In the highly-commercialised market place of modern day music, it’s proving increasingly difficult for artists with integrity and originality to reach the audience their talent deserves.

But one Leicester-based band with genuine depth are quietly making their mark. A five-piece, who have been together since 2008, Free Control comprise of bass guitarist Oliver Bloor, drummer Paul Cole, guitarist and vocalist Greg Shute, Flautist and vocalist Sally Hossack and Mike Sole on keyboards.

Previous comparisons with Moloko, Morchiba and Massive Attack suggest a flavour of what Free Control produce but beyond that, the band has its own unique style and identity, comfortably performing upbeat full throttle numbers as well slowing down the pace to reveal the raw talent of their musicianship.

The haunting yet melancholic nature of lead-singer, Sally Hossack’s voice compliments this perfectly, ensuring a sound with both richness and subtlety.

In 2009, Free Control appeared at Summer Sundae, adorning the main stage at De Montfort Hall and making an instant connection with the crowd. Regular gigs in Leicester and London followed and now, after a year dedicated to writing, recording and refining existing songs, as well as crafting new ones, the band are set to return with a bang. 2012 sees the release of a new five-track EP, entitled Extended Play, which will be available for download from January 28th. Extended Play will also be showcased at an intimate January launch gig in the unique surroundings of The Guildhall.

Soar Magazine caught up with guitarist Greg Shute and lead-signer Sally Hossack to find out about the band’s latest material and what else is in the pipeline for the talented quintet.

Who are your main musical influences?

Greg Shute: We all have an eclectic taste, everything from classic rock to free-form jazz. Hopefully our music is a culmination of the best of these influences but I would describe it as a kind of alternative, progressive, trip hop. My personal influences most relevant to Free Control include Pink Floyd, Unkle, Radiohead and Massive Attack.

Sally Hossack: I am fascinated by lyrics, and artists like Kate Bush and Ricki Lee Jones have affected the ways in which I sing and write.

You’ve had a bit of time out but been back in the studio recently, how has that been?

GS: In August we spent some time in Seamus Wong Studios in Leicester, recording tracks for the EP. The whole process was really enjoyable; lots of late nights spent playing music. SH: Fantastic. Time away from gigging was useful as it allowed us distance from the music to produce in a studio, which is different from the live performance environment.

So, what can we expect from Extended Play?

GS: We wanted to try and get a good mix of songs. Two tracks have been recorded in demo form before but we wanted to record them properly as our sound has developed. The other tracks are regulars in our live set and have been honed. The newest track, ‘Strawman’ reflects the direction we’re going in, but I wouldn’t say it’s a new sound, just an evolved one.

SH: It’s the best I have ever heard these songs sound, they are truly crafted. Paul Warrener at Seamus Wong Studios created a massive drum sound and I think our recordings benefited from his advice and the recording space. It is being mixed by John Meredith who understands how we feel about our music.

Which other Leicester-based acts do you rate?

GS: By the Rivers are doing really well, bringing reggae back in a big way and I’m also a fan of Dead Slow and NFQ.

SH: The music scene in Leicester is thriving and diverse. I really rate NFQ and Martha Bean. By The Rivers are making great waves and These Furrows are a fantastic live act.

What does music mean to you?

GS: I don’t know what I would do without it. Music is able to convey so many emotions and people rely on it whether they realise it or not. It’s around us all the time and all of our lives are touched by it.

SH: Everything. My life would be incomplete without making and playing music, it makes me proud to play or record and I’m miserable without it.

Finally, what are your hopes for the future?

GS: To keep writing and performing music for as long as possible. I hope that people enjoy listening to what we create. To know that our music connects with people is what we strive for.

SH: I would love for people to be really moved by our music, enough to allow us to do it all of the time. I think touring with this band would be amazing for us all, the amount of writing we could do if we worked together more would be immense.

Download Extended Play

Track listing:

Strawman

The Balloon

YTYKS

Witness

Start Again

Available at the end of January from iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and other online retailers.

For more information on Free Control, The Guildhall launch event and other upcoming gigs, visit their official website: www.freecontrol.co.uk or check out their Facebook page.