Our ‘The Place We Call Home’ feature has seen bands talk about some of the world’s most famous music cities and towns; Manchester, Melbourne, Brighton, Madrid, and more. From speaking to Oversize, Salisbury is certainly not likely to join that list anytime soon. Situated in the South West county of Wiltshire, the Cathedral city is considerably known for being near Stonehenge and it’s no surprise the area leans into ancient history; Iron Age ruins, its Grade I-listed museum, and more.
As we come to learn, Salisbury’s music history is rather thin. Although influential British bands such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin stopped by Salisbury in the 1960s and 1970s. When it comes to TV and film, period dramas ‘Bridgerton,‘ ‘The Crown,’ and ‘Pride and Prejudice’ have benefitted from historic locations in the area.
Besides the 2018 poisoning of double agent Sergei Skripa and his daughter, Yulia, Salisbury doesn’t have much going on. While we’re sure the nightlife down Milford Street can be eventful, thumping dance music isn’t our vibe. Thankfully, Oversize have emerged to represent Salisbury’s music scene.
Three-fifths of the group, including guitarist Lewis Lennane-Emm, consider Salisbury their home. Having bonded over a mutual admiration for alternative 90’s music, Oversize have emerged with the release of their debut album – ‘Vital Signs’. Wrapped in “nu-gaze” layers of flanged, distorted guitars, sonic textures, and sturdy rhythms. It proves to be alluringly delivered, taking you on a hazy journey of grief and loss.
To learn more about the impact Salisbury has had on Oversize, we spoke to Lewis Lennane-Emm. He commented on how the close-knit community led to the band’s formation, its DIY community, and the venues that shaped their music journey.
What city are you from, and what makes you proudest to be from there?
The band was formed in Salisbury, Wiltshire, where three of us still reside. Tazz, who joined the band after forming, is originally from a small town about 30 mins away called Totton.
Salisbury is one of those places where people tend to leave at a certain age, be it for university or work, but it ends up calling you back. When you’re a teenager, it can be a little frustrating being so rural with not a huge amount going on, but what we found is you end up creating lifelong bonds with people, it’s a tight-knit community and that’s what led us to starting a band together when we found ourselves back there.
What is it famous for and what are its people known for/what character traits are they seen as having?
Most recently the Russian Novichok poisonings! Previously, you’d have to use Stonehenge as a marker or at a squeeze, when someone uses football as a reference point, you’d have to say Southampton is the closest football team. So Novichok really came in clutch with putting us on the global map.
What influence has that had on the city’s music scene and the types of bands it produces?
I think the rural and isolated nature of Salisbury caused a strong DIY community when it came to the music scene, especially when we were younger. There wasn’t much to do, so people started bands with their friends. There were tonnes of venues to play, whether it be an old converted church or a small stage in a pub. There were shows every weekend and people would turn out.
Unfortunately, due to funding cuts and the struggles small music venues are facing, that structure is no longer in place. It really sucks, without those pivotal years I honestly don’t know if i’d still be making music now, and OVERSIZE certainly wouldn’t exist.
Are there particular genres your hometown is most associated with?
Haha, yeah. Salisbury has this weird connection with Ska/Ska-punk. I guess there were some bands a little before our time that were making moves in the scene and it’s kinda always stuck. I hated it when I was younger because it just felt like a ghost of the past, and we were all about what was happening at the time. But now it brings a little smile to my face; it’s part of the DNA of the town and certain venues.
Who do you consider the unsung heroes in your local music scene?
There’s lots of legends that have contributed hugely to the scene over the years, but honestly I have to say the few people that are still putting on regular shows to keep live music alive. Shout out Robb Blake and the Winchester Gate for remaining a cornerstone of the music community, Keith Gale, Colin Holton, and RIP Thom Belk.
What venues in the city have your band played most often and how have they helped to shape your band?
The first show I ever played was the Arts Centre, a converted church which I always dreamed of playing as a kid. I was lucky to play there a bunch in my younger years, unfortunately, they decided rock music wasn’t fitting anymore and pretty much priced local promoters out from using it. An occasional showcase event happens there, but it’s not the same.
Second to that, it would have to be the Winnie, something tells me we’d struggle fitting our backline in there nowadays!
If you were to write a song about where you’re from, what would the tone and message of the song be?
It’d be straight ska banger about getting up to mischief. Or maybe a bardcore version of one of our tunes to really fit the medieval surroundings…
‘Vital Signs’ by Oversize is out now on Sharptone Records.
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