‘We were surrounded by madness, but we were always loved.’ | Pastel interviewed

Cousins James and Jack Yates reflect on their tumultuous upbringing, life in Wales, and the inspirations behind Souls in Motion.

Pastel interview 2

The name Pastel has been buzzing around the UK music scene for a while now, and with good reason. Hailing from Manchester but calling Swansea home, the band’s fusion of Verve-esque psych-rock and swaggering shoegaze has earned them a loyal fanbase, chart success, and even a nod from Liam Gallagher himself. With their debut album, Souls in Motion, out now, and fresh off a busy touring schedule that included supporting The Twang, followed by their biggest headline tour to date, Pastel are cementing their place as one of the most exciting bands to emerge in years.

I sat down with James and Jack Yates, the driving force behind Pastel, to talk about their chaotic upbringing, the influence of Manchester on their music, and the ups and downs of modern-day band life. From reminiscing about a broken gearbox en route to a Stone Roses gig to their candid take on social media’s impact on music.


Pastel interview

Harvey: You’re both based in Swansea now. How did that happen, considering your Manchester roots?

James: It’s a bit of a long story. Our parents moved down here for rehab, so it wasn’t something we planned. At first, it was a massive change. Swansea is so different from Manchester in terms of pace and vibe, it’s a lot slower. It took some getting used to, but over time, we found our footing and started to appreciate it in its own way. It’s definitely shaped us, being here.

Jack: Yeah, it was a big shift, but it’s worked out. Manchester was all hustle and chaos, and Swansea’s much calmer. But that’s not to say it’s dull or anything like that. The people here are great, and the change of scenery has been good for us creatively. It gives you a different perspective.

Harvey: And you two are cousins, right?

Jack: That’s right. We’ve always been close, more like brothers, really. Our families have always been intertwined in ways that brought us together, even when life got a bit chaotic. Growing up in Manchester was mad, but it shaped us into who we are now.

James: Absolutely. Life was chaotic for sure. There was always something happening, whether it was drama at home or in the neighbourhood. But through all the madness, we always felt loved. That’s what made it manageable, knowing we had that foundation of care, even if everything else was a bit wild.

Harvey: Speaking of Manchester, does being away from it make you appreciate it more?

James: Definitely. When you’re in the middle of it, you can take things for granted. But being away gives you a new perspective. You start to see all the little things that make Manchester special – the music, the humour, the sense of community. If we’d stayed there, I’m not sure we would’ve noticed just how much it influenced us. Being away has made us more aware of its impact on who we are and the music we make.

Harvey: Your press release mentions influences like The Verve and Stone Roses. What was the moment you decided to form a band?

James: It started after a Stone Roses gig. Jack had come down to Swansea, and we ended up staying up all night because my car broke down. We were just messing around on the guitar, trying to pass the time, and something clicked. It was one of those moments where everything just seemed to fall into place. We realised we had this chemistry and a shared love for music. From there, it just felt natural to start writing and playing together.

Jack: Yeah, it was like the universe was giving us a push. That night was chaotic – everything that could go wrong did – but it ended up being the catalyst for the band. Looking back, it feels like it was meant to be.

Harvey: Your music feels timeless, but what’s your take on the resurgence of bands in recent years?

James: I think everything in music is cyclical. Trends come and go, but bands always seem to find their way back into the spotlight. There’s something about the authenticity of a group of people coming together to make music that resonates with people. It’s raw, real, and offers something you can’t replicate with solo acts or other types of music.

Harvey: Social media is such a huge part of music now. What’s your approach to it?

James: It’s a bit of a love-hate thing. On one hand, it’s an amazing tool for reaching people and building a fanbase. On the other, it can be draining. We try to keep it real – a bit of humour, a bit of banter – but we’re careful not to let it take over. At the end of the day, we’re musicians first, and that’s where our focus is.

Harvey: Your little mushroom logo hints at some psychedelic influence. What role do psychedelics play in your creativity?

James: Psychedelics are less about trippy visions and more about seeing the world differently. For us, it’s about finding inspiration in the everyday. We’ll sit in a greasy spoon for hours, just people-watching and soaking it all in. There’s a beauty in the ordinary, and that’s what inspires us most.

Jack: Exactly. It’s not about escaping reality but embracing it. Those little moments of observation can spark ideas that grow into something much bigger. It’s about seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary.



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