In our latest Band Spotlight, we chat to Rob Schofield, vocalist for Driffield-based indie rock sensation, Priestgate.
S] How do you define success as a band?
I think success is subjective, one man’s gold is another man’s rubbish. But the day we can all do this full time is when I believe we will say we are ‘successful’. Thats all we want, to be able to do this everyday for as long as we can.
S] What are some of the biggest challenges you face as artists?
Each of us in the band will have our own challenges we individually face, but as a whole I think the biggest challenge of all is deciding when a song is ‘complete’. There are a million different ways a song can go and choosing just one of those ways can often become quite the task.
S] What are some of your plans for 2020?
Our first single of the year will be released in March and a tour will follow shortly after, releasing new music is always a great feeling. It gives us a sense of relief. Once music is out there it has a life of its own, it can do what it likes. A bit like a bird leaving the nest.
S] What do you think of Hull’s music scene at present?
It just keeps on growing, we are very proud to be a part of it. I think people often overlook what it has to offer. Mark Page and Daniel Mawer have done so much for Hull’s music scene and we are extremely grateful for the opportunities they have given us.
S] What brought you together in Driffield?
There aren’t really any bands in Driffield and I think that’s what kick-started us forming Priestgate. None of us were friends beforehand which is weird to think about. Driffield is a very small place, it took a long while for people to take us seriously and understand that this isn’t just some hobby.
S] What motivates you outside of music – think specific people, places and or movies, for example?
As cliche as it sounds, we all motivate each other. there’s a lot of tough love between us. We just push one another to be the best we can be, all of us want the same thing.
S] What advice would you give to other emerging artists, when it comes to making an impact?
The most obvious but hardest thing to do is be different, there’s so many bands out there trying to sound like other bands. Make the music that you want to make and the rest will fall into place.
