What all the racket about? Well, The Racket of Course! But their newest song, “I Need More” (Released July 9th) is a bit of a diversion from what you might expect from singer/songwriter and lead man Callum Codd and the punk band’s typical ethos. I got the chance to catch up with him this month and had some great insight into the band and Collum’s songwriting.

Born out of the boredom of being homebound over the past year, the folky stripped-down tune reflects Callum’s frustrations during lockdown It’s a softer reflection in his typical songwriting style they have become known for, and was recorded completely at home (particularly since the studio wasn’t available to him). “I write all kinds of music, I really do. I think it’s important that we released ‘I Need More’ because for the first time we have shown people we’re not just a one-trick-poney. This may have opened a very important door for us to not pigeonhole ourselves as the punky-indie thing that we usually do. I love playing that stuff it’s so exciting when we play it live but I have so much more to show than just that!” 

“I Need More” has flavors of John Lennon (a nod to his Liverpool roots), and draws inspiration from Bob Dylan, Stephen Fretwell, and Ray Davies. The band got together by getting to know each other in their hometown. “There are not many people around here who play instruments or have these haircuts (laughs) so we can always spot each other a mile off.” Callum adds, “Me and Dom know each other from playing footy years back and Colby and Mikey are old mutual friends too.”

Callum writes all the songs for the band and plays off the dynamics that the band adds. “I play them at band practice for everyone. Usually, we all pick our favorites and have a go at them. It’s fun to see how everyone’s vision of the song can be different and the process of it going from just an acoustic guitar to a full band thing is really fun. The best songs are usually the ones where everyone has took responsibility for their part and made it their own thing, you can tell we’re all having loads of fun when we play those songs.” Callum describes “I Need More” as one of his favorite songs he wrote during the lockdown. “The song is kind of like an open diary for anyone to hear what’s going on in my life. It’s about battling the thoughts of doubt and hope”. 

In talking with him about the lockdown, despite the drive for the song - there was also a lot of creativity that came out of that time period (which I hear a lot of from different artists and have experienced myself). “For me personally I genuinely didn’t mind it” he adds, “I wrote some of my best songs in that time and a lot of things changed within the band that is all for the better. We’re generally not the kind of people who love going to nightclubs etc, so everything I like doing was still going ahead. It was frustrating that we couldn’t do gigs but right now we are coming back to the stage with a lot stronger setlist.”

With their next three singles already in the can and a tour on the schedule for Autumn, there will be plenty more to experience from The Racket this year. “You wouldn’t believe how much music we’ve got just sat on my computer. I’d say the lockdown has made me think ‘it may as well be out there instead of just being sat on my hard drive’!”

The music video for “I Need More”, created by Culture City and Directed by Joe Campbell begins to the sound of waves and gulls and the band literally bringing out their props with a cool old lighthouse in the background. Callum takes a seat on an old leather sofa and begins to lament his tail, with band members wandering in, out and around, playing cards and playing backing instruments. “The idea was that I sat in the centre and acted like nothing was happening around me whilst I played the song. I guess there is some kind of metaphor in that but we tried to have a laugh with it and not take it too serious.” Totally entertaining! But don’t take my word for it… watch it here and make sure to give them a “like” and “subscribe”. You can also follow them on Spotify with the handle little button at the top of this article.

Added to our Main Spotify Playlist, our "Artist Pick" playlist, and played daily on Indie Music Center's Radio.

Written by Joe.

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Lyrics

I don’t mind if I don’t make it, I’ll work out the score.

I won’t mind if times start changing, I’ll work at some store. 

Until I realize I’m needing so much more…

Than the pay cheque sliding through my door,

Than the early morning risers who I ignore, 

But until my number’s up,

I Need More.

I’ll get by with a job in the city, paying for my rent. 

‘Cos mundane Monday keeps me busy, from my uselessness, 

Until I realize I’m lying to myself.

Because I know I’m worth something else,

Than the beat up box of lies, I stack on the shelf,

But until my number’s up,

I Need More.

Until I realize I’m needing so much more,

Than the pay cheque sliding through my door,

Than the early morning risers who I ignore,

But until my number’s up,

I Need More.

Yeah until my number’s up,

I Need More.

But until my number’s up,

I Need More.

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