you have those vocals that are just right in your face and give off such a brightness.

A lot of why this song works so well is attributed to the guitar performance in the vocal performance. The tones of all the instruments with something that was paid attention to quite a bit. They wanted to come through with a certain aesthetic, and they certainly made that happen.

It's very crisp and clean, but I think that's the point. It's polished, super catchy, pop-rock, and punk, and it's very radio-friendly.

As I mentioned before, the song is a love song. And it's got a youthful and almost anthemic approach to it, very relatable to anyone who is infatuated or wrapped up in someone.

In certain ways, this is a classic love song. Lyrically, everything is put right out there in the open and makes perfect sense.

The drumming is pretty heavy-hitting but right in the pocket, so everything just drives right along with it, and I feel like this is a big element of why the song feels the way it does.

This is a song that has a particular kind of energy that almost puts you right there in the moment with the band and the song itself.

I definitely dig this because I'd want to go see them play live. Listening to how they captured a particular kind of aesthetic and energy on record so well makes you want to see them in a live performance setting.

The whole thing was arranged perfectly so that you have this gigantic chorus at the end of the track with layers upon layers of amazing guitar tones and vocals that just come rolling in, but it never feels overpowering. It's very lush and, as I mentioned before, full-bodied, but it's balanced really well dynamically. You can hear everything crystal clear.

I always love a song that takes loads of textures and puts them together to build an atmosphere the way this song does, and still manages to cut it clean so that you can hear all the guitar parts, drumming, cutting through certain elements so that you still have that drive, and keeping that uplifting, almost spirited and anthemic pop overtone.

This was a total banger and I absolutely loved it. A memorable track that hit hard but blended that color with edginess damn near perfectly.

Definitely don't miss this one. Now, while you do listen to this track, you should have a read through of our interview we conducted with the band just below.

After hearing the song, we wanted to find out where it all came from and what might be coming up next for them, so we did exactly that.

Crack this one loud and check this all out now.

Buzz Slayers: Let's talk about "Girl You Got Me"! This is a massive track a bright, colorful. and super high energy! A pop-coated release with memorable spirit!! Where did this single come from? 

A: This was really born out of a session of 2 other songs. This one really stood out though, a real departure from the usual pop punk sound we love and really stretching that Pop music muscle! Although referencing bands like Neck Deep for our big choruses and soaring melodies, we have a soft spot for pop acts like Jonas Brothers, 5sos and Busted. So naturally we wanted a way to express ourselves through that filter for sure! 

Buzz Slayers: I'm hearing a few different approaches to this release! Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

A: So Waterparks would be the biggest one, the way they are so genre fluid and really take from so many different styles and artists themselves. It makes for way more interesting music when you really show off your musical tastes and how diverse they are!

Buzz Slayers: Did you record this at a home setup, or at a big studio? 

A: We recorded this at Hidden Track Studios which is run by a long time friend and collaborator Oz Craggs, he has this really neat studio in the heart of the creative quarter in Folkestone on the Kent coast here in the UK. It’s such an incredible space and Oz is a certified genius. What he can do with the live room and the months of prep he made to get that live room just perfect just shows off how much attention to detail he has. A real pleasure to work creatively with and it never feels like work. Just straight to making things and always having the best time! If this sounds like we’re selling him to you, we are! 

Buzz Slayers: Do you guys write songs together, or are there a few main songwriters that bring ideas back to the rest? 

A: So as a group so far it’s just been me (Alex) doing everything from the arrangements, instruments, production and lyrics. But now that we’re back as a 3 piece we’re diving more into the collaborative space. 

Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as a band?

A: It all started in 2020 when I (Alex) had a load of Demos that I sent to a few producers and writing friends. But it was really Joe Marsh who convinced me to make it a band so I did! Having mostly worked on it all at home during lockdown I sent the sessions to Joe and the first 4 songs we released were done!

Buzz Slayers: Are you performing live right now? 

A: We are! Next for us is Reading Rising at The Facebar in Reading November 16th, Opening for Devil Sold His Soul, Still Remains and Millie Manders and the shut up. 

Buzz Slayers: Now that this is out, what's next for you as a band?

A: Next is a 3 song EP we’re finishing up called ‘Motor Hotel’ which focuses on ambition, relationships and how fame can change it all as a concept. 

Buzz Slayers: Who's in all your headphones right now?

A: So all of us agree on Girlfriends right now. And it’s on heavy rotation for definitely. Especially the emotion sickness record. 

Buzz Slayers: What would you tell people they can expect on this release?

A: Loads of fun and catchy music! It’s the catchiest thing we’ve written yet, you’ll be coming it all day! 

Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to express to fans of the music?

A: Thanks so much to everyone who has followed our journey so far! We always love hearing from you guys keep living everyday like it’s a holiday!

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