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We’re very excited to have some time today with acclaimed South Wales pop punkers FORTUNE TELLER; greetings and salutations, gang! Before we dive into the proverbial Q&A mosh-pit, could you each say ‘hi’ and introduce yourselves to our ever-inquisitive readers?
Hi guys, “Mason Meacham (vocals), Luke Jones (rhythm guitar), Lee Vaughan (bass guitar & backing vocals), Aaron Parfitt (lead guitar), and Josh Davies (drums) make up the band.”
Major congratulations on the forthcoming February 2 release of your foot-stomping and altogether rousing new single Jump Ship! Mason, what inspired this new tune?
“Thank you very much! ‘Jump Ship’ is a track that highlights a time when I was recovering from the early stages of a heartbreak. This song expresses my headspace at a time when I was dealing with this new pain but also conveys the perspective I was forced to view, as my ex seemed happier than ever at a time when I was falling apart. Of course, now I’m so grateful for what happened because it’s made me stronger, and I wrote one hell of a track out of it. So cheers, I guess.”
Luke, alongside the February 2 release of the new single Jump Ship, a companion music video will be released on the same day – Congrats! Did you all have fun working on the new music video and how involved were you on the creative-end of the production?
Absolutely, I had a blast working on the music video for “Jump Ship”! Chris McGaughey at Like an Egg Productions did an incredible job capturing the essence of the song, and Firebug Studios provided an amazing backdrop for the filming.
As for the creative process, I was quite involved in shaping the video’s concept and visuals. It’s always exciting to contribute ideas and collaborate with the team to bring the vision to life. We wanted the video to complement the energy of the song and convey its message effectively. From brainstorming ideas to being on set during the shoot, it was a collaborative effort, and I’m really proud of the final result. Can’t wait for everyone to see it when it drops on February 2!
Lee, who was the producer on Jump Ship and what did the collaboration between band and producer look like in the studio?
After establishing the lineup and writing our debut EP, we quickly hit the studio to record with Todd Campbell of Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons. The tracks were then sent across to the States for mixing and mastering by Tom Ianello, who has worked with bands such as Driveways, Transit, Firecracker, and Four Year Strong, etc. It was an absolute honor to work with not one but two high-caliber producers, one from here in Wales and the other in the United States. The process was made seamless even though it was complex.
Aaron, in your humble opinion what differentiates Jump Ship from the Distinguished Competition on the 2024 music landscape?
In my humble opinion, what sets “Jump Ship” apart from the distinguished competition is its raw emotion and personal narrative. The song captures a unique moment in masons life during the early stages of heartbreak, conveying both vulnerability and strength. The collaboration with producers Todd Campbell and Tom Ianello added a professional touch that enhances the overall quality. I believe “Jump Ship” stands out with its authenticity and the powerful connection it forms with listeners, making it a distinctive addition to the musical landscape this year.
Josh, what’s the VH1-Behind the Music origin story on how FORTUNE TELLER came together as the tight quintet that we hear on Jump Ship? Have you guys always been this damn good?
“Unfortunately, we haven’t always been this good. There are a few years of practice and experience under our belts from different projects that paved the way to Fortune Teller and how we formed the band. Lee and I were actually in another band together for several years where we had the opportunity to play many great shows, including a date on the last-ever Vans Warped Tour in San Diego back in 2018. I don’t want to dwell on the past; Fortune Teller is all about the future. In short, things went sour, and we both eventually decided to leave the project.
It was throughout the lockdown that we started piecing Fortune Teller together. Luke was already a good friend of ours and had helped out on our prior projects with photography/videography, and Aaron was a childhood friend from school. We all knew we had the capabilities to play the music, but it was establishing whether or not we could play together and write together as a collective unit.
Unfortunately, the pandemic hindered our attempts to get in a practice room, but we spent a vast amount of time crafting our individual pieces of the music separately at home to eventually culminate it all when restrictions were finally lifted. We pulled together our best five demos, and we had the skeleton of ‘Premonitions’; the only thing we needed was some vocals to give it life and soul.
I remember we relentlessly sourced Facebook and Instagram ads for singers, trying a few to no avail. Eventually, Mason reached out, and we were just overcome with his passion and enthusiasm for the music that we landed on him almost immediately without debate. The rest is sort of history—a couple of practice sessions later, ironing out the creases in the demos, and we were in the studio. Now it’s mad to see ‘Jump Ship’ on the horizon of being released.”
Mason, word ‘round industry campfire has it that FORTUNE TELLER is set to premiere their debut EP entitled Premonitions on March 29 – Kudos and accolades! Can you give readers a hint or three as to what they can expect from this highly awaited EP release?
“The word around the campfire is true, yeah. The tracks on this EP hold many qualities of this new wave of pop-punk and alternative music that gives you the itch to jump and headbang along but with our own touch. We take inspiration from the artists we love but hone that into our own style, leading us to have a unique sound that differs from other artists. The tracks are full of energy and attitude but also hit on deeper levels lyrically, touching on my headspace during the writing process. I’m hoping listeners will find it familiar and relatable, especially if they have been through similar experiences.”
A question for all of you: Who inspires you musically?
As a band from South Wales with influences like Blink-182, Sum 41, and Good Charlotte, we draw inspiration from a diverse range of artists. Each of us has our personal favorites, but collectively, bands like Knuckle Puck, The Story So Far, New Found Glory, Neck Deep, and others play a significant role in shaping our musical style. We believe in blending our individual tastes to create a unique sound that resonates with our listeners.
Luke, as we noted at the top, FORTUNE TELLER hails from South Wales. How do those roots inform the sound and energy of the band?
Being from South Wales is a significant part of who we are as FORTUNE TELLER. The vibrant music scene and rich cultural heritage in this region have undoubtedly influenced our sound and energy. South Wales has a history of producing passionate and impactful music, and we aim to contribute to that legacy. The energy of our surroundings and the diverse musical landscape all play a role in shaping our identity as a band. It’s an integral part of our DNA, and we take pride in infusing those roots into the essence of our music.
Lee, with the new single set to drop on February 2 and the premiere EP storming onto the scene on March 29, can fans look forward to catching FORTUNE TELLER on the touring and performing scene in the coming weeks and months?
Absolutely! Fans can definitely look forward to catching FORTUNE TELLER on the touring and performing scene in the coming weeks and months. With the new single set to drop on February 2 and the premiere EP making waves on March 29, there’s a lot to be excited about. Stay tuned for announcements and updates on tour dates – it’s bound to be an exciting time for everyone!
Aaron, with this flurry of amazing music activity from FORTUNE TELLER, is 2024 looking to be the year that we can all check out an LP release from you all? With the release of the new single and the upcoming EP, is an album on the horizon?
The band is always working on new music and exploring different avenues, so I would recommend staying tuned for any official announcements or updates. The future looks promising for more great music, and an album could very well be on the horizon. you’ll have to keep an eye out for further news
Josh, at the end of the day what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving many-a-spin to the new single Jump Ship and the new EP Premonitions?
I hope that listeners walk away from the new single “Jump Ship” and the EP “Premonitions” with a sense of connection and emotion. Music has the incredible power to evoke feelings and resonate with people on a personal level. I hope that the songs not only entertain but also leave a lasting impact, whether it’s through the relatable lyrics, the infectious melodies, or the overall vibe of the music.
Keep in touch with the band at – www.facebook.com/fortunetellermusic.uk
