Dave Bayley is a singer-songwriter and producer hailing from the United Kingdom, who is best known as the lead singer of the popular indie rock group Glass Animals. 35-year-old Dave and his three fellow bandmates are set to perform in Bangkok for the very first time at Samyan Mitrtown Hall on Tuesday, March 4th, much to the delight of their devout fans.
Beginning in Oxford back in 2010, the band has had huge success with its eclectic sound, and deep, introspective lyrics, resonating with music lovers worldwide. “Heat Waves”, the 2020 smash hit on third album “Dreamland”, has been the quartet’s biggest single so far, with 3.3 billion Spotify streams, and viral status on TikTok, cementing its global influence.
Globe recently interviewed Dave prior to Glass Animals’ upcoming Bangkok show, where he discussed what goes into making its live concerts so gripping, how he likes to unwind while touring, and what he is the most excited about for when the tour stops in Thailand.
Your forthcoming “TOUR OF EARTH” has been highly anticipated throughout Asia and you’ll take to the stage in Bangkok for the very first time! We would like to ask, what is it that excites you most about coming to Thailand, where the group is hugely popular?
I have been to Thailand before – I LOVE the food, the people, the colours, the energy! It’s such an amazing country and I’m so excited to have the chance to experience it all again.
Glass Animals’ live performances are known for their high energy and visual creativity. What goes into making a concert that showcases your music, and enthrals the crowd?
Haha..It’s a lot of hard work! The visuals and set designs take inspiration from the music… and the themes and references within our lyrics and sounds. In this instance, lots of retro sci-fi books and films. Then with regard to the music, we play everything without a single backing track or a click track. Everything you hear is live and created on stage. What this means is we can alter things depending on the atmosphere, tempos or grooves, making them longer when necessary…but the sounds are complex as well as the parts, so it’s an immensely tough job! Even the vocal lines are really difficult to sing so I have to train my voice and body upto strength over the course of six months before we head off on tour.
The group has a sound that is all your own – your musical style is a fusion of indie and alternative pop with electronic music. Who would you cite as your biggest influences?
The biggest musical influences are probably The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Nina Simone, and Otis Redding. However…I am not so sure you can tell from our music though…haha.
You have discussed during past interviews that your songs draw heavily from personal experiences and emotions. How do you go about getting the perfect balance between vulnerability and artistry in your songwriting, which must be quite a tough challenge?
I think that part of making music is being vulnerable, but allowing this to happen can be a difficult endeavour. It can be especially thorny if you are like me, and are unlucky enough to be a shy individual during this modern age of social media…everything is so loud now!
Over the years, what have you found are the best ways to unwind or recharge once an intense tour, or a demanding recording session, has finished and you are back home?
I love touring and meeting people, and seeing new places, etc…and I love the studio! But yes…it’s important to unwind. I do like partying sometimes, but also to be honest, I mainly just go somewhere cool with the people I love…friends and family…and my dog. I am also really into designing and building stuff. I have a woodworking shop in my house, and you can often find me in there making many different items..just creating stuff with my hands.
The fanbase of Glass Animals is incredibly creative, from terrific fan art to spellbinding covers of your songs. What are the most memorable fan tributes you have ever seen?
Oh my god! There have been so many fantastic, thoughtful, creative pieces and presents made in response to the music. It means so much. I have got a lot of them dotted around my house and studio…If I am ever feeling a bit down, or like I haven’t had the best day in the studio, I just look around at these extraordinary creations, and they pick me back up.
Glass Animals play at Samyan Mitrtown Hall on March 4th. Visit: www.livenationtero.co.th or call: 02-262-3838 to see one of the top bands in the world right now, live in Bangkok.
