Interview by Courtney Moody

So, if I can start by getting you guys to introduce yourselves and your position in the band?

Mitch: Sure thing ÔÇô IÔÇÖm Mitch, I play guitar and I sing.
Jack: IÔÇÖm Jack ÔÇô I play bass.
Niall: IÔÇÖm Niall ÔÇô I play the synthesiser.
Iain: IÔÇÖm Ian and I play the sax.
Justin: IÔÇÖm Justin and I play the drums.

What is the bandÔÇÖs agenda?

Mitch: Agenda? Erm, we are trying to make music in a way that might have been popular a little while ago, but we are doing it in a contemporary way. But also, doing it in a very pure way. We donÔÇÖt want to be ironic. I think it is very purely unironic.
Jack: Music to dance to.

Is there a meaningful story behind the bandÔÇÖs name?

Mitch: We started with some awful ones  The Sun Gods. Scatterbrain? Or something like that gosh that was bad. SCRAP THAT! LYLO is a bit dreamier, [it captures] our sun-soaked sound.
Justin: Not like a Lilo you lay on.
Mitch: We didnÔÇÖt want a name with too much meaning.

Do you have any pre-gig rituals ÔÇô besides smoking?
Mitch: Drinking?
Jack: Stretches. Arm stretches. Back stretches. Maybe leg stretches. Loosen the hips ÔÇô for dancing.
Mitch: I can take a long time to get ready; shower, moisturise. Mariah Carey diva mode.

Do you want to keep up the intimate gigs, or is the dream to sell out stadiums? If so, do you think that will change your bandÔÇÖs style?

Mitch: We are getting more opportunities to do bigger shows, but it is nice to do both. It keeps you grounded. WeÔÇÖll just keep on doing what we are doing. Day by day. Gig by gig.

How did your music video for ÔÇÿSubmergeÔÇÖ come about?

Iain: Oh, that was me! I made all the props myself. We filmed it in a spare room at Uni.
Mitch: HeÔÇÖs got a magic brain, man.

How do you remain positive in such a gruelling industry?

Jack: Our approach is just to enjoy it. We donÔÇÖt want to push it too hard. We get so excited over the small things. We went to America recently and we were so chuffed to see a WendyÔÇÖs.
Mitch: We just like what we are doing.
Niall: WeÔÇÖre all just really good friends. ItÔÇÖs a nice experience for us to do it as pals.
Mitch: Our music develops from a positive attitude.

Where do you get your fashion inspiration from?

Mitch: 80ÔÇÖs swagger. Shirts and high-waisted trousers. The Sopranos.
Justin: My friends dress well. So, I need to compete with them!

Any advice for smaller bands?

Mitch: Make sure you get paid to gig! Some bands get so surprised when they get paid. Certain venues hold a certain prestige, so bands will jump through hoops (usually getting their families to buy tickets) for them to play there again, but youÔÇÖll only lose more money that way!
Niall: Keep it D.I.Y as much as possible.

Follow LYLO on Facebook: lyloband