Peace's Dom Boyce discusses ambition, partying and his bands joyous new record.
Born into a city with a music scene that could previously boast the likes of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Electric Light Orchestra, Peace have brought the West Midlands back to basics with their brand of anthemic indie music, teamed with youthful enthusiasm and a unique ability to write uplifting music. This was brought to light with their joyous debut record In Love, and as they prepare to release their second album Happy People, the bands drummer Dom Boyce answered some questions on how the quartet have progressed.Happy People has been described as having ambitious spirit with the potential to touch the lives of millions. This statement suggests that Happy People is a million miles away from the bands 2013 release In Love, which hints that they have perhaps developed their sound and music ability - an exciting thing to hear. However, when asked about what new elements have been introduced on Happy People Boyce didn't exaggerate. "I'm not sure if there is anything. It's not like we can say we've got a keyboard player in but we do have strings on the record. The biggest change is the approach to the way things have been recorded and the way the songs have been written". This is despite the fact that Peace have brought back Jim Abiss - the same producer from In Love. Peace have nearly waited two years to release Happy People and during that time you would have thought that they would have been able to enhance certain elements including their musicianship which Boyce confirms. "Over the time since the first record we have developed our ability to play our instruments and record songs," states Boyce. This can only be a positive thing as it shows the band going from strength to strength.
Since their debut album Peace have toured all over the world and been able to enjoy new things and new cultures, giving them the chance to write about different experiences. Boyce hinted that In Love was primarily about frontman Harry Koisser when explaining that "when writing Happy People Harry did look out to other things other than himself - which isn't to say that the first record was purely self-indulging or just about him because it wasn't - but I think maybe in this record there's things that are specifically related to other people and other things that are going on outside of Peace." It has been said that Happy People has a glorious sense of adventure and this change again shows us that Peace have developed over the past eighteen months. Boyce was keen to point out that "if you're a Peace fan or even if you're not, you'd be interested in what Harry has to say on this album". From the tone of his voice when talking about the album and the track 'Money' in particular, it's clear that he is extremely proud of the album. "When I hear that song back it reminds me of the enthusiasm and excitement that we had when we went back in to the studio. I'm proud of that song and I find it rewarding to listen to and play."
This pride and confidence shines through when the topic of the music charts is brought up. Peace's previous album charted at number sixteen and Boyce is in no mood to suggest that this album will do worse. "It would be silly to say that we don't care and we don't want it to be in the top ten because of course we do, because that then results in more people coming to your gigs." It's great to hear a band think this way - wanting success whilst not sounding arrogant - but even if the album wasn't to chart in the top ten Boyce states that "we wouldn't call it a day if Happy People didn't make the top ten and we'd still be happy to carry on." This shows Boyce's immense passion for the band's music whilst remaining optimistic,
Having unveiled a lyric video for track 'I'm A Girl' from Happy People it was interesting to learn how much say Peace themselves have in their always unique music videos direction. Boyce said "When we agree to co-direct a video a video with a director that's when it never works, because you've to lots of strong minded people approaching the same goal. It either works if we do it 100% or 0". It's refreshing to hear a band wanting to be part of all aspects of their music including videos rather than shying away from it all.
Peace have toured with some very reputable bands including Bombay Bicycle Club and the Manic Street Preachers and through doing this, Boyce and the band have learnt an awful lot - how to balance the writing process of being in a band and then the other side of being in a band, aka getting really drunk at parties. When asked if these bands ever offered Peace direct advice however, Boyce said "We've never sat down or been sat down by other bands and been told here's how you could do this, because that's a bit uncomfortable. But you do definitely learn things and pick things up being on tour with these bands". This demonstrates the level of respect that Peace have earned from their prestigious tour-mates. The most important thing that Peace have learnt according to Boyce, is this balance of being professional and partying. "When you first start out in a band there's no one there to stop you from doing the gig and going out every night and getting really drunk at parties. It's only when you see bands that you really like and want to be as successful as them you think 'hang on, the don't go out and get drunk so maybe we should tone it down."
The release of Happy People could prove to be an exciting chapter in the life of Peae and its clear that Boyce speaks about his work with pride and passion like all good musicians should. He also has his feet firmly on the ground and knows not too carried away should Happy People prove to be a successful record. Boyce ends the conversation by touching on the bands future with an infectious youthful exuberance: "whether it be our fourth album or twentieth, I would love to be sat here talking about it and being excited to go on tour and play it all live."
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