PRIME – interview

Interview with Oliver Baines – Guitarist from Prime (UK Band)

Introduce your band and describe your latest release:
The band is Prime. We were active from 2014 to last year, when the final single, ‘Sorry’ came out. The latest release is from the band’s archive – and that same recording session – a cover of the Kinks ‘You Really Got Me’.

What’s the hardest part about being in a band in this day and age?
Money, time, getting people on the same page.

When did you realise that Prime had the chance to be much more than just a fun idea?
I joined the band in 2015, so I already knew the boys were serious about getting noticed, as they already had an album called ‘Before the After’ in the can.

How does a song typically come together for you?
Just put a riff and a bassline down, and see what works once the singer comes up with something that compliments it.

Tell us about Prime’s latest release and why we should check it out?
It’s a pretty heavy cover of The Kinks’ classic ‘You Really Got Me’ that the lads are putting out. I think that Ray Davies would enjoy it if he ever got to hear.

How would you describe your sound to an unfamiliar reader?
The Prime songs that I were part of had a punchy, new wave and punk vibe. But I think once we got to the studio, they were a lot more polished, without losing that passion and intensity.

What do you want listeners to take away from listening to Prime?
Just to have a dance and let loose. Enjoy the music, there really isn’t much more than that.

Where would you like to tour where you haven’t done yet, and why?
Prime is now no more, but when active as a live band, we managed to get to a fair few different places: Sweden, Wales, Finland, for example. And since I left, Lee (singer) has done some duo gigs in Holland and Germany under the Prime banner. I think if I were to form another band, America would be the dream.

How would you say that the sound of Prime has progressed since you were originally in the band?
As I mentioned earlier, Prime began with more of a punk and new wave influences. I think when Lee took over with more of a solo project feel, a pop and bluesy element definitely had more of an edge in the sound. It’s been interesting to see how it has changed over more recent years.

How excited are you for 2023, and what can fans expect from Prime?
I’m excited for a few more archival things to come out. I know there are more live recordings that haven’t seen the light of day that I recall being quite exciting gigs to perform, so I would like to hear those again in an official capacity.