The Ramona Flowers Talk New Single, Their Hometown And More

The Ramona Flowers are back with their first release of 2025. The new single, Human is out now via Distiller Records. We spoke to the band here:

Who is in The Ramona Flowers, how did you meet and what do you play?

We are Steve Bird (vocals), Sam Dyson (guitar, synth, vocals) Dave Betts (guitar, piano, vocals) Ed Gallimore (drums, percussion)
We all met in Bristol, playing in various bands and being introduced via mates. We found Steve via an ad, he was the one and only audition we ever did.

What is your earliest musical memory?

Back of the car in my kids seat, Fire and Rain by James Taylor blasting on the radio

When did you begin songwriting?

When I was around 13 – 14 years old and I was able to string together a few chords, I started writing basics songs which I used to record on an old tape recorder. Hopefully lost tapes now!!

Your new single ‘Human’ is out now. What was the inspiration/story behind the track?

Human is a song about growth through tough experiences you faced. Letting go of guilt and your regrets and recognising that every moment offers a fresh start.

Where did you record the new single and who produced it?

The song was recorded at The Distillery 2 based near Bristol, and was produced by Dimitri Tikovoi.

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

Steve was actually really unwell with laryngitis on the writing session. It probably wasn’t the best idea to be doing a day in the studio in that condition. We were in Hollywood and he spent the entire time wrapped up and drinking chicken soup while croaking lyrics and opinions. He managed to sing in the guide vocals in the end so he soldiered through.

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

We absolutely have our go to instruments for recording. We’ve got a lovely 1950’s Fender Telecaster, and a 60’s Gretsch that both sound great. There’s also a pedal board with a bunch of pedals on where we haven’t changed the settings for several recordings. Every time we plug it in it just sounds insanely good, so we don’t touch it!

The single is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind the video and who directed it?

When we tour we make sure to film everything so that we don’t miss anything for socials and content. We just wanted the video to capture all our experiences over the past year and capture the ‘human’ element to everything we do! We wanted it to feel real, hopefully it captures that. We didn’t use a director cause it was just a collection of stuff we’d filmed, so we used a great editor called Editegg!

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

Happiest song – Human
Angriest song – Mirrors In The Mansion
Most Reflective – Sins Of The Father

Was it a difficult song to write?

It was actually one of the quickest, we finished it in a morning.

Do you have any future music releases planned for 2025?

We do! Another single and album, it’s a big year ahead!

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

Every time we come off stage we hope that weve left it all out there. We pride ourselves on our live show and our performance. After that we hope our audience finds a connection to the gig, either through the energy and performance or through the songs themselves. We want people to feel they’re a part of the whole experience.

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

We used to tour with heavy amps and these huge pedal boards, but over time we realised it made so much more sense to just use modeling pedal boards. Zero noise, controlled and actually sound great. We use Line 6 Helix pedalboards, and it’s saved us time, effort and money!

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

Bristol

Chilled
Creative
Quirky
Colourful
Party

How do you look after your voices?

As a drummer it’s really easy. I just don’t sing. I’ve recommended this to Steve but he doesn’t seem to think it’ll prove effective.

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?

There’s a book called ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ and it’s the most beautiful book I’ve ever read. It’s about a blind girl during World War Two written from her perspective. It’s her story of survival, in a way wonderfully simple, but underneath has so much beauty and depth. In some ways we try to do this with our music, on the surface seems simple, but when you dig in has more depth underneath to discover.

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

Really into Medium Build at the moment. But I’d say we’re into bands like Foals, M83, Radiohead, Oasis, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The War On Drugs, Phoenix, Tears For Fears…

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

We’re waiting for confirmation on another Italian Festival.

What makes The Ramona Flowers happy and what makes you unhappy?

Anti depressants …. Running out of antidepressants . (Joke)
Touring , meeting new fans, travelling the world.
Unhappy? Delays, flat tires, corked wine.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Guy Aroch

The Ramona Flowers latest single ‘Human’ is out now via Distiller Records.

Listen: https://trf.lnk.to/Eyw6sUPR

Official LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/theramonaflowers