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Newport City Radio – Live Right here, Right Now
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Charlie From Dream Team Bargains.
South Wales indie outfit Modern Neutrals have spent the last few years steadily carving out a name for themselves on the local music scene. From headline shows at Le Pub to radio support and an ever-growing online following, the five-piece have been refining not only their sound, but the way they present themselves to the world.
Appearing on Newport City Radio’s Indie Show ahead of the release of their new single Beach Theatre, band members James and Rhys reflected on their journey so far, the lessons they’ve learned, and why their latest release is their most direct statement yet.
Building on Success
The band’s previous single, Ain’t That Something, marked a turning point.
“I think it was probably the first release where we felt we’d found something we could build from,” James explained. “Everything from the production to the promotion seemed to click into place.”
For Modern Neutrals, developing that “formula” has been a process of experimentation. Since making their recording debut in 2022, they’ve learned through trial and error – testing promotional ideas, refining their recording approach and discovering what resonates with audiences.
“It’s essential,” Rhys said. “You need to know what your audience responds to, but you also need everyone in the band to be comfortable with what you’re doing. Once those things align, that’s when things really start to work.”
Milestones and Memories
One of those milestones came last year when the band headlined Newport’s iconic Le Pub for the first time.
Having attended gigs there as teenagers, stepping onto the stage as headliners carried particular significance.
“It felt earned,” Rhys said. “We’d done the support slots, the shorter sets, the hard graft over the years. To finally have our own Modern Neutrals show there was incredible.”
The evening became more than just another gig. It represented years of persistence and progress.
“You hit one milestone and immediately think about the next one,” James added. “But it’s important to stop and appreciate moments like that.”
The Art of Reinvention
If there’s one thing Modern Neutrals avoid, it’s complacency.
Their December headline show at Porter’s in Cardiff came with comic-book-inspired artwork, reflecting the band’s desire to constantly reinvent their visual identity.
“We’re all a bunch of nerds,” James laughed. “We always try to mix things up. Every release gets a different flavour.”
Asked which superhero team best represented the band, James settled on an apt comparison.
“I’d say we’re like the Guardians of the Galaxy. Different personalities, everyone brings something different, great soundtrack – and one of us is definitely Groot.”
He declined to reveal which band member had been cast as the tree.
Beach Theatre: A Punk Response to Troubled Times
Set for release on 26 June, Beach Theatre sees Modern Neutrals deliver their most politically charged material to date.
“In essence, Beach Theatre is a response to the rise of fascism,” James explained. “It’s probably the most on-the-nose we’ve ever been.”
While the band’s music has often reflected the wider world, this single confronts contemporary political anxieties head-on.
“We’re politically aware people,” Rhys said. “These issues aren’t new. The names and faces change, but the underlying ideas have been around for a long time. History teaches us that.”
The track draws explicit parallels between present-day events and historical examples of authoritarianism.
“It is a pure punk anthem in response to what we’re seeing,” James said. “I don’t know how else to explain it.”
Finding the Right Collaborators
A significant factor in Modern Neutrals’ recent growth has been their working relationship with producer Jason Savory and Red Rock Studios.
Savory has now worked on four consecutive singles, helping shape what the band increasingly recognises as its definitive sound.
“He gets us,” James said. “He understands what we’re trying to do and translates the energy of our live performances into recordings.”
For Rhys, consistency has been key.
“When you’ve got five people all coming from different perspectives, having someone who can interpret all of that and find the common thread is an incredible skill.”
That continuity has also helped establish recognisable traits across the band’s catalogue.
“We used to get compared to everyone,” Rhys joked. “Now the comparisons are becoming more consistent, which probably means we’ve found our identity.”
Comedy, Chaos and Social Media
Away from the music itself, Modern Neutrals have become known for their unconventional social media presence.
From green-screen sketches to surreal promotional videos, the band’s Instagram reels have developed a loyal following of their own.
“It’s become part of our identity,” James admitted. “Most of the ideas start with me sending nonsense into the group chat.”
The humour also offers balance.
“We write songs about heavy subjects,” he said. “It’s nice to remind people that we don’t take ourselves too seriously.”
Still, there’s a fine line to walk.
“I had a moment where I thought, ‘We need to remind people we’re actually musicians,'” James laughed. “Otherwise we’d just become a comedy account.”
Celebrating the Scene
Modern Neutrals were recently nominated for Best Original Band at Newport’s Love Live Music Awards, recognition they deeply appreciated.
“It was amazing just to be nominated,” Rhys said. “It makes you realise that people have noticed the work you’ve put in.”
The pair spoke passionately about the South Wales music scene and the community surrounding it.
“There are so many incredible bands around Newport and Cardiff,” James said. “We’re fans as much as participants.”
Rhys agreed.
“It takes venues, radio stations, rehearsal spaces and audiences all working together to sustain a healthy local scene. It’s collaborative.”
Looking Ahead
While live appearances have temporarily taken a back seat, the band insist it’s all part of a larger plan.
“We’ve been very focused this year,” James said. “We’ve got a backlog of songs we want people to hear, and we’re taking the time to do things properly.”
The release of Beach Theatre is only the beginning.
The next material, they hint, will surprise listeners.
“People are going to hear a completely different side of Modern Neutrals,” Rhys teased. “It’s a bit of a U-turn.”
For a band that thrives on evolution, experimentation and authenticity, perhaps that’s exactly what audiences should expect.
If one thing became clear throughout the conversation, it’s that Modern Neutrals have found confidence in who they are: a band unafraid to have fun, speak out, and keep pushing forward.
As Beach Theatre prepares to make its debut, Modern Neutrals aren’t simply following a formula anymore.
They’re writing their own.
Click here to listen to the interview
Click here to listen to the repeated show from 6PM on Sunday
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