Influences: Pattern Pusher

For our fourth Sunday Joint of the new academic term, we bring you a HiFi debut for indie-disco trio Pattern Pusher aka Alex Johnstone, Benjamin Conibear, Ben Green. Anyone who encounters them live will be instantly sworn into their “Smile High Club”, drenched in summery grooves and melodies. Their vintage style of songwriting has earned plaudits from BBC 6Music and many other critics, and they are quickly ramping up their booking schedule.

Below the Exeter natives let us in on some of the music that has helped them to craft their extremely funky “odd pop” sound.

 

Earliest musical memory?

Alex: “Playing an old mandolin my dad had pretending it was a guitar as it was small enough for me to hold and strum”.

Benjamin: “I remember having to stand behind a drum kit when I was part of a choir in reception I was so mesmerized I don’t think I sang a word the whole time”.

Ben: “Being upset at my baby brother for tearing up the Oasis tape cassette we had”.

 

First record you bought?

Alex: “Wheatus – Teenage Dirtbag”

Benjamin: “Biffy Clyro – Only Revolutions & Paramore – All We Know Is Falling (HMV 2 for £10)”

Ben: “Kings of Leon – Youth and Young Manhood”

 

A record that made you play an instrument?

Alex: “The Beatles – White Album”

Ben: “Apparat – Walls”

 

A tune from your teens?

Alex: “Anything by Blink 182”

Benjamin: “Bloc Party – Banquet”.

Ben: “Foals – Mathletics”

 

A record that changed your music taste?

Alex: “Tame Impala – Currents”.

Benjamin: “Snarky Puppy – Sylva”.

Ben: “65daysofstatic – We Were Exploding Anyway. This opened the doors for me to discover how amazing electronic music is!”

 

An unlikely influence?

Alex: “J.S. Bach”.

Benjamin: “Clannad”.

Ben: “The Dillinger Escape Plan”

 

A current influence?

Alex: “Jungle”

Benjamin: “Idles”

Ben: “Marika Hackman”

 

A record you want played at your funeral?

Alex: “James Blake – Retrograde”.

Ben: “Radiohead – Motion Picture Soundtrack. Watch everyone cry mahahaha.”

 

What can we expect from your performance on Sunday?

“Energy. Michael Eavis asked our bass player if he’s a gym teacher. Lots of dancing, synths and smiles”.

 

What does your act have coming up?

“Headline shows in London, Bristol and Plymouth along with some exciting plans for a debut album early 2020, and of course a HUGE night at Hi-Fi club on 13th October!”