Alternative pop-rock outfit Good Time Locomotive has proven unstoppable in 2024, with releases from the London group across the year. Their latest track, ‘Stay Close’ is heartfelt and eclectic, dynamically fusing synth-pop, hip-hop and anthem rock elements. Forming during the early days of the pandemic, they’ve taken their time to grow and refine, now bringing vibrant live shows and infectious melodies to the world.
The early days of Good Time Locomotive were spent in lockdown. Zoom call writing is a unique start for a band, how has that shaped your approach to collaboration and songwriting today?
It was definitely unique, that’s for sure! That being said, it gave us a taste of what it would be like to be paid for being creative as, although we were not being paid directly for writing our first songs, we were on furlough. So it felt like it! It also showed us how almost all of what you do as a band can be done remotely, so we continue to write online and via a shared Google folder. We just get loads more done that way.
‘Stay Close’ is a really dynamic track, and pulls sound from a lot of places for the finished product, talk us through the creative process…
That one was always the track we were building to as a band. It was a product of the 3rd lockdown where the novelty had worn off and we were missing human contact. That sort of morphed into what it feels like to fall out with friends and need someone when you are down on your luck. Our good friend Barfly jumping in on the rapping duties really helped make that song what it is.
How have the themes of personal struggle and the importance of connection shaped the track? What’s the message you’re sending?
We have all had our struggles from mental health issues to loneliness and even homelessness that went into writing this song. What it all boils down to is that, however much we like to play the big ‘I am’, deep down we need each other. There is no shame in that. It is just a part of being human.
Since your debut and especially in 2024, how would you say your sound and vision as a band have evolved?
I would say it is now more open musically than ever before. After plenty of turbulence we have finally finalised our line up and the music we have been churning out is super exciting. Every avenue of what we do seems to be more pronounced with the new material so just can’t wait to start releasing it next year and playing shows!
And what can fans expect in 2025 from GTL?
Shows and songs….lots of both and hopefully some festival slots and maybe even a tour if everyone helps us spread the word! 😉