Forming in 2007, as a side project, Ross K. Witt begun showcasing his talents as a singer-songwriter. However with the inclusion of violinist Sophie Galpin, it lead to an inspiring 3-track EP and extensive touring alongside the likes of Noah & The Whale, Chris T-T and Johnny Flynn.
However, that was 5 years ago and the act have developed and, in fact, grew. No longer a duo, My First Tooth consists of Ross K. Witt, Sophie Galpin, Jo Collis (bassist) and Gareth Amwel Jones (drummer). These inclusions have lead to their sound now being compared to the likes of Beirut and The Arcade Fire, whilst they continue to receive national airplay alongside the likes of BBC Radio 1, XFM and Absolute Radio.
Fortitude Magazine caught up with Sophie, following their tour alongside Tellison, and this is what she had to say:
Hey! How are you feeling today?
Good thanks! Just waiting to get a hair cut.
Do you mind explaining My First Tooth came to form?
I do mind. But I will give you an explanation, just this once. We were all in different bands in the Northampton area and Ross started MFT as a side project running alongside his other band. I joined on violin and vocals and we started to tour relentlessly as a two piece. Cutting a long (and boring) story short, we have evolved and now we’re an awesome foursome.
You are renowned for your heavy touring patterns, what is it about live performances that you find so captivating?
Renowned! I like that. We just love playing live! You can listen to a record as much as you like but there’s something really exciting about seeing and hearing it happen in front of you.
An album down, how do you feel you’ve developed since the release of ‘Territories’?
I think our new record ‘Love Makes Monsters’ is a natural maturing of what we did on ‘Territories’. This is the first record that we’ve properly put together as four members – Ross and I had been playing some of the songs on ‘Territories’ for quite a while so this feels a bit more cohesive to me. Also we’re all a year older, but we have aged ten years.
Appearances on the likes of BBC Radio 1, XFM, Absolute Radio and other national stations, do you find it bizarre hearing yourselves or prefer to not listen?
We have a cheese and wine party every time it happens.
You’ve now unveiled the video to your free single, ‘Past Broadcasts’. What inspired the quirky story surrounding the music video?
It’s not a story! Everything that happened in that video happened. Jo actually had surgery on her foot!
The record has actually been released by Alcopop Records on VHS too! What was the reasoning for using such a vintage media platform?
Simply so that we could use the hashtag #VHYes! on Twitter.
This will feature on your album, ‘Love Makes Monsters’, which was produced by James Kenosha, Peter Abbott and Paul Pilot. What were those guys like to working alongside?
They’re all amazing and all work in really different ways. For example, when you buy studio biscuits, you have to be careful with Pete because he’s allergic to nuts. Paul likes Ginger Nuts and Drifters, but James doesn’t really eat biscuits at all. You have to be really careful.
It’s expected for early 2013, but has any date been permanently pencilled in now or is it still going to be the waiting game for ourselves and your fans?
We’re not entirely sure yet. What I am sure of, is that I need a permanent pencil in my life. **
You’ve got a few days left with Tellison then complete a short tour in early December. What are people missing out by not seeing a My First Tooth live performance?
Boys and girls singing and yelping and dancing. With instruments.
Our final question; other than yourselves, who else should everyone be listening to right now?
Tellison. Bhi Bhiman. Acres of Lions. Pins.
Why not check out their latest video release for ‘Past Broadcasts’, below, and download it for free at: http://soundcloud.com/alcopop/my-first-tooth-past
** We have only found one red permanent pencil. Available here: http://www.no1brands4you.co.uk/products/108.20-2pk12-staedtler-permanent-pencil-red-12-pack.html