Interview: Ninth Degree

Recently, DutchMetalManiac’s Tim van Velthuysen interviewed Ninth Degree.

Hey, how are you?

We’re doing well! As with everyone in the UK, we’re dying to get past lockdown, especially so that we can get back on stage and perform again. We have tried to make the most of it though – we released multiple series on YouTube in the last year, including covers of Catfish and the Bottlemen, Rush, Whitesnake, and the entirety of The Works by Queen!

Can you tell us something about the history of Ninth Degree?

We are a 5-piece rock band founded in September 2018 out of the ashes of Misselbrook and Watt, which was a small project between two of the band members Hamish and Cameron. Hamish (vocals/keys) and Cameron (vocals/guitars) are two of our three vocalists and have been in bands together for many years having been friends since they were kids. Connor (vocals/bass) and Murray (drums) came in to be Ninth Degree’s rhythm section after Misselbrook and Watt disbanded. They were fans of the band and so it just made sense because they knew the material well already.

We played shows and brought out our debut single Smile as a 4-piece but decided in mid-2019 we needed a second guitarist to fill out our sound and so we recruited Reece (cowbell/guitars) who was on Cameron’s course at uni.

For people not knowing Ninth Degree (yet), how would you describe your music yourself?

Due to our hugely varied musical interests and influences it’s hard to narrow the band’s sound down. We blend influences form modern rock, alternative pop, progressive rock and folk, but what sets our sounds apart is our catchy riffs and big harmonies, helped by having 2 lead guitarists and 3 lead vocalists.

When someone doesn’t know Ninth Degree yet and you can choose one of your songs to present yourself, which song would that be?

Our latest single Fade Away is a great representation of the band and our approach to songwriting in general.

What makes Ninth Degree unique?

Our catchy riffs, melodies and harmony vocals. We bring a snapshot of a number of genres, whilst retaining our own sound.

Any future plans you can already tell us something about?

Unfortunately, due to the pandemic all our shows have been cancelled. However, we are currently in discussion about new ways we can make content for our fans while we are stuck in lockdown. We are pretty active on our YouTube channel and so will likely try to bring out some new videos there.

Any upcoming gigs for Ninth Degree? Maybe coming to The Netherlands?

In the long run, we are aiming to bring out our debut album once the pandemic is fully over and we’ve built some more momentum. Then hopefully we will go on a small UK and/or EU tour to promote the album. In the next few months though we are looking to start work on an EP to release over the summer (all COVID dependent at the moment).

How do you think your life would be without music?

Hamish: Music has always been a huge part of my life, I picked up my first instrument at 4 years old. If I didn’t have some kind of creative outlet I think I would go insane.

What advice would you give to young and starting bands?

Don’t quit. For most bands it takes a long time to build up a following and start making an impact, so the best thing you can do is not give up as it’s definitely worth it once you start gelling as a band and making music you love to play.

Thanks for your answers! Is there anything you want to say to DutchMetalManiac’s readers?

Our latest single Fade Away is out now and you can stream/buy it here. We also have all our music available to buy on Bandcamp as well as all to stream on major streaming platforms, like Spotify. To keep up to date with the band follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram all with the tag @ninthdegreeuk.

Ninth Degree Official Website
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