Q&A: Self Torque Celebrates Their Achievements With “No Rest”
RAW AND HARD — yet vulnerably intimate, Self Torque’s latest punk rock single marks a new phase for the band. After releasing their three-track EP, Impending Sense of Gloom, earlier this year, the single artist turned band released their new single, “No Rest.”
Developing their style by practicing over and over, the music career of mates Gabriel, Luke, and Jay is just beginning. Yet they have a lot to look back on, which is what “No Rest” explores.
Dreaming of a surf band with Sharon Van Etten, 2024 might see some live performances of the British band around the UK and Europe, so keep an out for updates and continue reading below to learn more about Self Torque and their latest single, “No Rest.”
LUNA: Who is Self Torque? How and when was this collaborative project born?
SELF TORQUE: It’s me (Gabriel) and my mates Luke and Jay. [It] started off when I released a stripped-back solo EP at the beginning of 2023 and has slowly morphed into more of a band.
LUNA: How has your music changed within the past few years?
SELF TORQUE: It was more complicated than before, with lots of sections. It’s become a lot more direct and simple of late. I don’t force it as much now, just try to nurture what spark initially caught my attention.
LUNA: Who inspired your music? Who are your biggest influences?
SELF TORQUE: Tom Petty was a big inspiration on this project. I don’t think you can really hear that, except maybe [in] the riff to “Daydream.”
LUNA: Could you introduce your favorite singles you've released so far?
SELF TORQUE: With this project, I’ve only released two, “On Strike For Life” and “No Rest.” I like them both, though, I feel like I managed to capture a moment or feeling that is very personal yet universal.
LUNA: How did you develop this punk-rock style? Will you experiment with other genres in the future?
SELF TORQUE: Just working on my own, chipping away until I had something that I felt held up on its own — just guitar and vocal, and then when it goes to the band it usually comes to life pretty quickly. I’d love to do a surf band.
LUNA: What inspired “No Rest”? How did it come to life?
SELF TORQUE: The music was very much inspired by A Giant Dog. The lyrics started off with the frustration of feeling like you can’t or haven’t changed … then [it] took a bit of a trip into the past, looking back and realizing how far you’ve come.
LUNA: Who produces your tracks? How do you choose which producers to work with? Do you have some dream producers you'd like to work with?
SELF TORQUE: James Gasson produced the EP. It really depends — someone who you think understands what you’re trying to capture and someone who you’ll hopefully enjoy working with.
LUNA: Is music your main occupation at the moment? If not, how are you conciliating your day job with your music career?
SELF TORQUE: It’s my main occupation, but alas it’s not my main source of income. Luckily I have a very flexible job in logistics.
LUNA: Have you ever been on tour? If not, would you like to embark on one?
SELF TORQUE: Yes, I’ve toured the UK and Europe a few times. 2024 is looking good, so keep an eye out.
LUNA: Who's your dream feature?
SELF TORQUE: If you mean who would I like to have as a guest on my record then I’d have to say Sharon Van Etten.
LUNA: Where do you see yourself in one year as a musician?
SELF TORQUE: In a surf band with Sharon Van Etten.
