Keyside Talk New Single, 2025 UK Tour And More

Aug 11, 2025 | Interviews

Words by Glenn Sargeant

Feature Image Photo Credit: Lawrence Weston

A sense of inevitability pervades the steady ascent of Liverpool four-piece, Keyside, as their chiming, kitchen sink indie lands on more and bigger stages, catalysed by an expanding songbook including their new, aspirational ‘pep talk’ single, If You Don’t Try out now. The band chatted to us about the track, their 2025 UK Tour and more:

Who is in Keyside, how did you meet and what do you play?

Dan: We are a Liverpool-based four-piece: Me, Dan Parker (vocals, acoustic guitar, songwriter), Ben Cassidy (lead guitar), Max Gibson (bass, backing vocals), and Oisín McAvoy (drums)

Ben and I are originally from Liverpool who met at party in 2018; Oisín joined after meeting Ben at university in March 2022, and Max came in soon after through mutual connections in the local music scene.

What is your earliest musical memory?

Dan: My earliest musical memory was sifting through CDs as a kid and putting them on in the house. CDs like Dire Straits album etc.

When did you begin songwriting?

Dan: I have been singing my own melodies ever since I remember. I started penning lyrics from about 12 or so with rap instrumentals and then at 16 I finally learnt to play an instrument. The guitar, and from then, it all fell into place. The Keyside sound began to form around 2022.

You have released your latest single ‘If You Don’t Try’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

Dan: I love history and around the time of writing it I thought I’d add a lot of historical nods in the lyrics. I think you can only get away with stuff like that if you can make them quirky which is why they have modern twists in the lyrics. The lyrics include historical characters such as Julius Caesar, Napoleon, Cleopatra, Catherine the great and Johnny Coltrane. I find history fascinating and it’s a little obsession of mine that has bled through on this song. Which I’m unapologetic about.

Where did you record the single and who produced it?

Dan: If You Don’t Try was recorded at Kempston Street Studios with producer Chris Taylor (who’s worked with Blossoms and Courteeners).

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

Dan: Most of the song came together in the studio. I figured out the lyrics in another other room whilst Ben figured out a solo in the other room. We put them all together and press record. (answered by Dan Parker, lead vocals and acoustic guitar).

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

Ben: Mostly on the Jaguar. I tried a few guitars but that proved most versatile between the clean and heavy tones on the track!

Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Dan…

a) Happiest – Down my way is one of our favourites. If the song was a colour, it’d be yellow.

b) Angriest – If you don’t try has a driving element to it which you could smash some guitars too.

c) Most reflective – Michael (What’s Your Call?) is our most reflective song. It talks on mental health, loneliness and suicide. It reminds us to check in with others, and also ourselves.

Was it a difficult song to write?

Dan: No.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Dan: Liverpool. Best night life ev – er.

How do you look after your voice?

Dan; I’d like to say honey drinks and all that but I’d be lying. At the minute pre show, Yorkshire tea or Guinness depending on the vibe.

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025/2026?

Dan: We’ve announced a headline UK tour in November–December 2025, including Glasgow (Oran Mor), Liverpool O2 Academy, London Camden Assembly, Manchester Band on the Wall.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

Dan: Leaving behind a discography that is true to us and painting the spirit of 20’s Liverpool in our songs.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

Ben: On stage I like to be as similar to as I was in the studio, so I almost always only use my Jag going through my pedals, in particular my Strymon Flint.

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?

Dan: Would love to score ‘Where The Wild Things Are’, I think some of our songs would fit that well.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Dan: The La’s, The Smiths, Blossoms and Fontaines D.C.

What makes Keyside happy and what makes you unhappy?

Dan: What makes us happy is hearing about how our songs have has an effect on people’s lives and has helped them through their personal challenges. At live events, we have the privilege to speak with fans after the show and it makes it all while to hear a positive effect we’ve had for someone’s identity and lifestyle. This is culture in the 20’s. What makes us unhappy is waiting to release tunes.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Lawrence Weston

Keyside’s new single ‘If You Don’t Try’ is out now.

Listen: https://open.spotify.com/track/3NdNT9jd7pCqjJ1KP5EeX7?si=cfd39ea504884887&nd=1&dlsi=23f663fca87e4b74

13-Date UK Headline Tour – November & December 2025
Remaining tickets available at www.keysidemusic.com