Autoheart gives us the lowdown on their forthcoming debut release

East London four-piece Autoheart is a band that’s been plying its trade on the grass roots gig circuit for a few years now. Having released the single Control last November, and recently unveiling a brand spanking new video for the next single Lent, the band gave us an opportunity to get to know vocalist Jody Gadsden. We talk about their plans and the upcoming debut album Punch.

Formally you were known as The Gadsdens. What was the reason behind changing the name to Autoheart?

The Gadsdens came from my surname and I was slightly uncomfortable with that. So we went for something really simple and Autoheart comes from a lyric from one of our songs – Sailor Song.

Sailor Song was your first single in 2009 and won you a lot of acclaim. Will it feature in the forthcoming LP?

Yep, we did a slight remix when we recorded the album but it’s very much true to the original.

How do you feel about being compared to Tracy Chapman vocally and early Coldplay musically?

I have absolutely no problem with any comparisons. I think for a white man to be compared to a black female singer is quite an accomplishment. As for the Coldplay one, they are amazing at what they do but I don’t think the sound of the album necessarily lends itself to Coldplay’s sound – but I can see the comparisons due to use of the piano.

What was it like working with Danton Supple, who also produced Coldplay’s X&Y album?

It was a wonderful experience. He has a wonderful skill of drawing out the best performances from each individual member of the band.

New single Lent is different compared to your older material. Can we expect more of the same from Punch?

No, I would say Lent is the most synth-based pop track on the album.

What topics will be running through Punch?

It’s mostly about matters of the heart: happiness to loss. [Guitarist] Barney says I use quite violent lyrics, metaphorically speaking, but it’s dressed up in quite nice music. It’s a good contrast I think.

Punch is due for release in spring. Are you proud of it?

This album has been a labour of love and I’m very proud of it. Some of these songs have been with me for years so it’s really nice to have those memories documented in this record. All I want to do is get it out of there, so the public can hear it.

Samuel Mensah
Photo: Courtesy of Autoheart

Autoheart’s new single, Lent, will be available to download from 11^th February 2013.

Watch the video for Lent here: