WE TIBETANS

Image by Jodie Canwell

JAKE ANDERSON TALKS TO THE TEESSIDE QUARTET ABOUT FINDING SOLACE IN CREATIVITY, AND DISCOVERING A NEW LEASE OF LIFE ON THEIR NEW SINGLE

We Tibetans are an alternative rock four-piece from Stockton, comprising of Luke Evans (vocals), Ben Curry (lead guitar), Danny Spooner (bass) and Marty Bennett (drums). The band released their debut single Running Away in March this year, and are finally following it up with a new track, White Knuckle Ride, this month.

The group trace their formation back to 2017, as front-person Luke explains. “We had Matty Chipchase on lead vocals and I was the drummer for a bit – along with my brother Mark on guitar. The band never really got going, we did a few gigs and it sort of fizzled out.” Then came the death of Young Rebel Set frontman Matty in 2019. “We obviously had to deal with the loss of our dear friend Matty, which brings all sorts of emotions.”

Luke and Danny eventually found themselves talking at a party, where We Tibetans was reborn. “We were talking about how good the demo songs are and how we should revive the band. He suggested I should be the singer this time as he knew a better drummer, and he thought I had it in me too. I went along with it, and the rest they say is history…”

Getting the band back together also brought an element of solace to the group. “We still sing and perform the songs Matty worked on with us, which brings a sense of comfort, knowing we are still getting unheard original music out there which he contributed to.”

While this new era for the band has been challenging, Luke added: “The band takes everything in its stride now. We are not exactly spring chickens these days, and we all have external responsibilities, but we meet up every week to write, practice and have a laugh. It’s a hobby for us and an enjoyable one at that.”

Despite the band modestly calling it a hobby, they’ve found success over the past 12 months. From selling out shows to playing Stockton Calling. Luke’s proudest moment, however, has been the recording of White Knuckle Ride.

I KNOW TO APPRECIATE THE MOMENT MORE AND REALLY SAVOUR THE BEST TIMES, AS I KNOW THEY ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN

“For me, it was going in to record our second single at a fully functioning music studio. We went up to The Chairworks in Leeds for a few days. This was a really proud moment for me. I never thought I would get the chance to work in a studio like that again. I guess this time round, I know to appreciate the moment more and really savour the best times, as I know they are few and far between.”

White Knuckle Ride is shaping up to be a very exciting release for the band. “I think everyone in life is on their own personal journey and us four are no different.” In between the anthemic choruses and the heavy guitar-driven instrumentation, is some very heavy lyricism tackling themes such as men’s mental health. “It’s all based around Danny’s personal journey over the last two years. The song is very much heart-on-the-sleeve stuff, but it does have a positive message too. Danny is a poster boy now for how far people can come when you learn to respond and not react, as the song would suggest.”

We Tibetans release White Knuckle Ride on 21st October, with the single launch gig taking place at Middlesbrough’s Base Camp on Friday 28th October. www.wetibetans.com