In the second installment of our Student Music Spotlight feature, we've got questions for Realms, the latest indie pop band to hit the Cambridge scene. Check them out here: 

 A: Please introduce yourselves

R: We are a newly formed 4-piece band from Jesus and King’s: Isabelle Brawn is our songwriter and singer, Aleksei Opacic plays piano and keyboards, Dom Porteous is our rhythm machine (on drums) and Jack Baz strokes the bass and kisses the cello.

A: Which genre do you best fit in to?

R: At heart we’re a hardcore baroque band, but draw other influences from liquid DnB and post-truth-trip-hop... ( we’re essentially an indie pop band)

A: What are the perks and/or challenges of being a band in Cambridge?

R: If you thought a Cambridge degree on its own was hard enough, try managing the logistics of a band full of enormous egos. One of the biggest challenges that we’ve faced, however, is that the drum and bass contingent often succumbs to deep sleep and alcohol respectively. In truth, though, it’s a huge amount of fun playing music you enjoy with your friends, and we would definitely recommend starting a band to anyone thinking about it. There’s definitely a market for original and interesting bands in Cambridge and lots of opportunities to get going as musicians.

“There’s definitely a market for original and interesting bands in Cambridge”

A: What are your goals for the upcoming year?

R: In light of the inexorable breakup that’ll transpire when our lead singer leaves us for her year abroad come September, we don’t like to plan too far ahead. Nevertheless, we are performing at Jesus May Ball and at King’s Affair, and we plan on recording some tracks and possibly playing at a few festivals in the summer if they’ll have us.

A: Are there any other uni-based artists you're excited by at the moment?

R: One of our favourite all ginger jazz quartets, JinJaz, are really tearing up the uni alt-Jazz scene. Definitely worth watching out for at various balls this May Week. We’re also big fans of Phil Burn, an-up-and-coming singer-songwriter: catch him at Jesus May Ball. Also, as you’d guess with our classical/baroque roots, big shout out to the Cambridge University Chamber Orchestra. Love those guys.

Student Music Spotlight: Napoleon's Legitimate Lemons

 A: What's your ‘ride or die’ track?

R: Beethoven piano concerto No. 5 in E minor. T’is a banger