It’s our pleasure to introduce you to SENECA.
A bit prog and a bit punk.
SENECA channel chaos and precision in equal measure with their blends of odd time signatures, razor-sharp instrumentals, and crooning, theatrical vocal melodies.
Drawing from an ambitiously broad range of influences, their music has many twists and turns, making it difficult to categorise.
SENECA are:
Andy Boud (Vocals)
Joe Reeve (Guitar)
Tommy Chalk (Guitar)
Jamie Pegler (Bass)
Oscar Sutherland (Drums)
Where are you from? / Where are you based now?
Most of us are from Devon, between Witheridge and Galmpton. Andy is originally from Crawley, but we met in the Exeter area. Andy and Oscar now live in Bristol, but Jamie, Joe and Tommy are still loyal to Devon. We currently split most of our time between Exeter and Bristol.
Musical Influences
We’ve narrowed down our main FFO to At the Drive In, Black Midi, and Tears for Fears. Our influences are so varied that it’s difficult to pin down. We have individually curated playlists on our SENECA Spotify account, which, when played back-to-back, offer a real mixed bag of artists.
About the latest release
We recently released our debut EP, ‘Lifetime Award’, which feels like the culmination of the band’s last two years.
We’ve spent this time relentlessly gigging across the southwest, trying to build relationships with venues, fans, and promoters.
We wanted to capture a body of work that represents where we are now. We’re very slow song writers, so it feels super rewarding to be able to share a more fully realised project.
It’s only four songs, but the feedback we have received has been very overwhelming. As we aim to get in front of more people, we hope this EP is a good introduction to the band and gives people an idea of what we’re about.
What inspired the latest release?
Probably our outlook and how it’s changed in the last few years. There’s a loose, short story that plays out through the four songs on “Lifetime Award”. Despite Andy being entirely responsible for the words on this, all 5 of us can relate, to varying extents, to a lot of what he expresses throughout the record.
Musically, we’ve attempted to embrace more of the things we enjoy, more so than we did in our very brief stint as a band pre-COVID and the couple of singles we released back then.
Quick fire – Just for Fun
If you’re on the road…
- The absolute essential item for us on tour is…
Joe’s guitar tuner.
- Our most challenging journey for the least payoff led us to…
We had to fight through 3.5 hours of M5 traffic (each way) to play at an empty diner. At that show, though, we met The Hypotethics. Those guys are cool and extremely talented musicians. The Taco Bell also helped.
- Keeping fit on the road requires…
Lots of stretching and spicy spuds.
- The coolest pit stop worldwide is…
Cullompton McDonalds – one of the few service stations open past 11 pm (or Cat and Wheel in Bristol).
- A must-have in our tour survival kit is…
Setlists: We’ve played close to 100 shows in the last two years and still can’t remember the order in which the songs are played.
- The place with the best bathroom graffiti is…
Exchange, Bristol – every band sticker ever produced appears in that bathroom.
- The best part of performing live is the feeling of…
Making our mums proud.
- The silliest thing ever said onstage was…
We supported a band called Real Farmer at the Cavern. When it came to thanking them for having us, Andy’s Devonshire landscape had taken over his brain, and he thanked the Young Farmers instead. We had a few “oo arrs” in response.
- How we prepare for a show…
Budget energy drinks and a Tesco/Sainsbury meal deal.
- Tell us about an independent eatery in Exeter you love…
Without a doubt, Goto is our favourite place to eat in Exeter. They’re an independent, authentic Japanese restaurant. Well priced, incredible quality and very welcoming atmosphere.
Doesn’t hurt that it’s only down the road from a nice independent bar, Little Drop of Poison, and a short walk to Exeter Cavern, The Exeter Phoenix or Move Live.
- What’s the best attraction/place to visit/hang out in Exeter?
Boneyard Retro Arcade – located just behind Sidwell Street, amazing value, great selection of retro arcade games and Phil the owner is one of the nicest human beings to ever exist. Tommy and Joe will destroy you on Dance Dance Revolution.
