Surrey trio The Othertones formed back in 2024, with John Clothier on drums, Phil Hughes on bass and backing vocals, and Johan de Jong picking up guitars, keys, vocals and song-writing duties.
Their sound is small-town throwback - piano-laced fast-paced country sounds mixed with acoustic and alternative vibes. Their lyrics tap into both the human experience and some of the most ancient sources of human spirituality. Their content aims to be reflective and sometimes provocative.
Their first studio album, Dance Before Leaving Earth, is a collection of stories of the human heart, touching on faith, loss, glory, love, joy and resurrection.
So what's your story guys?
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Johan: I’m grateful to my parents for introducing me to music (all kinds of it, from the Beach Boys to Bach), insisting that I learn to play, and for showing me how music points to a Composer. Music is a kind of spiritual language, and listening is a recognition that there is a spiritual side to us all. Playing and singing is a form of spiritual expression. Augustine said, “he who sings, prays twice.” I like that. John and Phil will share what they think, but for my part I wanted to make some music that is fun, tells true stories and lifts eyes. None of this music is groundbreaking, but all of it is authentic. In that sense, each song is a ‘new song’ (Psalm 149:1). This album is our invitation to you to sing with us, and dance in the light of the Maker of the stars before you go to visit them. S.D.G.
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John: I think playing a musical instrument gives the ability express yourself in a moment, but I’ve never found it satisfying unless it is contributing to a composition. One of my dreams and prayers in a selfish sense has always been to be able to play as part of a band. I count myself privileged that God has allowed this to happen. I have had the complete freedom to come up with drum rhythms and fills on the songs and have enjoyed how the songs have evolved over time to what is to be heard on the album. I would never have thought that I would ever contribute to making an album. It’s not something that someone just goes and does without any musical experience or training. It has challenged me therefore in many more ways when it came to recording. I love it when the drums embody the mood of the songs which is something the drums on this album have tried to do. Whether it’s the speed and sound of a train (Cry No More) or uplifting joyous dance (Dance Before Leaving Earth) to a melancholy plod (Raise My Bones). I hope you enjoy listening to this album as much I have done playing on it.
Phil: I'm a self taught bassist, who used to play violin in church but took up the bass when the then bass player left. Many years later, this was an unexpected and undeserved opportunity to be part of this band. It has challenged me musically and physically. I was not sure I was up to the task at times! I have enjoyed adding some funky bass lines (and a few vocals) that hopefully adds something to the original songs. The recording studio was a fun, intense and somewhat daunting experience. I hope you enjoy what we have produced. To God be the glory.
With love,
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The Othertones