When I first sat down with Simon Bass and Tommy Jules from Who We Are, I was struck by their open-hearted honesty. There was no pretence, no ego – it felt more like catching up with old friends than interviewing two musicians at the top of their game.
You come from totally different musical worlds. How did you meet?
TJ: We found each other in Soho; Simon had this beautiful studio and a musical mutual friend brought us together on a project.
SB: I wonder whether there was some subconscious message we both shared. We’ve both been in the commercial world, but suddenly we were writing real songs about real life: family, relationships, the beauty and the difficulty of it all.
Your music clearly revolves around human connection. How does that shine through?
TJ: There’s a mutual agreement to be honest and free in what we sing about. It’s like sharing a journal.
SB: The only problem is it’s so honest. I don’t think we’ve ever done a gig without bursting into tears at some point. We usually talk for hours before we write as a kind of therapy session.
TJ: We’ve done pop-up piano bombs where we encourage people to say something to their own reflection in the mirror. We’re not trying to guide or lead emotionally, we’re just walking with people.
Tell us about your upcoming Brighton show.
SB: We’re bringing in some extraordinary backing singers – artists who’ve worked with Adele, Jools Holland, Pink Floyd, Sam Smith, Kylie Minogue. We need them, because with just us up there – Tommy’s voice, the piano and our lyrics – it’s vulnerable.
Finally, what do you love most about Brighton?
TJ: The people. I love the energy and how you can just be. I’ve been in Brighton for 20 years – it’s liberal, cosmopolitan. You’re accepted for who you are.
SB: I’ve only been here three months, but I love it. It’s kind. Beautiful architecture, and the sea right there. We’re getting so much love from Brighton.
Who We Are’s single ‘Hand Me Downs’ is released in October. Catch the band live at Komedia on 23 October as part of their UK tour. Tickets: komedia.co.uk/shows/who-we-are-support
