Finding themselves living together during the early days of Covid, songwriters Kiera Court and Danny Casio soon found that together, their songwriting became oh so special. Forming Head Ballet, the London-based duo quickly introduced us to their atmospheric indie-electro slash dream-pop sounds. Recently sharing their debut EP Suddenly It’s Making Sense, the body of work highlights the band’s nostalgic tones, and leaves you a solid fan. We caught up with Kiera to chat all things music.
Hey Kiera, can you tell us how Head Ballet formed?
Hey! We met through a mutual friend, just as the second lockdown started. When we began writing music together, we found our styles really complemented each other which solidified our intention to start a band. With the travel restrictions in place, it didn’t look like I was going to be able to see Danny much so I packed up my bags and we moved in together for a couple of months and ended up writing the majority of our debut EP.
Since the formation, you’ve been gearing up for your debut EP release – how does it feel now it’s out in the world?
It feels like a big release and catharsis! And exciting as it’s our first collection of songs together so they’re special in that sense. We’re stoked that people can visit our artist page now and see this body of work that we’re so proud of as almost a proof of concept or manifesto for the music we make together. People can play it and really get a sense of what we’re about.
Can you tell us more about the recording process behind the EP?
It was written when the outside world was pretty motionless but we were still feeling and documenting, and in a way we were lucky to have so much time because of lockdown to experiment with sounds and sit in the process a bit more without the pressure of immediately defining it. ‘Real Life’ always sounded like an indie pop anthem but ‘Eraser’ went on a sonic journey from starting out heavy and industrial to ending up a lot softer with the addition of acoustic guitar.
What’s your favourite track on the EP and why?
I have a big soft spot for ‘Beachgrass’, the lead single of the EP. I remember going to bed, not being able to sleep and having a light bulb moment where I wrote the second verse lyrics in my notebook. The production on it is so dreamlike and I love how it can be delicate one moment then really jarring the next.
Are there any specific female artists that have influenced your sound?
I’ve always loved alternative female singers and guitar players. I like the ethereal and playful tone of Grimes’s vocals, Lauren Mayberry from Chvrches’s tone, MUNA and other artists like Hayley Williams, Karen O, Phoebe Bridgers and St Vincent.
You’re based in Essex, what’s your favourite music venue in the county?
I’m from Chelmsford and I wish we had more of an iconic music scene, or at least focus on it – saying that, Bassment l is cool and more so recently Hot Box Live Events. In Southend, Chinnerys is fun.
Can we catch you at any live shows this year?
You can – we’ll be playing Notting Hill Arts Club in London on the 4th August and you’ll have to follow us on social media to keep an eye out for more dates.
What’s next for Head Ballet?
Gigging! And more writing!
Thanks so much for talking to us!
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