Teen Creeps Talk New Album, Single And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Lucinde Wahlen
Teen Creeps have released their third studio album ‘Today’s The Day’ and kindly spoke to us about the album, single and more:
Who is in Teen Creeps, how did you meet and what do you play?
Teen Creeps is myself (Bert), Joram and Ramses. We’re a three-piece from Ghent, Belgium that met over 10 years ago with a shared love of nineties indie rock. We’ve released 3 albums so far, with our latest “Today Is The Day” coming out this September.
What is your earliest musical memory?
Getting the “Space Jam” soundtrack on CD and playing it every day on my first stereo. There are some certified bangers on that album.
When did you begin songwriting?
When I was 16, after getting my first acoustic guitar. I was listening to a lot of Bright Eyes and Sufjan Stevens at the time, so my first attempts at songwriting were heavily influenced by them.
You have your new album ‘Today Is The Day’ which is out now. How did you want to approach the making of the album?
We started working on it during the pandemic, but it took a while for a collection of songs took shape. After touring for our previous album “Forever” stopped, we hunkered down in our rehearsal space and fleshed out the songs. In between our schedules playing and touring in other bands, it took a while to finish, but once we got to the studio in the summer of ’23, we recorded them in 5 days, with the vocals done afterwards in a separate session.
Where did you record the album and who produced it?
At the lovely GAM Studio with our friends Michiel De Maeseneer and Jesse Maes as engineer and producer.
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
There was an inflatable jacuzzi at the studio, and it’s condition was … questionable. Nevertheless, we basked in it’s semi-green water on the last night at the studio. It still amazes us that nobody got any weird infections.
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
A big aspect of our sound, throughout all the albums as a matter of fact, is Joram’s vintage Vox AC30. It’s the best guitar amp you’ll ever hear. I think the day that thing breaks down indefinitely, we’re going to have a big problem.
Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
a) “Running Start”: it’s about and for my girlfriend, and I tried to write something that’s shamelessly positive. I hope I succeeded b) “No-Show”: a song about being disappointed in yourself c) “Automatically”: maybe the most honest song I’ve ever written
Was it a difficult album to write?
Yes, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be a singer in a band for a while, so facing the songs and finding a way in was quite tough. Writing a song is always confrontational for me, and this record especially was. So it wasn’t easy, but I’m glad we pulled through.
Who designed the album artwork?
Our talented friend Ruud Ruttens, who has been doing our artwork ever since our first EP. He’s amazing, always comes up with the coolest stuff. Love you Ruud!
Does the album title have any significance/special meaning?
It’s both a tongue-in-cheek reference to Neil Young, and a sort of “carpe diem” to myself.
You have also released the single ‘Anywhere’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?
I wrote the song inspired by a hometown gig we did celebrating our 10th anniversary as a band. It’s a mission statement towards the band, an ode to friendship and a love letter to setting up in a room and just playing your instruments at full volume and having a good time.
Is the single accompanied by a visualiser?
Yes, our good friend Jonas Hollevoet made an amazing video for it. He put us in this landscape that’s actually a giant miniature train set. Very fun to do, and the result looks amazing.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
We all live in Ghent. Cozy, old and filled with musicians
How do you look after your voices?
Nothing special. We don’t smoke, that helps.
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025/2026?
Yes, all dates can be found here: https://toutpartout.be/artist/teen-creeps/
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
I hope to have made both some new fans and pleased the old ones.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
One more shout out to Joram’s VOX AC30. I have a Fender Precision that I’ve grown really fond of. And this Moog MF Drive that has the nicest low end ever.
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
Douglas Coupland’s “Generation X”
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
Hüsker Dü, Elliott Smith, Dinosaur Jr., Fugazi, Karate, Yo La Tengo, … And I can highly recommend Siem Reap, he’s also from Belgium and makes great records.
What makes Teen Creeps happy and what makes you unhappy?
Happy: playing shows, meeting interesting people, quoting lines from “Anchorman”
Unhappy: the current state of the world, racists and selfish people
Feature Image Photo Credit: Lucinde Wahlen
Listen to ‘Anywhere’ here: https://teencreeps.ffm.to/anywhere
‘TODAY IS THE DAY’ is out now on [PIAS] Recordings.
Purchase Here: https://teencreeps.ffm.to/todayistheday
