TOOTH GORE Talks New Album, Songwriting And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By San PR
Brit surf punk artist, TOOTH GORE. TOOTH GORE (aka Kobi Joe) has his’ sophomore album, ‘For Losers, By Losers,’ which is out on Friday 6th June 2025. We chatted to him all about it:
When did you begin songwriting?
I have played guitar since 2016 but I began writing my own songs in mid to late 2021
What is your earliest musical memory?
I remember growing up loving green day and even asked the teachers to play green day songs at school when I was about 5
You will release your new album ‘For Losers, By Losers’ on Friday 6th June 2025. How did you want to approach the making of the album?
When I started writing the songs for Losers, I had only just released my first album and wasn’t properly planning for the new songs to become a whole album. I just began writing about my feelings and mental state and it helped me through a particularly rough patch in my life. It felt good to create something constructive with all the destructive thoughts I was having and I found writing the songs very cathartic. I think the end result is a stream of consciousness directly from me to the audience in the form of an album.
Where did you record the album and who produced it?
I recorded the album at Cube Studios in Truro, it was produced by Ross Rothero-Bourge as well as Gareth Young, Tom Sennitt and Chez Jefferey
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?
I remember recording all the backing vocals for So? And when we’d finished and layered them all on top of each other without the rest of the music it sounded like some kind of choir. It was really funny and beautiful and stood out to me as an interesting moment
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
I used my own Fender Player Plus telecaster to play most of the songs (with help from the studios proper American fender tele) other than that I let Ross set up all the equipment as he – as well as the whole team at Cube Studios – is a very professional sound engineer
One of the tracks is the single ‘Firebird’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?
The track was inspired by my favourite game of all time Outer Wilds. It’s a sci fi exploration game centred around a time loop in space. It deals with massive existential and philosophical themes in a way that’s endearing and approachable and that’s what I wanted to do with Firebird.
The single is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind the video and who directed it?
The video was a team effort by me and a bunch of friends, the idea was to get a real DIY punk feel by using lower quality video clips recorded on our digital camera from 2008. I think the result really works to set this nostalgic tone
Was it a difficult album to write?
The album was emotionally difficult to write and took a lot out of me in that sense. It took a lot of me looking inwards at my own flaws and mental health issues and once I got into that dark place the songs almost began to flow out of me.
Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
I think So? Gets me at my happiest, Black Cat is probably me at my angriest (and most sarcastic) and I think This Song is Stolen is a real reflection of my own insecurity and imposter syndrome
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
I hope to have played to the best of my ability and that the audience has had fun watching !
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
I love any fender guitars, at the moment I’m using my Player Plus Stratocaster (although saving for an American Professional guitar).
I also love my Pet Yeti distortion pedal from Cosmodio instruments, it’s got a really gnarly, fuzzed up tone.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
My home town is Newquay in Cornwall. I’d describe it as the best seaside town ever.
How do you look after your voice?
I make sure to do regular vocal warm ups and exercises using the Warm Me Up! App on my phone !
Who designed the album artwork?
I made the album artwork myself although I used some collages artwork made by my good friend Honor.
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?
I think it would have to be Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson since it’s one of the earliest flagship cyberpunk novels and I think my style of slightly edgy, slightly poppy punk music would fit well with the themes and tone of that book.
Who is in your touring band and what do they play?
My touring band consists of mostly just me. I play guitar and sing and program the drums and bass to play off of my laptop to create a full band sound! I also have the help of a few good friends to sell T-shirts and things like that
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
My biggest influences are PUP, FIDLAR, The Frights, Jeff Rosenstock, Sorority Noise, Modern Baseball and Mt.Eddy (now UltraQ) I’d recommend all of these bands highly
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025/2026?
I have just finished my first small tour around the UK playing Hull, Leeds, Sowerby Bridge, Newcastle and Carlisle. I’m also playing a homecoming gig in Newquay on the 6th of June and then in Glasgow on the 14th of June
What makes Tooth Gore happy and what makes you unhappy?
Music mostly is what makes me happy, my favourite at the minute has been the new album by PUP called Who Will Look After the Dogs?
Mostly what makes me unhappy is when people are rude.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By San PR
TOOTH GORE will release his new album ‘For Losers, By Losers’, on Friday 6th June 2025.
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