A quick chat with Elise from Soot Sprite

Interview with Elise Cook by Paul Wade

What were your aims and intentions going into this record both in terms of the songwriting and the recordings? 

Asides from the obvious “we’ve been a band for ages now and should probably do an LP” it was really nice to have a kind of theme or focus to write around. Not every track was married to it but it helped to write with focus and we wanted to capture the slightly heavier sound we tend to play with live that had been missing a bit pre-Tom Hill! (ed: Tom produced the record, and plays in Muttering and Modern Rituals)

Was there a moment during the making of the album that changed or reshaped your initial vision for it?

I think for the most part things were on course and the vision was mostly just realised and reinforced. Sunday was a little weirder than we had anticipated but I think we really ran with the vision. For it to be visceral and hopeful and sad and deeply in tune with the feelings that came about writing the songs.

What is your favourite moment from the album?

I think it’s a real three way tie for me, love the end of Spectator, and some of the vocals there are the most difficult bits I’ve done, but it felt like it paid off. Surprise Guilty Party was a real last minute addition to the record so wasn’t exactly demoed out before properly, so watching that building in real time in the studio was pretty magic. Also, all the weird bits we did in Grip – the plucked open piano strings and guitar feedback. Things you don’t think about doing until you’re recording!

How was it recording with the DIY master himself, Tom? What did he bring to the record?

We’ve been working with Tom now since 2020, he really understands the brief you know? He’s a methodical worker who really manages to lock into a bands ideas and potential, and everything we’ve made with him has just come out so much better than we could’ve dreamed. We’ve got him out touring with us on guitar too which is so great!

What lessons did you learn from recording this time?

There was a lot of “this member can only do this day” kind of dipping in and out, which worked out with having to record all of the vocals in a day and a half. Maybe a little unrealistic time planning on our part, I guess, but also we’re a bunch of broke musicians who have to work things around jobs etc so there really is only so much that can be done in that sense.

You are on tour right now but what does the future hold for Team Soot?

We’ve got another tour to announce very soon! But also done a fair bit more writing so it’s not totally off the cards that we could be recording again by the end of the year! Depends how the coffers are looking of course.

Nothing Sounds Good is all about lifting up DIY music in this country. You are from Exeter, what is the scene like there and are there other bands you could recommend?

Yeah, me and Sean cut our teeth there, and there’s always a decent live music scene rooted in punk around the Cavern (venue.) There’s Lande Hekt who I also play bass in the live band for, Silk Cuts, Wednesday Club, The Maisonettes, Moya Silk.

You played with so many amazing UK DIY bands, throw us some names and why you love them?

It’s almost impossible to stop answering this question because we’re so fortunate to have played with so many friends with wonderful bands. Shit Present (undeniable bangers and wonderful fun people), Don’t Worry (songwriting powerhouses with riffs for days), SUDS (sublime indie/ shoegaze, some of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet), Other Half (breathtaking live shows, tongue through the cheek lyrics & some total anthems moments for ultimate crowd shout alongs), Regal Cheer (bangers, bangers, bangers, and always an absolute gas). I could go on forever and ever.

What new music are you all currently digging?

for me (Elise) I’ve been listening to Great Grandpa’s new record “Patience Moonbeam” just on repeat, for Sam - “Act of Harm” by Outlander, for Sean it’s “The Father Of Make Believe” by Coheed & Cambria.

Read any good book or seen any good films recently?

I just finished Jaqueline Wilson’s new book ‘Guess Again’ which is maybe the final part of her characters from “Girls In Love”, amazing that she’s transitioned into adult novels that grow with her readership – she’s such a wonderful author. Sean just finished “Oryx & Crake” by Margaret Atwood which he thought was great. Sam really rated the film “Mickey 17”, I got to get on that!