It’s rare to find a band that speaks directly from the core of British youth culture, especially one that isn’t sanitised or softened for public consumption. Essex’s Bilk, led by the forthright and fervent Sol Abrahams, brings a potent cocktail of gritty realism and raw humour to their sound. Bilk’s debut album, Essex, Drugs and Rock and Roll, doesn’t just throw a spotlight on their experience but captures the restlessness of a generation frustrated by the pressures of the digital world. With unapologetic candour, Sol talks about life in a town that doesn’t take musicians seriously, the heavy toll of social media, and why his vision for Bilk is far removed from today’s cautious, polished bands.
As we progress through our conversation, it’s clear that Bilk’s mission goes beyond music. They want to shake up a world bound by screens, judgement, and fear. Here, Sol gives insight into the values of Bilk, his experiences growing up in Chelmsford, and why self-expression without shame has become a radical act.
Harvey (interviewer): Let’s start with the basics. Tell us about the name ‘Bilk’ – there’s an interesting story behind it, isn’t there?
Sol: Yeah, the name came from my dad. He’s a London black cab driver, has been for years. ‘Bilk’ is slang for when someone runs off without paying their fare. He told me once he got ‘bilked’ by a fare, and the word just stuck with me, it seemed right for us. It’s rough around the edges, a bit cheeky – kind of what we’re like as a band. Bilk’s about making a mark without asking permission, so it works perfectly.
Harvey: There’s a noticeable rebellious streak in your music, especially on your single ‘On It’. Do you see it as a form of rebellion against the pressures of your generation?
Sol: Yeah, pretty much. With social media and smartphones, people aren’t free. You can’t even dance in a club without worrying someone’s filming you. Everyone’s looking over their shoulder, worrying about being judged, and it makes people hold back. With Bilk, I want to bring back that carefree attitude, where you just live in the moment. Rock ‘n’ roll, to me, has always been about saying, “I don’t care,” and I think that’s needed now more than ever. Life’s too short to be living by other people’s opinions, especially people who don’t even know you.
Honestly, it’s everywhere. Social media’s made everyone terrified to mess up because one mistake, and you’re viral for the wrong reasons. There’s such a fear of judgement, like everyone’s watching and just waiting for someone to slip up.
But being young should be about making mistakes. If you’re constantly worrying about how you look or if someone’s going to catch it on camera, it kills that freedom. That’s why I push this attitude of just being yourself, without all the filters and judgement.
Harvey: Do you think that affects how people make music too?
Sol: 100 per cent. People are making music to fit in, not to say something real. It’s like they’re trying to be safe, just in case someone calls them out or finds them cringe. You hear a lot of bands now that don’t have any bite to them – they’re all polished, like they’re too scared to mess things up or try something real. And that’s not us. I don’t care if someone doesn’t like our music. I’d rather it was honest and raw, even if it makes people uncomfortable, than bland and safe.
Harvey: You’ve spoken a lot about how being from Essex influences your music. Can you elaborate on that?
Sol: Definitely. Essex isn’t known for its music scene, especially in Chelmsford. People laugh at you for being in a band – it’s like, “You’re doing what?” You don’t get that support here, but it pushes you more. I’ve always believed that if the music’s good, people will listen, no matter where you’re from. Growing up here, there wasn’t much around in terms of venues or places to perform, but that forced us to make our own way, build our own style. Essex is one of those places where being in a band isn’t really a thing. If you want to do music, people think you’re either a DJ or a rapper. So being in a band here, you out of place. There’s something gritty about being from a place that isn’t built for musicians, and that’s all over our album.
Harvey: You have such a unique style, both in your sound and your approach to making music. How did you develop that?
Sol: It started with what I grew up listening to, really. My dad raised me on bands like The Ramones, Sex Pistols, Nirvana, Oasis. Those bands didn’t care about fitting in or impressing people; they just had something to say and went for it. That’s what I want Bilk to be: a band that doesn’t try to be perfect but one that’s real. I think we’ve developed our own sound by focusing on what feels right to us, not what’s trendy or popular. If we keep it real, people will feel that.
Harvey: You’ve got a reputation for your live shows, which get pretty wild. How important are those live moments for you?
Sol: Oh, they’re everything. The live shows are where people really get to feel what we’re about. It’s one thing to listen to our music on record, but when you’re there, in the room, feeling that energy with us, it’s just on another level. There’s nothing like it. One time at the 100 Club, the crowd just started storming the stage. Security couldn’t do a thing – it was total chaos. You’ve got people climbing on each other, singing every word, and that’s when you know you’re onto something. Those gigs remind me why I do this, why I want to keep Bilk as real and raw as possible. I wouldn’t trade that energy for anything. That’s the vibe we’re after – that connection, that madness. It’s where our music really comes alive.
Harvey: Looking ahead, what do you want Bilk’s legacy to be?
Sol: I just want us to be real, you know? To stay true to ourselves and connect with people who feel the same way. I’d love to be a band that people look back on and say, “Yeah, they were different. They had something to say.” I think if we can keep doing that, being honest and unapologetic, then we’ve done what we set out to do.
Harvey: You’re doing just that, Sol. Thanks for the chat, mate, and can’t wait to see you live soon.
Sol: Cheers, mate. It’s been a pleasure.
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- Bilk
- British Rock
- Drugs and Rock and Roll
- Essex
- Generation Z
- Indie Bands
- Rebellion
- Rock and Roll
- Social Media
- Sol Abrahams
- Youth Culture
