Music / Spotlight
My First Time: The post-punk pop band dripping with irony and wit
My First Time is the hot new four piece adding their unique sound to the ever-changing musical landscape of the city.
Rooted in post-punk, the quartet released their debut single, Wind Up Merchant, last October via Submarine Cat Records and have had their demos shared on BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music.
Consisting of Isaac Stroud-Allen, Jordanna Fonsey, James Mellen and Niamh Jones, the outfit performed a sold out show at Rough Trade following the single release and are set to perform at this year’s Outer Town Festival on April 13.
is needed now More than ever
Bristol24/7 caught up with guitarist and vocalist James Mellen ahead of the festival.
Where in Bristol are you based?
We’re essentially in a line on Gloucester Road; Isaac and I live together, Niamh is five minutes one way, Jordanna is ten minutes the other.
How would you describe your music?
Our sound lies somewhere in between Elastica, Nirvana and Justin Timberlake. The catalyst for us finding our sound was Rudebox, the greatest song ever written, by our lord and saviour Robbie Williams.
What influences your music?
For me personally, right now Adrienne Lenker is a big influence on my writing. But as a whole: a lot of hip-hop and pop music.
We write with a pop mentality, then throw in some nasty guitars, drums and bass and bosh it’s My First Time.
What’s your favourite memory of your career so far?
It’s hard to pick one, we’ve had some good moments over the last year or so. Our sold-out show at Rough Trade is easily up there, the amount of love and sweat and booze in that room was off the chain.
Or tearing up the Windmill in Brixton with Lip Filler. That was a laugh.
What’s the response been to the music/art you’ve put out there so far?
So far so good. Big love to anyone who’s listened or come to a show. Means a lot.
How have you found breaking into the music industry for grassroots artists?
It’s not easy. It’s a lot of trial and error. It’s then a case of just trudging through it for a while, playing rooms for a paycheck which doesn’t even cover the cost of getting an Uber there.
Then TikTok has changed things for new artists, like it’s easier to grow an ‘audience’, but if that audience ain’t showing up to shows then how far have you really gotten? I don’t know, everyone has a different experience.
We played a few good shows last Spring which helped our profile, very much in the right place at the right time. And we’re just really, really sick.
Where’s your favourite place to perform and attend a gig in Bristol?
For both performing and attending, Rough Trade is a staple – intimate shows, big names.
The Fleece is also up there: stage big enough for all of our egos, sticky floor and it’s next door to one of our favourite pubs. Dreamy.
Who’s your dream artist to work with?
I want Kenny Beats, Rick Rubin and A.G. Cook to produce our album. Damon Albarn and Trent Reznor would also be present. That would be sick.
Chuck in some features from JPEGMAFIA, Danny Brown, and MARINA, and I think we’d win a Grammy. Or ten.
Who have you got your eye on at the moment?
Across the pond: Geese, Chappell Roan and Underscores dropped some absolute heat in 2023. Obsessed with those records.
Over here, mary in the junkyard have been in constant rotation, as well as those new English Teacher singles, they’ve got some absolute rippers. Gretel Hänlyn is also insane, excited for her next release.
Fat Dog are also very good. But we’d keep your eyes firmly placed on us over anyone else (yes, we are very conceited).
Are there any artists you think deserve more appreciation/acknowledgement?
Bristol has so much going for it right now. Gold Fever and Pack of Animals, they’re both doing seriously cool things. Gotta shout out the guys in Saloon Dion and Getdown Services.
Grack Mack and the Pack have just released their debut single which is wicked. There’s almost too many to mention. Outside of Bristol, Lip Filler are tearing it up with their new stuff.
What’s next for you?
Endless riches and success, hopefully.
Main photo: Cloe Morrison
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
