Having teamed up with Sad Club Records for the release of a new album, 2023 has been a time for developing the very meaning of Symbol Soup.

Michael Rea, aka Symbol Soup, reflects on the release of ‘Slow Puncture’ and making music that could be considered “cotton in [one’s] little ears.” See also his release this Christmas of ‘Husky Dawgs,’ a collab with the one and only Kitty Fitz!

A roundup of the year for Symbol Soup:

Some fairly insane things have happened this year on a personal level, and so band stuff has been this refuge that’s just been really rewarding. It’s all revolved around the album ‘Slow Puncture’ coming out, which is the first time I’ve put music out with a label (Sad Club Records) and had to be thoughtful about the whole campaign etc. Previously I’d just stuck things up online without much thought, which is also cool, but I’ve definitely started to see the value of presenting things in a considered way.

We had a bit of a break from playing live around spring because of various family circumstances, and all that serious stuff revived my appreciation for making silly songs, and how important that part of my life is. The first show back was supporting Sun June, they’re a great band and it was a really lucky thing to happen. In September we had a small tour supporting our Dutch kindred spirit band Nagasaki Swim, lots of fun. From my very limited experience of touring (playing bass in Maripool also) I’ve really got the bug for it and want to do a lot more. I think as a project, Symbol Soup’s found its feet this year. People get what it’s about, and I’m grateful for the people who are in the live band, and the bands around us in the scene!

What has been your Album of the Year?

I’m not alone in saying any of this, but ‘Norm’ by Andy Shauf is so great. It’s amazing the detail of the playing and the blend of sounds he gets. It draws on a lot of retro sounds, but nothing’s done by-the-book, it’s all in service of a really defined mood. It’s the right level of ‘concept record’ for me too – a great full listen, but the songs stand alone without relying on the overarching narrative. Partly because of this album I’m inspired to write more about people other than myself, real or fictional. The word ‘cinematic’ gets overused, but this album has a clear visual world for me. I’d 100% cast Paul Dano as Norm in the movie.

And Song of the Year?

‘Goodbye / Trouble’ by Greg Mendez. A really beautiful understated song. There’s minimal frills, nothing there that doesn’t need to be, just lovely melodic ideas and direct, memorable lines. It’s warm sounding and catchy, the pacing and the flow of the vocal is great. The coasting second half of this song is exactly my taste in music. 

What has been one musical career highlight?

Some musicians I admire have been complementary about the album, which means a lot. Having the music in physical format feels most significant, I was in Rough Trade recently and had a fun self-indulgent peruse of the “Indie: S” section to see the record there!

Favourite live show that you’ve played?

Obvious choices, but the album release show with Baggio and BEX was amazing, and the single release for ‘Overdressed’ too with Kierst and lilo. Great lineups, and the band totally clicked into place, the performances felt very present. Also enjoyed the CALM fundraiser show at Rough Trade East, which we ended up opening as a two-piece at very short notice. Guitarist Rhys and I were already out watching another show together in the afternoon, a few beers in when we got asked to play, and so headed straight there to play to a nice receptive crowd. Spontaneous and no time to overthink things!

Favourite thing someone’s said about your music:

A couple of times I’ve had fun enthusiastic texts about the song ‘Appetite’ from friends who seem to be listening to it coming back from a night out. There was also a genuinely great interview with the blog Various Small Flames, who asked incredibly perceptive questions about the album. So great to hear what’s coming across!

…and the strangest response…

Always forget these comments, but here are some funny playlist names I’ve noticed songs added to:

‘Justin’s Shark Sandwich Mix’

‘Cotton in my little ears’

‘Cycling on my orange bike anthems’

What you’re looking forward to in 2024…

I’m moving into a new studio-share situation and am itching to start messing around with sounds and recording techniques for a new batch of songs I have. In the meantime, a couple of cool shows in the New Year, and some alternative versions of songs from ‘Slow Puncture’ are coming out at the start of each month!