"It's A Statement, Put Simply": HEADCOUNT Discuss New Single "Persistence"

"Say cheese!" [photo: Headcount]

Newcastle/London based HEADCOUNT burst on to the scene at the start of the year with debut track "POWERTRIP", accompanied by a suitably gnarly lyric video. With follow up "Persistence", the band have solidified themselves as one to watch, securing spots at Metal 2 The Masses and sharing the stage with bands like Earthbound.

I had the chance to talk briefly with the guys, lifting the lid behind the new track and finding out where the band's aspirations lie.

R: Hey guys! To anyone that doesn't know Headcount, please introduce yourselves. 

H: Hey, all. We're a five-piece crossover band based across the UK (Newcastle, Hertfordshire, Brighton). The band is:

Joe Clinton - Vocals

Joe Milbourn - Vocals/Guitar

Alfred Gubby - Guitar

Ellis Davey - Bass

Louis Osman - Drums

"It's all about persistence and pushing through all the mud to reach your end goal"

Who are your main influences or inspirations as a band?

Originally, when Alfred first started writing under the name Headcount, the "band's" inspirations were aligned with pretty much anything and everything. Power Trip (hence the song name), Hatebreed, Malevolence, 2Pac, Madball, Iron Voltage, Gridiron, 50 Cent, High-tech, Snoop Dogg, etc.

As each member was added to the band, we saw even more diversity in our influences. Avenged Sevenfold, Chimira, Sepultura, Transplants (D.R.E.A.M was actually taken and used as the band's intro tape along with a short line from a childhood favourite cartoon, Regular Show).

You've recently released your new single, "Persistence". Is there a story behind the track, or what is it about?

It's a statement, put simply. It says what it is on the tin. It's all about persistence and pushing through all the mud to reach your end goal. It is also an awesome tune for when you're in the gym.

Live and energetic [photo: Headcount]

How do you approach writing and recording? 

As we're all split across the UK, we generally write our own songs and then send them into the group chat for each other's opinions. Based on the feedback, the song gets adjusted and refined, and that's it!

"We're just grateful to have been given the opportunities we've had presented to us"

You're relatively new to the scene still, which is great. What's been some highlights so far?

Just being able to get out and play with awesome bands. We're just grateful to have been given the opportunities we've had presented to us. 

"Persistence" is out now [photo: Headcount]

And lastly, what are some items on the Headcount bucket list? What's at the top of your "We've made it" list?

I think with us all being perfectionists, it would be incredible to be able to headline major festivals across the world. That being said, we're all still doubly grateful for all and any support we've received and have always said we want to try and bridge the fan to artist connection and be more in touch with people who enjoy our music. 

"Persistence" is out NOW on streaming platforms