For The Record: Alex Moore, The Lathums, 'We want to make people happy'

There are few bands that have enjoyed such a rise in popularity this year as The Lathums.

This fresh-faced Wigan four-piece, barely out of high school, might have only been writing and playing music together for a short amount of time, but don't let that mislead you.

Harnessing a sound bursting with melody and character, oozing maturity beyond their collectives years, the band, composed of Alex Moore (frontman/guitar), Scott Contepcion (lead guitar), Jonny Cunliffe (bass guitar) and Ryan Durrans (drums), have already managed to accomplish what many struggle to achieve throughout an entire career.

From being championed by some of the UK's most prominent tastemakers, including Steve Lamacq and Tim Burgess, to performing alongside the likes of indie chart toppers Blossoms and Scottish cult hero Gerry Cinnamon, it feels like The Lathums are only just getting going. 

Perhaps the most notable progression in the group's journey so far is the recent record deal signing with one of the world's largest and most renowned labels, Island Records (U2, Robyn, Disclosure). The band took to social media to express their disbelief at joining the Island roster, and shared their gratitude with their loyal following. 

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Skiddle recently caught a few minutes with frontman Alex to discuss a few of his favourite records, some top new bands and his dream collaborator.

Alex says, “We all met in college when we were grouped together for a project, that’s how the band was formed. It’s mad when I think about it. The Lathums would probably never have happened if we hadn’t been put in the same group. We started jamming together every day and somewhere down the line, it just took off.

“The Lathums are all about making people happy no matter how they feel. As long as our music has that effect, we’ll continue to do what we love.”⁠

Is there a record you can't stop playing right now?⁠

“Leonard Cohen - Hallelujah.” 

How many records do you personally own?⁠

Alex: “None.” 

If you could only play one record for the rest of your life, what would it be?⁠

“You can’t quantify music by a mere record. There are too many emotions and messages to find. Life would be hard with only one record, diversity is the spice of life.”⁠

Give us your top 3 recent releases:⁠

“I don’t listen to a lot of modern mainstream music but there are loads of great new bands like The Stanleys and The Dirty Laces who are coming through at the same time as us. People should check them out.”⁠

Which new artist/band/DJ should we be listening to right now?⁠

“The Lathums.” ⁠

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Do you have a musical guilty pleasure?⁠

“No, musical pleasure can never be guilty.” ⁠

Best live performance you’ve ever seen?⁠

“I’ve never been to a gig that we've not played, but watching Gerry Cinnamon at Newcastle Arena was absolutely surreal.”⁠

If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?⁠

“Amy Winehouse.”

You can catch The Lathums live on one of the following dates (note: events may be subject to cancellation/postponement)

Neighbourhood Weekender 2020 - Saturday 23rd - Sunday 24th May 2020 - Victoria Park in Warrington

Kendal Calling 2020 - Thursday 30th July - Sunday 2nd August 2020 - Lowther Deer Park in Cumbria

Headline image credit: The Lathums