There’s a distinctive charm about The Lathums. This Wigan quartet, fronted by Alex Moore, have quickly risen from local heroes to national treasures. While comparisons to indie giants like Arctic Monkeys and The Smiths follow them, the boys remain steadfast in carving out their own space in the industry.
With their third album, Matter Does Not Define, set for release on 7th March 2025, and a 15-date UK and Ireland tour on the horizon, the band are gearing up for what promises to be a landmark year. Their latest single, ‘Heartbreaker’, showcases their ability to pair that feel-good energy with deeper, more reflective musings.
Ahead of their massive tour and the release of new material, I sat down with Alex and his bandmates to talk about growing up in the public eye, their songwriting evolution, and how they stay grounded despite their rapid rise.
whynow: It’s been a while since we last spoke, what’s changed for you guys? Especially with the new album, it feels more personal. Has anything in your lives influenced the material?
Alex: Well, like you said, we’re still young. A lot of the songs on the first album were written when I was 16 or 17, so there’s naturally been some growth since then. I think it’s about facing life experiences as you get older, seeing the world differently, and reflecting that in the music. There’s definitely a sense of maturity in this album, even though we’re still young lads giving it a go.
whynow: Can you give me an example of one of those experiences that shaped the new songs?
Alex: It’s hard to pinpoint one thing because you’re living in it as it happens. It’s like when people talk about the journey of the band; you don’t really recognise it until you step back. But you grow up, form your own opinions, and that comes out naturally in the music. It’s not forced.
whynow: And you’re still living and working in Wigan, right? How do you keep that authenticity alive despite the fact that you’re celebrities in your hometown? People must recognise you all the time.
Alex: Yeah, we don’t think too much about it. Taking it seriously or letting it go to your head isn’t our style. We’ve always just been who we are, and we’re proud of that. There’s never been an act with us. People in Wigan are proud of us, and we’re proud to represent where we come from.
whynow: That’s a key part of your sound. But the music industry has a way of pushing bands toward a more commercial direction as they grow. Have you ever felt pressure to compromise your creative vision?
Alex: Not really. The music comes out how it wants to. We’ve always said that the music chooses us; we don’t choose it. It’d go against everything we stand for to put something out just because it might go viral or be more commercial. We want it to be real and genuine.
whynow: Speaking of influences, your sound draws comparisons to bands like Arctic Monkeys and The Smiths. How do you make sure your music still feels original while honouring those inspirations?
Alex: We don’t really have those conversations. Everything we create is natural; we’re not trying to sound like anyone else. The bands you mentioned probably felt the same way. It’s about making our own journey and our own style, really. We recognise great bands, but what we do is us.
whynow: You’ve been together for a while now. How do you manage group dynamics? Spending so much time together, on the road, writing, performing, it must be intense.
Alex: Yeah, it can be. We’re in each other’s pockets most of the year, so naturally, there’s the occasional clash. But we’ve gotten better at talking things through and being open with each other. It’s important to keep the train on the tracks and enjoy it while it lasts. We’re all in this together, and we try to focus on the bigger picture.
whynow: How do you keep your sound evolving without alienating your audience? There’s always that fine line between moving forward and staying true to what fans love about you.
Alex: It’s never calculated. The music evolves naturally. Each album is a snapshot of where we are in our lives at that moment. We don’t overthink it; we just play on instinct, and whatever comes out is what it is.
whynow: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next five or ten years? Do you see yourselves doing concept albums or branching out in new directions?
Alex: The main goal is to put everything we’ve got into the band. Things are going really well for us, and every step forward feels like it’s building something bigger. We’re open to where it takes us, whether that’s a concept album, writing for other people, or something else entirely. For now, it’s about putting Wigan on the map and showing that anything’s possible.
whynow: Lastly, what advice would you give to young bands starting out today? The industry’s so different now with streaming and social media.
Alex: Put the music first. It’s easy to get caught up in social media and all the other stuff, but the music has to come from a real place. Be authentic, and don’t try to force anything. At the same time, you’ve got to adapt. Social media is part of the job now, and you have to find a way to make it work for you without losing yourself.
whynow: That’s solid advice. Thanks for your time, Alex. Best of luck with the tour and the new material. It’s been a pleasure.
Alex: Cheers, mate. Thanks for having us.
Editors’ Picks
- ‘The music industry can be so ridiculous with all its egos and drama, and we wanted to poke fun at that.’ | Divorce interviewed
Nottingham’s Divorce reflect on messy demos, moving cities, and poking fun at the music industry in their debut album, Drive to Goldenhammer. - ‘It’s like a butterfly effect; one thing leads to another, and suddenly you’re doing something completely new.’ | CVC interviewed
CVC share insights into their musical journey, the shift from rock to synth-heavy sounds, and what it’s like to return to Cardiff for their biggest show yet. - ‘We were living the dream on a tour bus that was a travelling pub.’ | The Twang interviewed
Once crowned heirs to Oasis’ throne, The Twang embrace their legacy, with a remastered Jewellery Quarter and new music on the horizon. - ‘Something extraordinary happened that night – the music felt like it was coming through the roof.’ | Spiritualized interviewed
Jason Pierce reflects on 30 years of Pure Phase by Spiritualized, revisiting its dual-mix magic, and shares why recreating its energy today feels impossible. - ‘Everyone’s looking over their shoulder, worrying about being judged, but being young should be about making mistakes.’ Bilk’s Sol Abrahams interviewed
Bilk’s Sol Abrahams talks about the pressures of modern youth, social media’s influence, and how Essex, Drugs and Rock and Roll reflects a generation on the edge.
Keep up to date with the best in UK music by following us on Instagram: @whynowworld and on Twitter/X: @whynowworld
- Alex Moore
- British Music
- Heartbreaker
- Indie Music
- Music Interviews
- new album
- Songwriting
- The Lathums
- UK Tours
- Wigan Bands
