Hull, U.K.-based quartet bdrmm was originally a solo project by lead vocalist Ryan Smith, who decided to expand it into a band with his brother, Jordan Smith, on bass, Joe Vickers (guitar), Danny Hull (synth, backing vocals), and Luke Irvin (drums). Their first single, C:U, was noticed by Sonic Cathedral, which signed the band in 2019 and released their debut EP, If Not, When?, later the same year. Their first full-length release, Bedroom was out in in 2020. After a three years hiatus (interrupted only by the singles Port in 2021, and Three in 2022), the band -now consisting in Ryan and Jordan Smith, Joe Vickers, and new drummer Conor Murray- signed with Mogwai‘s Rock Action Records, and their second album, I Don’t Know, was out on June 30th.
What Ryan Says: “I remember the exact day that we wrote this track. We were in the practise room, and I just started playing the first two chords, incorporating the bend as if I was literally winking at Kevin Shields, and Conor just looked at me like, “This is the one”. I think we finished the track on that day. It’s amazing when those moments happen, and it reminds you of why you do this. It’s so obviously the shoegaze adoration within us.”
“Be Careful was written during the pandemic. I had set up a little studio in the back of my garden and would often take myself there on evenings with numerous bottles of wine. Inspired by Portishead, and with a bassline that owes itself to Radiohead’s “Nude”, this track came about so naturally. It’s about taking care of yourself and realising when you need to change. I’ve been guilty of indulging too much and I definitely noticed myself becoming somebody I don’t like. When realising that, it felt important. Trying to be a better person is hard when you don’t know you’re doing something wrong.“
His Mixtape: “Hello, I’m Ryan from BDRMM. I play guitar and provide vocals. We have a new album I Don’t Know coming out on 30th June on Rock Action Records and I have never been prouder of a piece of work. We put so much into it. I’ve chosen a few tracks that scratch the surface on our influences towards its process. I hope you enjoy. x“
Radiohead – Talk Show Host
I would be doing myself a disservice if I didn’t include Radiohead. They are such an important band to me, and I don’t think we would have been as ambitious with our recent approach to the new album if it wasn’t for them. I could have picked most of their catalogue, but this, it’s just fucking special isn’t it.
Brian Eno – The Big Ship
I remember the first time I heard this track, it was at the end of the film The End of the Tour and it moved me so deeply, I haven’t stopped listening since. Eno introduced me to Ambient Music, and it truly has changed the way I approach writing now.
Squarepusher – Iambic 9 Poetry
Where do I even start with this one? You know when a song stops you in your tracks and you must repeat it just to try and understand what you just heard? This is what Iambic No 9 did to me. I think it’s one of the most beautiful pieces of music I’ve ever heard. Delving deep into Squarepushers category, and it’s so complex, whereas this just allows a peak into the beauty of this artist. We’ve been blessed with the addition of Conor on drums, and I really feel like there’s going to be a lot more erratic drumming in the future, all based on this track.
Mogwai – Remurdered
Again, I would be doing a disservice if I didn’t include Mogwai in this list. This track means so much to us all as a band, when we were touring together, we would always lose our shit to this. So much so, that at a Mogwai show in Leeds, they dedicated it to us. That was a special moment. Words couldn’t even describe how incredible the track is, just listen; you’ll get it.
Speedy J – Symmetry
This song seems to have followed me about for the past 10 years. It always crops up every now and again and I fall in love with it harder than the previous. I have fallen in love with WARP Records, and this must have been my first introduction. It’s just a great piece of Ambient Techno and suits any moment in time. A truly special feat.
Daniel Avery – Lone Swordsman
I don’t even know where to start with this. I have been inspired by Daniel Avery since hearing Drone Logic at Field Day in London in 20-something and since then I’ve been obsessed. Having him remix our music has been a real honour and yeah, I just think this is such a beautiful and moving piece of music. You can really feel everything, and I think that’s one of the most important things when creating and listening.
Floating Points – Movement 6
Jeeeeeeeez. Have you heard this piece of music? It’s a masterpiece. I recall showing it to an old friend in the car, and we were both stunned in silence at its beauty. The sun was beaming through the glass and the traffic stood still almost for that moment. There was so much emotion flying out of the speakers. Pretty sure we both had a little cry. One of only Two pieces of music that has moved me to tears.
Model/Actriz – Sun In
This is the latest song that has made me stop in my tracks. I had it on repeat for an hour, and that’s a lot for me. It’s got a beautiful post-rock simplicity about it; it recalls a new UK band called Famous. I just think it’s so moving.
I Don’t Know is out now on Rock Action Records. Look HERE for more information on bdrmm.
Indie Sunset in Rome 