Bella Platt
Full time student and live music enthusiast, actively involved in Manchester and Newcastle’s music scene, interviewing and reviewing grassroots bands and larger indie acts.
We caught up with North-West indie rock band Kiwi about their roots, new single and the benefits of coming up somewhere other than London
In a scene full of hype and hollow trends, Kiwi keep it real. I spoke with frontman Tom Taylor about their journey from Kendal DIY demos to sold-out grassroots gigs, and how new single ‘Three Words’ shows just how far they’ve come.
So- Kiwi. How did it start? How’s it evolved? What’s brought you here?
We originally formed with just me and Scott in Kendal (Lake District)- mint cake territory. We found some difficulty expanding our music in such a small town, but we gave it a good go anyway. After an ill-fated couple of shifts at Next with Tom (bassist), we discovered we all liked similar music. Two sessions in the studio and it just worked. From demos in a DIY studio to working with producers- we’ve really tried to maintain creative control throughout our journey so far.
Talking about producers- how has the creative process evolved for the band?
We’ve recently started working with Gareth Nutall, who’s done some work with The K’s, and recorded a soon-to-be-released track with him. He had that next level knowledge, homing in on unique sounds and maintaining our input as he helped us build a track.
But it’s performing live that gives us our buzz- there’s no better feeling than hearing people sing back our songs in some of the best grass-root venues. Our first EP ‘Codeine’ often features on our set list, and despite the long process from writing to release we never get tired of playing it.
We recently accompanied M60 on tour for a couple of dates, a great opportunity that reestablished what we’re aiming for as a band. Playing new venues, playing to 40-50 people who’ve never heard of us or our music, that could leave as new fans will never stop being exciting.
Your new single ‘Three Words’ has a much more intimate feel compared to your other tracks.
We all receive art differently; it makes us feel a diverse range of emotions through how we perceive it. I try to carry this into Kiwi’s music- a certain ambiguity. My ‘Three Words’ was based on the different needs someone in a relationship might have, whether that is space or some time apart, and learning to have respect for that despite your feelings. It can be difficult to navigate. It’s not just romantic relationships, but friendships as well.
Going onto a deeper level, I have ADHD, which means I have loads of feelings and I struggle to put them out in the world and help people understand. I think our songs have that common theme; it’s a great outlet.
What’s in store for Kiwi for the rest of 2025?
We’ve recorded a new single and hopefully keep touring wherever we can- we just want to gig, gig, gig! A standout venue we’d love to play again is Bootleg Social in Blackpool, we’ve supported Royston Club there, so it has lots of great memories for us as a band.
You’ve focused touring mainly around the North/Northwest- what would you say to people who say you must go to London to make it as a musician?
I think if you named the most successful bands of the past 20 years, most of them started outside of London. Now that’s not me against London- a lot of industries, not just artistic ones, have the most opportunity there. But saturation wise, you’re one of 10,000 bands in London trying to make it. Having pride in where you’re from all the way throughout your career is important to me, if we make it as a band then we want to do it being ourselves. Loving the small town I’m from and the people that have supported us from the very start will always be a priority.
Listen to ‘3 Words’ here: