Meet: Fuzzy Indie Band Paraffin

Paraffin are one of the south coast’s hottest up and coming bands. Driving inspiration from an eclectic mix of The 1975, Arctic Monkeys and Muse. Backseat Mafia caught up with the band to find out a little bit about them before they take the world by storm with their amalgamation of fuzzy ear-worms and euphoric choruses.

Give us a potted history of the band

PARAFFIN first started in 2018, with Tom Tyler and Billy, however fully came to life in its full form in 2022 when Jake came on board, with Tim also joining the year before. Demoes were released before and during the Covid-19 pandemic which gained some early success, albeit stunted by the events in the world and a subsequent lack of gigs, racking up several hundred thousand streams on spotify as well as airplay on BBC Radio Solent. Prior to this, we had previously sold out the Wedgewood Rooms on numerous occasions, and had some initial return gigs headlining the Joiners in Southampton and other local Portsmouth venues.

Following the easing of restrictions, and establishment of the current and final lineup, PARAFFIN released singles Call Me Over and Mean in 2022. Call Me Over was supplemented by a music video, and gigs began to come thick and fast further afield.

Momentum has continued to build in 2023, with more gigs than ever before in the first half of the year in a growing catchment of cities, including out in europe. Notable support slots have also come alongside King No-One and The Luka State, as well as new single White Light. The latest upcoming release, ‘Satisfied’, was developed in the early days, and will mark the second release of the year.

Who inspired you to start making music

Billy has always been primarily inspired by The 1975, with echoes of Matty Healy in his delivery. Guitarists Tom and Tyler idolise Alex Turner and Matt Bellamy respectively, Jake has always been influenced by the late great Taylor Hawkins, and Tim by Mike Kerr in Royal Blood from a tonal perspective.

And the one or maybe two records that inspired you artistically

As a collective, we are huge fans of Peace, and their debut album ‘in love’ inspired all of us artisitcally growing up.

If you’re trying to explain who you sound like to someone that’s never heard you, what do you say

Catfish and the Bottlemen, The Amazons and Nothing But Thieves.

Tell us about your new single

Satisfied was initially written prior to the pandemic, the lyrics being a joint effort between Tom and Billy. Tom was at university at the time, and used a recording of an ad libbed melody from Billy after coming home from a rehearsal that evening to pen what became the verses, as Billy had solidified the chorus in that session. Tyler put together the interwoven riffs underneath during a brief hiatus for the band as they waited for the world to return to normal, and it was first played live at the band’s return gig at the Joiners in Southampton, before being finished off structurally by Tim and Jake.

The track was recorded and produced at Southsea Sound in Portsmouth, by Tim Greaves, who we have worked with on all of our first 3 full releases. The lyrics explore themes of dissatisfaction, and wanting more in your early 20s, whilst at the same time trying to live in the present and remain mindful.

Where can we get hold of it

Satisfied will be available on all major streaming platforms on the 28/07/23.

Tell us how you write

Our writing process is inconsistent, with the best ideas generally born organically through jamming in the studio. The whole band will input in the process, albeit individual demoes may also be produced outside of the rehearsal room (many of which are put together by Jake), and the lyrics are generally the efforts of Billy, Tom or Tyler, varying from track to track.

Tell us about your live show What would be your dream gig

Our live show is high energy, with an emphasis on anthemic choruses and a feeling of connection. We have attended Reading, Isle of Wight and Glastonbury festivals down the years, and so to play at any one of these would be unbelievable. Local to the Portsmouth area, it will also be brilliant to play Victorious Festival this summer.

What can we expect from you in the near future

A slot at Victorious festival and increasingly exciting gigs yet to be announced, but first of all a short run of dates in July in Bournemouth, London and Southampton – tickets on sale now! We also have loads more new music in the works, and there will be more to follow Satisfied before 2023 is out.

Tell us your favourite records that are rocking your headphones/tour bus / stereo

Right now, some of the tracks we have on repeat include: