Meet the WILDFIRES: Manchester’s new alternative-pop band that will shake up your playlist

SAM | 13th June 2018

Fronted by Poppy-Jo on vocals and backed by Rich Wright on rhythm guitar, Ste Darling on lead, Si James on drums and Nathan Brookes on bass, Manchester’s newest group formed just twelve months ago. They could be going super nova in 2018 if their success so far is anything to go despite their relatively fresh faces and new rhythm that they bring to the city’s music scene.

 

 

Their first gig was in February last year and their ever-growing fan base believe that they have wildy different musical feel to any other group in Manchester that, well, makes you feel ‘happy’ when you listen to their music. The four-piece have sounds from a number of influences that critics are describing as an ‘identifiable vibe and that’s a style of their own.’

 

The band released their first single, ‘Mercy’, after gigging at venues in and around Manchester and were instant hit with their audiences. They’ve since written and recorded new material, including their latest single, Mr Solo.

 

Within less than a few months since its production, it has been featured on the playlists of major radio networks and highly commended by Amazing Radio and Tom Robinson’s BBC Introducing Mixtape on BBC Radio 6.

 

Mr Solo is a mix of deep synth sounds and indie guitars and narrates the story of a man that lives his life alone with no aspiration to fill it with a lover – but instead, an interesting hobby.

 

The music video has been written and directed by Mat Johns and producer Alison Surtees, who interpreted the band’s narrative into an exciting piece of filmography, turning Mr Solo into something that’s incredibly memorable after watching.

 

Inspired by the likes of Prodigy and OK GO, Mr Solo has a dark twist which sees Manchester-actor Garth Maunders transform from football manager to cross-dresser in the comfort of his home.

 

The video is much in keeping with the ideas of freedom in today and exploring the view that people should be free to be whoever they want to be – no matter what background, line of work or sexual orientation.

 

 

Poppy-Jo, explains: “We wanted to create something that was a bit more extra than your standard-love-story-type music video. It’s our first music video so we needed to make an impact and for it resonate well with the audiences that already like our music.  I think it certainly does that and there are few surprises in there. The first time you watch it, you sit there afterwards thinking ‘What the hell has just happened for the last four minutes?

 

“It’s above and beyond anything we could have wished for and really brings the song to life. We wanted it to be memorable and a bit out-there and I think it’s accomplished that. We hope it gets us more recognition and shows people that our music’s about having fun, so with that in mind, see if you can spot the bum-shot!”

 

The music video to Mr Solo was released on Monday 18th June, watch it here:

 

 

WILDFIRES’ next single, Stuff will be available to buy and download on all major music platforms from 1st July.

 

The group also have some upcoming shows in Manchester on the 7th July at Band on The Wall and a headline show at Night People on the 18th August. Tickets are available from their website and socials:

 

https://www.wildfiresmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/wildfiresmanchester/
https://twitter.com/WildfiresMCR
https://www.instagram.com/wildfiresofficial/