We recently had the opportunity to chat with 23 Fields about their latest release 'I'll See You Soon'.
23 Fields has built a distinctive sound blending folk, rock, and Americana since forming in Hastings. How has the band evolved from your early releases like ‘The World Is Raining’ to where you are now?
The world is raining was recorded backwards really as it was Step on his own and then Lou and Jason joined and that’s how we formed. Step’s songwriting has improved and has settled in his sound like an old armchair.
What does each member bring to the dynamic that makes 23 Fields feel so emotionally authentic?
As a man in his late 40’s, Step writes about life experiences, Lou and Jason sprinkle their magic and voila! Live performances are even more emotional.
“I’ll See You Soon” tackles the guilt many feel about not visiting aging parents often enough—the gap between intention and the reality of busy lives. What personal experiences or reflections sparked this song?
Step’s Mum’s health has deteriorated over the past few years following an accident and my Dad is no longer driving long distances, Step lives a couple of hours away and work, and family life seem to take up all his time and he finds it difficult to allocate a day to visit, ‘I’ll See You Soon’ is a reflection of his guilt.
Musically, the song blends warm, comforting folk-rock instrumentation with an underlying emotional unease. How did the arrangement come together, and what role did the violin play in creating that atmosphere?
Step found 3 chords, the lyrics seemed to fit, He played it live and Jason and Lou just busked it, there didn’t seem to be any formal ‘oh this would work’ etc, just all came together in that live show.
Compared to tracks on ‘To Follow This Year’s Fashion’ or your newer work, how intentional was the sonic approach for this single—more restrained and reflective?
Step wanted to up the beat a bit for this new album and it seems to have worked, ‘I’ll See You Soon’ is the first new track and there’s more to come.
The song has been praised for its honesty and ability to linger with listeners long after it ends. What kind of early feedback or reactions have you received so far?
Different articles have said the same really, It always goes down well playing live.
This single feels like part of a continuing thread in 23 Fields’ songwriting—exploring life, love, memory, and real human experiences. How does it fit into what’s coming next for the band?
Yep, completely agree! Next tracks we’ve got coming are about kids on their phones, how were tied to technology and the general struggle of daily life, home life and getting annoyed with kids etc
What’s on the horizon for 23 Fields—more singles, a new album, live shows?
We’re working on the 4th album, but thinking we may release it as an EP, got a fair few live shows coming up – keep an eye on the website for dates.
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