In this exclusive interview, we delve into the world of The Molotovs, a young band that's making waves across the UK and beyond. Known for their sharp anthems and electric stage presence, The Molotovs have quickly garnered a reputation for their powerful performances that leave nothing behind. As teenagers, they’ve already graced stages with iconic acts like The Libertines and Blondie, and have caught the attention of Green Day in the press and during live performances. Fresh from supporting iDKHOW on their European tour and dazzling festival-goers at this year’s Isle of Wight, The Molotovs are now poised for their first official release and a breakthrough year in 2024. Join us as we explore the journey, aspirations, and inspirations of one of the UK’s hottest young bands.
photography by Jessica Rose
How did The Molotovs come together as a band, and what inspired your name?
Issey Carts: Well, Mathew and I are siblings so we can't really escape each other, especially during lockdown when the bands we were both in separately broke up. We weren't going to stop doing what we loved so we carried on throughout, mainly busking covers on Oxford Street and around Brixton from bands whose music we enjoy like The Libertines, Oasis, Green Day, Kinks, Beatles. Mathew started writing some original songs during this time and we added them to our set one by one. The name The Molotovs we liked after throwing a load of different band names around and we thought it suited the energy of our live performance.
Being handpicked by major acts like The Libertines and Blondie, and championed by Green Day, how have these endorsements impacted your journey as a band?
Issey Carts: For me especially, I couldn't believe it when we were offered a slot on The Libertines tour back in 2021 because they were the band that got me into music in the first place. So to be able to support them at O2 Kentish Town was quite a surreal feeling, especially as Carl Barat himself personally asked us. He was so supportive and encouraging and it felt beyond great to be believed in by someone both Mathew and me looked up to musically. The same with the Green Day at London Stadium - I mean, that was mental! Mathew and I decided we didn't want to sit in our seats way at the back and managed to sneak into the mosh pit that day. Never would we have thought we'd be spotted by Billie Joe Armstrong, but known to him! The next day our social media went nuts and we connected with fellow musicians around the world congratulating us via Instagram which was really nice, and in London we still get recognised as the band that Green Day gave a shout out to. It's just so cool, especially when Billie Joe mentioned us again early this year on Radio X about us having played at The Marquis - I mean, how does he know this! We really do have a lot to thank him for if we ever meet him in person, hopefully in our favourite pub, which is The Marquis, by the way!
Being asked to support Blondie was a real moment of achievement for us and I can still remember screaming happily when I found out. It was like we were really gaining proper attention when a band as respected and long-lasting as Blondie feels confident enough to offer us the stage with them. We'd met their iconic drummer Clem Burke before while supporting one of his other bands at the 100 Club, but Debbie Harry is such an icon both musically and culturally. Of course, some of my stage looks are influenced by her style. I really rate her attitude and the fact that she's such a strong female. I hope I can keep rocking it like she does when I'm in my 70's!
Your music is known for its sharp, punchy anthems and highly charged performances. Can you describe your creative process both in the studio and on stage?
Mathew: At the moment I like to work independently on writing the songs; the quiet helps get the words out. I get the structure together and the chords down before bringing the song into the studio. There is a lot of experimentation in rehearsals, playing around with bass and drums of course and I get to work on both rhythm and lead guitar which I can't do on stage because we're a three piece. We're not really conscious of a creative process with our stage performance as it happens naturally and organic between us. I guess it happens when you play so much together. We've played over 400 gigs so far and Issey and me have developed together during this time.
photography by Jeanie Jean
How do you handle the pressures and expectations of the music industry while staying true to your artistic vision?
Mathew: I've always been about being true to myself and following my process and I think I'm doing okay at not feeling the commercial pressure that can kill the creativity in bands. My ideas come and go and I get mental blocks like all creative people do, but I let it pass and come back to it later. On stage there can be a real pressure when we have gigs with high expectations, like supporting Blondie in front of around 10,000 people, but this adds to the intensity and I think the audience can feel that and enjoy the energy that it brings.
Having supported iDKHOW on their European tour and performed at major festivals, what has been your most memorable live performance and why?
Issey Carts: We've done so many gigs together from small pubs and street busking to playing Isle of Wight this year straight after our iDKHOW European support, so to mention just one isn't so easy! But probably the most stand out for me would have to be our Blondie gig just because there is nothing comparable to walking out to a crowd of thousands. It felt like I was having an out-of-body experience. It was only afterwards when the pressure was off that I could think about how incredible it was to play on that stage. During our set we threw in a cover of Anarchy In The UK and we saw Glen Matlock appear at the side of the stage to watch us, which was really cool as he had a huge smile on his face! But speaking of The Sex Pistols, a recent gig that will always be memorable was our recent London Bush Hall headline when Paul Cook got on stage unexpectedly and took the drums for a cover of God Save The Queen. Well, I should say our cover, his song! It was brilliant for us to see a room of young people jumping around to a song that we love and influences our own band, so I can only imagine how he felt seeing music that he performed when he was starting as a musician being enjoyed by the next generation.
How do you balance your individual influences and styles to create The Molotovs’ unique sound?
Mathew: I'm not sure there is a balance as such, it's more a combination of everything I like that makes the sound. I don't think too much about the outcome, it isn't filtered in any way and happens because of the musicians and bands I look up to such as Oasis, Paul Weller, The Kinks, The Clash.
Can you share some insights into the themes and messages you explore in your music and lyrics?
Mathew: I write from a political stance sometimes - left leaning, of course. I've always been told I have a strong sense of justice but I think it's important to think about what's right and not just blindly accept what you're told. The message in a lot of my songs is about believing in yourself and not letting anyone tell you you can't do something, or to let people put you into a box of who they think you are. I can't live my life that way and don't think anyone else should either.
photography by Jeanie Jean
What has been the most surprising or unexpected moment in your career so far?
Issey Carts: To be honest, I think the Green Day shout out at London Stadium was unbelievable! Especially as Green Day is the reason Mathew started playing electric guitar at the age of six and even dyed his hair green at one point - who would think years later that you'd be noticed in a crowd by your first music hero. It's so lucky and just really unbelievable.
With your first official release coming up, what can fans expect in terms of musical direction and style?
Mathew: Our first releases will be songs we've played live for a while now and we know how much our audience enjoys them. They've a good balance of pop qualities and punk energy; good melodies and they feel punchy. But I can't say too much more otherwise I'll give the songs away too early - you'll need to keep listening!
Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, what are your goals and aspirations for The Molotovs? How do you see the band evolving in the future?
Issey Carts: We're really excited to be releasing some music and getting back in the recording studio to follow with some more. I guess we'll be looking forward to touring in the UK and abroad and I personally hope we go back to Sweden and Finland. They have a great music scene there and the audience is really up for having a fun time. I loved our recent Scandi tour. And there will be an album out, both digitally and physically in the near future. Mathew and I are big vinyl fans so we're not going to miss the chance to have one of our own added to our collection.
By the REAL Editorial Team | July 10, 2024