Surviving December transports the listener back to a simpler time with their eclectic musical mix of pop-punk-rock. The band’s roots reach back to 2005 when brothers Mark and Jason Hobbs first started writing music in a dingy Devon basement alongside Chris Golden and Josh Norton-Cox. Fast forward 15 years to 2020, and Mark, Jason, and Chris found themselves rekindling their partnership during the strange era of Covid-19.
Now joined by Gemma Patten, Tom Crossman, and Ryan Wighton, and with original member Josh returning as producer, this unique six-piece line-up has fused their refined musicianship, while staying true to their founding influences of Blink 182, The Ataris, Senses Fail, and New Found Glory. The result is a vintage and truly authentic sound, given a contemporary twist by their trio of vocalists.
We had a chance to chat with the band as part of our The Refrain Interview series:
Refrain Music Magazine: You have a new single out. Tell us about it.
The single is called Falling Apart. It is a snapshot of how we see the world today. It holds a message that you shouldn’t be led by popular opinion, to think for yourself and be your own person.
Refrain Music Magazine: What’s the story on how it was recorded?
Mark started to demo old Surviving December songs at the start of lockdown 2020. The chord structure and pattern to Falling Apart was written in a completely different track. Whilst playing it back, Mark was messing with the guitar and played the chorus guitar riff, which changed the feel of the song and prompted a new theme and lyrics. He was already working on Falling Apart separately, but merged the two together.
Mark then sent the new Falling Apart track to the other members of the band where they added their own parts. It was then sent over to Josh Norton-Cox, our producer. All recording on this track was done remotely from each member of the band, at home in our bedrooms and front rooms with a basic set up.
The track was put together quicker than expected. Josh requested alterations and different things to be added. As we were at home and didn’t have the knowledge of recording a track ourselves it was a learning curve for many members of the band. Josh taught us that the chorus’ need doubles, for example.
Refrain Music Magazine: Is it part of a larger album?
Yes. The track closes our debut album, The Narrative. The Narrative follows a character through a certain time in his life and tells a story.
Refrain Music Magazine: Tell us a little bit about the band. Who are the members and what do you each play?
Mark Hobbs – vocals and guitar, Chris Golden – guitar, Jason Hobbs – bass, Gemma Patten – vocals and guitar, Tom Crossman – vocals and synth, Ryan Wighton – drums
Refrain Music Magazine: How long have you been together? When and how did you form?
In 2005 the band consisted of Mark, Jason, Chris and Josh (our now producer). During lockdown in 2020 the band reformed and is now joined with Gemma, Tom and Ryan.
The band now has been together for about 1 year.
Refrain Music Magazine: What’s the one thing you are most proud of in your career so far?
The album 100%! The story it tells and the feel of the album, to us is amazing. It honestly is a dream come true. The fact that we came together, recorded at home and produced The Narrative in a year – that’s what makes us proud!
Refrain Music Magazine: If you had to pitch your music to a potential fan in less than 10 second, what would you say?
It is grown up pop punk for a real music fan.
Refrain Music Magazine: What’s the one piece of advice you’ve gotten that you think everyone needs to hear or that has meant the most to you?
Josh told us to strip the music back, keep it basic and take it from there!
But if we could give someone some advice it would be that every song written will be someone’s favourite song. It’s all about how you get it to them.
Refrain Music Magazine: If you could go back in time, what’s a piece of advice you would give to a younger you?
We would tell us to not give up and keep at it. If we had continued Surviving December all those years ago, imagine where we may be now.
Refrain Music Magazine: Anything we haven’t thought of that you want to talk about? Now is the time!
We would just like to say that when you listen to The Narrative try and listen and pick out the story in the tracks.
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