Ahsoka
Ahsoka are an alternative rock three piece. Formed at university in 2018 by Rhiannon John (vocals), Alex Amos (guitar/bass) and Tommy Dowse (drums) the band are making a name for themselves in the Brighton music scene. Influenced by Nirvana and Radiohead, they couple their sombre, ambient sound with an intense and honest performance,
WHAT’S NEW WITH YOU GUYS?
We are releasing our third single "Sleep Soundly", from our latest EP this Saturday 13th June and have just wrapped up a charity campaign where we raised over 500 pounds for our local NHS charity fund!
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO?
Rhiannon: Lockdown may have stopped gigs happening in and around Brighton but all our beloved Brighton bands are still releasing music and keeping the scene alive! Bands like Gutterflower, Insolace and Trench have been at the top of my playlist.
Tommy: I'm currently listening to tinnitus but right now it's Elton John, Tool and Foo Fighters.
Alex: I've developed a fascination with singer songwriter style stuff recently. Artists like Molly Tuttle and Caitlin Canty have been inspiring me to try out new things on guitar.
WHAT’S THE MOST MEMORABLE SHOW YOU’VE PLAYED?
We played a show at the Green Door store in February with some old bands we'd never played with before. Everyone was so friendly and there was an incredibly positive, high energy amongst the audience and performers alike. All of that coming together helped us to play our best and let loose, we had an amazing time.
WHAT’S THE STRANGEST SHOW YOU’VE PLAYED?
We played an acoustic set once which was pretty strange for us at the time, since we're a heavy band sonically and also rely on technology a lot in order to create our sound. We ended up really enjoying it and have embraced acoustic performances far more since lockdown.
WHERE’S GOOD FOR PRE/POST-GIG GRUB?
Grubbs Burgers is a great spot but never underestimate the power of a tesco meal deal.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE LOCAL SUSSEX MUSIC SCENE?
It's a really eclectic, beautiful thing. There are so many different musical styles and influences amongst Brighton/Sussex bands and the scene is comprised of friendly individuals who can quickly become your friends instead of just "that guy from that band we play with sometimes". Not to mention there is some really great music out there in the scene. It's very nurturing and we're lucky to be cutting our teeth here.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE/MOST CHERISHED BIT OF GEAR?
Rhiannon: Does my phone count? It has so many songs and little ideas that I've come up with and recorded on the spot. I'd be lost without voice notes.
Tommy: My hard-drive has my entire life on it, including all of our final mixes, it's gotta be that.
Alex: My Fender Telecaster is my pride and joy. It's perfect for any gig and has a lot of sentimental value to me. It always cuts through the mix but doesn't ever get in the way of the vocals which is important to me.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ALBUM?
Rhiannon: Hatful of Hollow - The Smiths.
Tommy: In Utero - Nirvana.
Alex: '87 - The Bros. Landreth
IF YOU COULD INVITE THREE MUSICIANS, ALIVE OR DEAD, TO A DINNER PARTY WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE, AND WHAT WOULD YOU TALK ABOUT?
Rhiannon: I'd invite Ari Up, Siouxsie Sioux and Bjork. They have such contrasting but equally insanely cool writing styles and I have questions about some of their songs' meanings that my younger self desperately needs answers to. I think the late Ari Up would just tell me to fuck off and I wouldn't even mind! Also can you just imagine being in a room with those three? It would be a party!
Tommy: I would bring Dave Grohl, Eminem and James Maynard Keenan, put them all on acid and just watch them.
Alex: Jimi Hendrix. He revolutionised guitar and I'd want to know how he came up with his ideas. Chris Cornell, so I could ask a million questions about how his songwriting was so perfect every time. Lemmy, to bring the booze.