The Academic Dives Into Self-Production and Experimentation on “Kids (Don’t End Up Like Me)”

Photo by Rich Gilligan

A not-so-hidden gem of the pop-rock scene is without a doubt, The Academic. Hailing from Westmeath, Ireland, the band’s been on the rise since the release of their debut album, Tales From The Backseat, in 2018. Their latest EP, 2020’s Acting My Age, showed the group evolving as both musicians and lyricists while having us excitedly awaiting their next chapter.

We’ve finally reached that chapter, it seems, with the announcement of the band’s upcoming EP, Community Spirit. We had the opportunity to chat with bassist Stephen Murtagh about the first track to be released from the EP, “Kids (Don’t End Up Like Me)”, as well as what The Academic has been up to.

Caitlyn McGonigal
Head/Founder of Ascribe

“Kids (Don’t End Up Like Me)” sounds different from Acting My Age, but still has that signature Academic feeling. What was the process for writing and recording the song?

“It was a strange & wonderful process! It’s the first track we’ve ever released that’s entirely self-produced, which is both nerve-wracking and exciting. I guess it still has that signature Academic because it’s such an old song, a snippet for our teenage years that we couldn’t fake if we tried.”

Would you say this new track is a good idea of what we can expect from what you guys have up your sleeves, or are you experimenting with different sounds?

“We’re definitely experimenting. That’s the best thing about releasing an EP. People don’t usually expect the same amount of sonic cohesion that you’d hear on a full record. Each track on the upcoming EP has a different feel. I think people will be surprised when they hear how different some of the other tracks are to ‘Kids’.”

What does “Kids (Don’t End Up Like Me)” mean to you, personally?

“When we first wrote it, it was a song about fear, I suppose! That fear of never amounting to anything and being stuck in your hometown in a state of arrested development! Now that we’re older, it feels quite comforting listening to it.”

How have you adapted to creating music during the pandemic?

“We’ve been forced into becoming a completely self-sufficient band! This EP was made with almost no outside influence at all, which is a funny one. We usually love collaboration, working with different producers in different studios. It’s been really rewarding proving to ourselves that we can pull off something like that.”

You’re on the lineup for Reading and Leeds this year — how did it feel to hear that you were added to it?

“It’s very surreal. It will most likely be our first gig back in front of crowds too, which will only make it extra special. There’s so many iconic sets from Reading & Leeds that we love listening to and watching on YouTube. We couldn’t have picked a nicer festival to be our first back on the scene!”

What are you most looking forward to in this new chapter for The Academic?

“I think we’d all agree that hitting the road again is what we’re looking forward to most. Getting back into the touring lifestyle will be an amazing feeling. Hopefully, we’ll keep experimenting in the studio too. We always like to feel like our band’s sound is evolving as we evolve as humans.”

You can stream “Kids (Don’t End Up Like Me)” and the track’s music video below. The Academic’s upcoming EP, Community Spirit, is due to be released 7/16. Check back here the week of release for our track-by-track review of the band’s latest endeavor.