THE UTOPIATES

Band Members
Dan Popplewell (Vocals/Guitar)
Ed Godshaw (Keys)
Josh Redding (Lead Guitar)
Luke Nottingham (Bass)
Matt Dacey (Drums) 

The Utopiates formed in North London during the global pandemic and in the thick of a nationwide lockdown, The Utopiates found themselves in the midst of a creative furnace.
This was ignited by frontman Dan Popplewell’s desire to write honest and brutal songs about his experiences of being a young man during such a peculiar time.
​4 months later the band have two exceptional singles under their belt and plans to release a further 4 tracks in the first half of 2021, The Utopiates are determined to make a significant impact. 

             The Utopiates - Antidote

                                  The Utopiates - Only Human

Antidote was written to inspire those who are in a time of personal desperation.
It draws upon our own experiences of depression, anxiety and hopelessness, yet it’s a song that looks to find beauty in this despair.If ‘Only Human’ is all the questions raised after observing the breakdown of community and the ultimate frailty of human beings, ‘Antidote’ Is the the optimistic and hopeful response to those questions.
In a way this is a song that challenges the view of us that older generations have.
The view that we’re incapable of coming together for something bigger than ourselves.
Ultimately, you can be whoever you want to be and achieve everything they said we couldn’t. 

It’s too all too easy to assume that this song was written about the pandemic. It wasn’t at all actually, it addresses feelings that are experienced universally. But it’s difficult to ignore the poignancy of the loneliness and disillusionment that many - perhaps all of us - have felt during this weird time.
 

Dan wrote ‘Only Human’ as a response to the anxieties he felt seeing the British public (and the world at large) become so polarised. He observed the loss of community and humanity, and wrote this song as a rallying cry to the masses. It’s a song of honesty and acceptance of our collective fragility, a reflection on the need for love and instant gratification in human beings.
‘Only Human’ takes sonic inspiration from the likes of New Order, Bowie, Depeche Mode, The Cure and Oasis. 

Sound and influences
Major influences on the band are bands that came from the UK’s halcyon, late 80s era in The Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, whilst also being drawn to 80’s synth pop and new wave artists such as Talk Talk, Duran Duran, Simple Minds and INXS.

What are The Utopiates listening to?
Luke Nottingham says: “Hallan are a recent band that we’ve all bonded over. Have a listen to ‘Modern England’, a brutal song that has something to say. We also really rate Squid, they are producing this incredible, frantic sound on songs like ‘The Cleaner’ and it’s a travesty they’re not able to gig at the moment."
​
Plans
We plan to release our third single Alpha with a video at the end of March

Upcoming Gigs
'We're playing Amersham Arms, New Cross on the 12th June and the Shiiine On Summer Party at 226, London on the 31st July. Tickets are available through our Facebook events pages.
​

Be a Featured Artist this 2020 on Smile Radio, e-mail Ritchie Johnston: ritchie.johnston@smileradio.co 
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