Fresh off the release of their irresistibly groovy new single ‘See Me Lovin’ You’, UK funk-pop outfit The High Points let us dive into their world. Teaming up with fellow Norwich native and acclaimed producer Louis La Roche (boasting over 65 million Spotify streams), the band delivers a slick, Nu-Disco-infused track that highlights their signature blend of classic funk and modern pop. With recent festival appearances at Latitude and Bearded Theory, a sold-out headline show at The Waterfront, and a sync placement with Wendy’s in the U.S., the four-piece, composed of Ethan Keens-Soper, Matt Cranswick, Liam Cranswick, and Paul Reeder, are rapidly ascending. Rooted in street busking and shaped by influences from Nile Rodgers to Daft Punk, The High Points are proving that groove, grit, and great songwriting still go a long way.
Listen to ‘See Me Lovin’ You’ while you read our interview with the band below:
Paint us a picture: what sparked your passion for the arts in the first place? Was there a single moment or experience that solidified your decision to pursue this path?
I think we all had different moments which sparked our passion for music and arts, notably we would all agree it happened for us at young ages as we all grew up in musical households, Matt and Liam (brothers) had there dad who regularly gigged when they were growing up as well as their older brother so I think this was definitely going to be always on the cards for them as an interest.
When you create, what leads the way – a feeling, a story, or the sound itself?
Funnily enough, we would say both! We often come up with song scenarios to help us craft ideas and other times its purely on the sound of a small demo and then it just opens up our ideas from there.
What’s in your toolkit? Share the gear, gadgets, or software you can’t create without.
Our secret weapon especially on the new music is blending both virtual and sampled stuff along with live instruments, it’s curated such a great sound for the new songs. Ethan is a lover of guitar pedals for sure though, he uses various pedals including his rare Ibanez tube screamer from the 80s (Given to him by his dad), Strymon pedals, wah wah, and various others. Paul on drums is also a big fan of various sounds for his kit and has been a fan of Istanbul symbols, Ludwig drums to name a couple. Liam loves a more simple sound but uses a fantastic Rickenbacker guitar to carry forward his tones. Matt on bass uses a music man stingray vintage bass with flats, this straight into the desk is a vital part of the sound too, although simple it creates that 70s disco bass tone that everyone loves.
What’s your go-to ritual or trick for getting into the creative zone?
I wouldn’t say we have one, we always feel quite in the zone!
What’s the one item you always keep within arm’s reach while creating or performing?
Ethan – Phone stand (For notes at gigs)
Paul – his Vape!
Liam – Sunglasses
Matt – Some sort of funky shirt
How did you ultimately end up defining your sound?
Through years and years of playing and just making tweaks as we went along, it’s never a quick process, we used to love old school funk and thought that was our only sound, but as we’ve gone along we really discovered so many more styles that we love to incorporate. I think this is the same for so many bands and artists, you never want to be fully defined by only one sound.
How has your creative process or perspective shifted since you started your journey?
I wouldn’t say the process has shifted, we still do it the same way but we’re definitely more hard working than we were in the past, ever since we left our daytime jobs everything became more intense and full on, but in a much more rewarding way.
Walk us through a recording session: what’s the most memorable moment you’ve had in the studio?
On our new single ‘See Me Lovin’ You’ we used an ordainment, which is a golden pineapple, we jokingly said we should hit it with a drum stick and add it to the recording, by our sheer surprised the sound of the pineapple which was in the correct key of the song! We laughed like mad about it for so long because what started as a joke actually became something we used and it worked so well for it! Listen out for the pineapple in the bridge!
Are there any unexpected or dream collaborations hidden in your work?
Genuinely working with Louis la Roche really is an unexpected collaboration which we’re very excited about.
Any side projects you’re working on?
No
Who’s an emerging artist you think deserves more recognition right now?
Silvertwin
What’s the strangest or most surprising song currently on your playlist?
‘Barbara’s Rhabarberbar’
Which song, album or playlist do you never get sick of no matter how many times you listen to it?
Too many to name but anything Bob Marley, Beatles or CCR
Are there any unexpected hobbies or projects you’re exploring outside of your main work?
Ethan’s a great chef (He’s half French you know) and likes taking computers apart (not at the same time).
Paul actually builds drum kits! His kit he has now is made by himself.
Matt is the king of marketplace deals (Not sure if this a hobby).
Liam’s learning to drive.
If your life and career were an album, what would its title be, and what’s the hidden track only your fans would know?
The album would be called something like Rain and Sun (referencing the worst and best days you experience when in a band and also a double meaning for us as a band who regularly busk in the streets because of all of the weather encounters we have had to endure. The hidden track would be ‘Jamming in the rain’.
Give us a glimpse into the future – what surprises or milestones are coming up for you this year?
Our first proper UK tour, all arranged by ourselves. It’s super exciting and tough work to organise but we really can’t wait. Our upcoming new singles and album too.
Famous last words?
Praise the golden pineapple!
Follow The High Points:
Website – Instagram – Facebook – X – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Spotify
