Huw and the Greater Good are a soulful-indie band made up of four lads who came together in Manchester – two of them from Blackpool. Local lad Conagh Griffin chats to Blackpool Social Club as the band gear up to play Bootleg Social this Friday (16th June)
Formed in 2020, bonded by a love of classic and contemporary bands from Cage the Elephant, The Black Keys, The War on Drugs, The Waterboys, and fronted by the uncompromisingly powerful and soulful voice of Huw Eddy, Huw and the Greater Good’s live show is a powerful experience.
The band, with keys and bass from local lads Conagh Griffin and Josh Carroll, and rounded out by Liam Kelly on drums, deliver songs of self-discovery, triumph and heartache inspire audiences to throw down their inhibitions. Live and on record, listeners can expect non-stop, heart-on-sleeve and emotive moments from this band fast gaining momentum as one of the UK’s most exciting acts
Tell us a bit about the band. Who you are and how you came together as a band?
We are Huw and the Greater Good. We are four guys from both ends of England who have come together in Manchester. Two of us – myself and Josh (Carroll, bassist) originate from Blackpool, Huw (Thomas, lead vocals and guitar) originating directly south near Bristol and Liam (Kelly, drums/backing vocals) from Manchester. We came together just after Covid. Eager to get back out and write and perform songs after what was a hiatus for the band. We all have a strong love of performing and writing music and are extremely driven to do it as long as we can!
How did growing up in Blackpool shape you as musicians, and how do you think the music scene here fares compared to Manchester?
Growing up in Blackpool during the 2000s-2010s, the music scene wasn’t quite what it is now (exceptions made for the terrific Galleon and Scrooge’s!). I think people who wanted to become involved in music or become musicians at that time had to go further afield to places such as Liverpool or Manchester to get gigs and experience grassroots music, which I feel creates a certain determination and drive.
I think Blackpool is really pushing through as a creative hub at the moment and I think up-and-coming musicians will have the opportunity to thrive within their hometown.
There’s now a much richer influx of talent and platforms in Blackpool, with current local staples such as Bootleg and The Waterloo really pushing both local and regional bands in a way that wasn’t quite there the decade previous. The Manchester music scene is obviously terrific, with lots of really brilliant venues, promoters and opportunities. However I really think Blackpool is really pushing through as a creative hub at the moment and I think up-and-coming musicians will really have the opportunity to thrive within their hometown.
How does your music serve the greater good?
I guess it’s more of an ironic/sarcastic name. Everything is so geared to the greater good in today’s world that we may have all lost our way a bit. Maybe it’s also a nod to all the decisions that are made for us (for the greater good) that we didn’t ask for or have left us worse off. The music is emotional and uplifting and we hope that people take something away from the songs and the shows that makes them feel empowered or different.
Huw, you have a very distinctive voice – has it evolved much over the years or and what other vocalists inspire you?
Thank you! Yeah, I used to be a Paolo Nutini rip off when I was 18, I’ve tried to chill out on that front. I take influence from a number of vocalists, hard to name just a few. I like to keep people guessing? Oh ok, Neil Diamond and Jim Morrison, both voices I love.
Who are the band’s musical influences?
We are influenced by a wide range of music. Think Early Kings of Leon have a baby with Arcade Fire. Indie rock is at the heart, but there are Americana/soul/alt vibes that spill in, which we like.
The new single Stupid Boy is driven with a playful pop keyboard melody, a departure from the Americana/folk sound, what lead you this and is it a sound you will be exploring more of?
Yes, expect a lot more of that. We have been adding synths and different instruments into music more and more. It feels like a natural progression. We’re only just getting started but we are enjoying exploring this sound. We’re excited for what’s to come.
When can we expect an album?
You can expect lots more music very soon. We will keep you posted on the album!
Have you played in Blackpool before? Is there anything else you’ll be checking out while you’re here?
Yes, we’ve played Bootleg twice. We love it. It’s a homecoming for me and Josh.
What can we expect from your gig at Bootleg?
Lots of emotion, lots of dancing, lots of singing and shouting and a show that we hope will blow you away.
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