A chat with Alvo Jade

With their upcoming gig just around the corner, we sat down with Alvo Jade’s frontwoman Reese to talk all things Alvo Jade. Diving into the band, their vibe, and their recently released EP Round Pegs and Square Holes.

‍

Listen to the new EP while you read:

Meet the band:

Reese – Vocals / Frontwoman

Favourite song on the EP: ‘The Landing’

‍

Owen – Drums & Backline

Favourite song on the EP: ‘Math’

‍

Seb – Guitar(s)

Favourite song on the EP: ‘Decide’

‍

Do you have any pre/post-gig rituals?

‍"One of the best gigs we ever played started with three well-timed shots of tequila… maybe that one has to make a comeback."

Tell us about how the band formed

"Owen and I  started making music together in our university bedrooms, just for fun.

Owen’s very techny, and I’m the dreamer – we found we understood each other so clearly and could communicate exactly what we wanted to hear.

We moved to Australia together for a year to study in 2023 and took a long road trip from Sydney all the way up to Cairns. During a particularly long stretch of road somewhere between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, we found ourselves in a passionate discussion about creative careers, new adventures, and, of course, music.

Impulsive as we are, the band was official in a matter of minutes. Our name came about a similar way – spitballing feminine names to pair with Alvo. Something about Jade just clicked immediately. The first EP was out within the year.

It took us a while to perfect the line-up, but after meeting the wonderful Seb through a mutual friend, we hit it off immediately, and it feels like we’ve been working together for centuries. He’s bringing so much to our sound and vibe – and he’s the only other person (apart from Owen) who I seem to be able to telepathically communicate my musical wants to."

Describe the band in 3 words

"Passionate. Explorative. Northern."

If your band had a signature drink, what would be in it?

"A clarified Negroni. Classic, but creative. Tasty, but lethal."

What to expect from your upcoming EP

Follow-up: How does it differ from music already released?

‍
"This is AJ’s second EP, and we’re progressing with every new piece into the genre that we’re designing for ourselves. Our first EP leant more indie rock, and this one is more alternative, as we find our footing with the kinds of melodies and styles we like.

The four-track EP is ranged, purposefully. Each song is distinct and different. I made a vow to never put out a project with indistinguishable songs. I [Reese] crave the balance and journey that only a contrasting set of tracks can create. I’m a nuanced writer, and we’re a nuanced band. We have a lot to say, and that comes in many different forms and styles.

I’m a big believer in rejecting perfectionism. Five years down the line our sound may be different again. But this is who we are and how we feel right now. And it’s only getting better from here!"

For your EP release show, you have three bands supporting. Can you tell us why you chose the bands you did?

"For me personally, it was really important to get some sick female talent on the stage. I’ve played many a show where I am the only woman in a line-up of five bands. The North East is beautifully diverse, and I want to showcase the range of talent and creativity that blossoms in our grassroots scene.

Undivine Telephoneline are great friends of ours, and member Louis is a feature bassist on the song Sweet Vanilla from our EP. They’re extremely cool."

For reference, this line-up is insane. There are four bands, including Alvo Jade, all from the North East grassroots scene:

Sarah Johnsone: blends introspective lyrics with a bluesy, jazz-tinged edge, crafting a bold, full-band sound that’s both intimate and expansive.

‍
Polyfillas: fuse ska, punk, and melodic pop with socially aware, razor-sharp lyrics, all while delivering youthful energy.

‍
Undivine Telephoneline: a five-piece funk-rock powerhouse from The Mighty Boro, blending jazzy grooves, grungy riffs, punk energy, and soaring vocals into constantly evolving, genre-defying jams.

Follow Along

Keep up to date with all things Alvo Jade on Instagrm - @alvojajd or Facebook /alvojade to keep up with new music and videos. Trust us, this is one duo worth following.

‍