There are few bands that have charted an evolution as diverse as Glass Animals. Formed in 2010 and consisting of members Dave Bayley, Drew MacFarlane, Edmund Irwin-Singer and Joe Seaward, the English indie rock band initially broke out with their debut album ZABA—a psychedelic soundscape of tropical percussions and tribal jungle rhythms that gave rise to their hit single "Gooey". Just two years later, their sophomore album How To Be A Human Being revealed a more upbeat, experimental side to the band's musical identity and firmly cemented their place as up-and-comers in the indie music scene. But it wasn't until 2020, when Glass Animals reached stratospheric heights with their double-platinum hit "Heat Waves" that was featured on their third album, Dreamland.
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Fresh off the success of their fourth studio album, I Love You So F***ing Much, released in June of last year, Glass Animals has since taken the world by storm with its world tour. Debuting its Asian leg in Tokyo, the band has since performed electrifying shows at the Capitol Theatre in Singapore, Zepp KL in Kuala Lumpur and more. Due to overwhelming reception, the quartet has also recently announced an extension for "Tour On Earth", which sees additional shows happening in North America in the summer.
Ahead, we speak to lead vocalist Dave Bayley as he shares what inspired the band's latest album, his all-time favourite song to perform live and the biggest life lessons he's learnt from making music.
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You’re midway through the Asian leg of your world tour. How has it been so far?
It’s hard to explain how awesome it has been. I love the cities we have been to. Such amazing energy and colours and food and people. It has been a career highlight so far. Feeling very lucky!
You’ve mentioned that I LOVE YOU SO F**ING MUCH is about existential crises and
poignant love stories. Tell us more about it.
I just had a bit of a spin-out about how much my life had changed after our third album came out … we were all stuck in our homes during the pandemic, and I could see everything happening with the record gaining popularity, but I couldn’t really live it. Then the world opened up again and we were in a very different place as a band. It didn’t feel real! I felt like an imposter. To feel normal again I had to reconnect with moments in life that really meant something. Those moments are what this album is about. And they are all about human connection and love. Those are the things that mean something in life.
I particularly like the opening track “Show Pony”, as well as the Parra For Cuva Remix
that just came out. What's the story behind the song?
Before we even know what love is or what it does, we experience it. we see it all around us in friends, family, strangers, even our pets. We feel it. And in our minds, we draw a blueprint of what it should and shouldn’t be. We all have a different experience. But this is my experience, and it gives context to the rest of the album.
Glass Animals has collaborated with many artists over the years from Denzel Curry to Arlo Parks. Is there a dream artist you would love to work with?
Rihanna. My favourite voice in pop music I think. Elton John too, he’s an incredible human and musician. Lana Del Rey, too—incredible songwriter and beautiful voice.
What is your all-time favourite song to perform and why?
Whoa. That's like choosing a favourite child. I don’t have kids, but I imagine that’s what it's like at least. Saying that, I like Lost in the Ocean. It’s a moment of calm in the set and the crowd sing-along is always very heart warming. There has been a wonderful group of crowd members at every show organising a display of color-coordinated light-up stars throughout the whole audience. It's beautiful. I’ll never forget it.
You’ve been quite open about the highs and lows the band has experienced over the
past decade. What were some of the biggest life lessons you’ve learnt so far as a musician?
I’ve learned to make time to do the things you love most. Never stop making music. Always make time to see the people you love. And also, listen to your gut instinct when it comes to any decision. It's often correct.
The band has experimented with so many different types of sounds and genres over
four albums. How would you describe the evolution of Glass Animals?
I think we just try to do something new and fresh with each album, and to keep pushing ourselves. But I have noticed a slight trend. As time has gone on, the albums became more personal, and less shy. I think album by album; the listeners have given me a bit more confidence to be more open and personal with their support. The first album was very shy and quiet, and the vocals were tucked away in the mix. The second album felt a bit more ‘live’ and louder and confident, but it was still about other people and not directly personal. The third album was definitely personal, but about the past and about memories. The fourth album is more here and now and is very personal.
What’s left on your bucket list as a creative?
I feel very lucky to be where we are…I never thought music could be a career. My bucket list is to simply keep doing this and keep making albums that we love.
What’s next for Glass Animals?
We are touring! A lot! we have a few more shows on this tour of Asia including China, India, and Thailand. and then we go to the USA for some festivals. Hopefully I’ll have some time to write some more music soon. And maybe some collaborations are coming—I can’t say anything else!