INTRODUCING: The Meritones

Meet The Meritones, a fast-rising punk band from Cardiff. Making significant waves within their home city and beyond with sold out shows in some of the most iconic venues. Just over a year after forming as a band, they are quickly becoming a well-known name in the music scene and for good reason with punchy songs fueled by heavy riffs and experimental vocals. A real force to be reconned with due to their sweaty live performances and crafted angst.

Their debut single, Ashdown Sales was an instant hit with thousands of listeners and warranted a play on BBC Radio Wales. A clever and masterfully crafted song blending different genres, it was the perfect introduction for the band and their intentions to be pioneers within the music industry.

Gifted with punk energy, talented musicianship, and a dream as big as their sound, The Meritones are a band on the cusp of making it big and ones to watch for the near future.

Get to know the band:

WHO IS IN THE BAND

Billy Hale - Singer and Guitarist

Ioan Humphreys - Bass and Vocalist

Meggan Lewis - Guitarist and Vocals

Zach Mills - Drums

ARE YOU INSPIRED BY BANDS YOU LISTEN TO

"We love to base our production off other songs, art makes other art. There are so many great bands in Cardiff, and we are definitely inspired by their energy."

HOW HAS THE EXPERIENCE OF PLAYING ICONIC VENUES BEEN

"The music scene here is very exciting, everyone is friends, our Clwb gig with Shale was one of the best gigs we have ever done, it is a bucket list venue, and we loved playing there. It is just cool to play gigs in Cardiff and there is lots to go to as well. There are not enough venues and the ones that do exist don't get enough support but there is a scene there where everyone supports each other and playing in some of the iconic venues has been one of the best experiences for us."

WHAT ARE SOME DREAM VENUES THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO PLAY AT IN THE FUTURE

"Thekla for sure, we want to make the boat rock, the aim is to make it sway. The Windmill in London would be cool and there are so many amazing ones in Bristol too. Even playing the top room in Clwb or Tramshed would be an absolute dream."

HOW DO YOU FIND MANAGING TIME AS AN INDEPENDENT BAND

"We do struggle to manage our time, but when we practice, we do it properly and lock in. Time management is difficult, but we do meet and get everything done."

WHAT HAS RECORDING BEEN LIKE

"We do everything ourselves and in one of our houses, the heavier direction is something we have really been focusing on. I love recording in people's houses; there is no pressure, and you don't have to pay anyone. Alex from Papa Jupe's has helped us a lot and is a really good producer, the studio was a different experience but having someone else there with a different point of view was really helpful."

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO HAVE YOUR TRACKS PLAYED ON THE RADIO

"It was crazy hearing it for the first time on the radio, we blasted our song out and it is a really nice experience, it is so validating as a band just starting out. It makes you feel like you are part of the community, and it just helps us so much."

ARE THERE ANY PLANS TO RELEASE AN ALBUM OR EP

"We have just been talking about this; we have a lot of different songs that we haven't released yet so it is in the works, nothing set in stone, but it is the next step. We also want to record and do as many gigs as possible."

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Words: Gareth Rees (@garethreesradio)