With their highly anticipated new single 'Stockholm Syndrome' dropping recently, we sat down with Brighton musicians Frankie Stew and Harvey Gunn to dive into some questions about their music, the recording process and their influences, whilst styling them in the latest SS24 arrivals...
Peggs & son: What was the inspiration behind Stockholm Syndrome, and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
FS&HG: The inspiration behind Stockholm syndrome was being on the road most definitely. Driving through the snowy streets of Stockholm in the middle of nowhere was like nothing we’d ever seen before! Harv started to make a beat on the tour bus and the rest was history.
Peggs & son: When recording, you guys like to get away from it all. Where did you go to record your latest release?
FS&HG: We went to the Malvern hills to record. It’s a place we’ve both been before to make music and it’s always so nice to be out in nature when recording, somewhere away from the hustle and bustle.
Peggs & son: Could you describe your creative process when producing a new track? How do you work together to bring your ideas to life?
FS&HG: This really varies from track to track, but it usually starts with the melodies or samples. From there, we will build out the drums and structure of the demo, and get to writing the lyrics on it.
Peggs & son: In what ways do you think your music has evolved since you first started collaborating together?
FS&HG: I think it’s developed and evolved with us in a genuine way with the both of us naturally getting older together. We started doing this when we were about 14/15 and that was more than 10 years ago now! That’s mental to think really.
Peggs & son: You've built a dedicated fanbase over the years. How important is the connection with your audience to you both?
FS&HG: The connection we have with our fans is easily the most important thing to us, without that everything else goes to shit quite literally. They’re the reason we are able to even be doing this and for that we are forever grateful.
Peggs & son: How does Brighton influence your music and writing style?
FS&HG: Growing up in Brighton was awesome to be honest. There was always so much going on musically, especially when we were a bit younger. It’s different now but maybe we are just old men now and that’s the difference!
Peggs & son: What challenges have you faced as independent artists?
FS&HG: All of them, every one you could think of haha! We wouldn’t have it any other way though. It has its ups and downs but I’d say it’s worth it when you weigh up all the other options.
Peggs & son: Looking to the future, what exciting projects are on the horizon?
FS&HG: This year we’re looking to go on a run with the releases. There are plans to announce a big show a few months down the line but that’s kind of hush hush right now. We'll be bringing you lots of new music though as always.
Peggs & son: How would you describe your personal style?
FS&HG: I think we have a big mix of styles between us. My main focus for me (Harvey) is function and feel of a garment. I'm massively into my fabrics and thinking about how they will perform in the context of what I'm doing. As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors running and hiking in the glorious UK weather, this ranges from down jackets to ultralight quick-dry performance tees!
Peggs & son: How do you see the relationship between music and fashion influencing each other, and how does it manifest in your own artistic expression?
FS&HG: I think music and fashion play so massively into each other in culture, and neither exist in a singular vacuum. For our last campaign 'The South's Got Something To Say', the whole visual campaign was around Americana, horses and the classic 'Wrangler' look, so we played heavily into that throughout the campaign. Lots of denim and stetsons!
A huge thank you to Frankie Stew and Harvey Gunn for taking the time to answer our questions, style the latest arrivals and shed some light on their influences and creative processes.
Check out the latest seasonal arrivals here, and check out Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn's new single 'Stockholm Syndrome' on streaming platforms now.
