The Songs Behind: State Of You
Discover the songs that shaped the punk-rock and roll band State Of You on the release day of their brand new EP 'On A Knife's Edge'
Photo Credit: Jon Fraser
Today (January 24th) sees one of the country's most exciting heavy bands State Of You release their brand new EP, ‘On A Knife’s Edge’. The EP is a masterpiece of introspective and relatable songwriting, tackling a range of topics such as life as a rockstar, mental health challenges, and post-breakup turmoil. One of the most emotive songs on the EP comes from lead single 'Under The Wire', which sees lead singer Steve Sitkowski explore the emotional journey he went on following a later life ADHD diagnosis. The EPs genius lyrical work is paired with a heavy backing and stellar vocal delivery to create some of the freshest alt. releases for some time.
'On A Knife's Edge' is raw punk-rock at its very best, and will only get better when taken to the stage. The first chance to see these songs live post-release will be at State Of You's huge EP release show at The Black Heart in London tomorrow (January 25th)
To celebrate the EP's release, I am joined by Steve Sitkowski to explore some of the EPs key tracks, before discovering the songs that shaped him through our 'Songs Behind' feature
On recent single 'To The Core' you explore the outdated tropes around being a 'rockstar'. What pulled you to writing about that concept?
"The chorus came to me almost immediately and the lyrics are both celebratory and a condemnation of debauched behaviour. Getting annihilated and devouring everything in your path is not revered anymore like it used to be. The song is about someone who is a dinosaur in the current climate and can’t help himself. The middle eight is a reference to the garden of Eden. I can’t wait to play it live."
In 'Under The Wire' you spoke about your later life ADHD diagnosis, which is a process I am going through myself. How important was that for you as an artist, and did that song provide a sense of self-exploration?
"First of all, I feel you. It’s not an easy thing to go through both pre and post diagnosis. I was misdiagnosed as manic depressive when I was younger but that didn’t make sense to me at the time. I’ve always managed to put on a positive front when I’m with people but when I’m alone it can be really rough. ‘Under the Wire’ is written from a perspective of when I can only see life through a dark lens. It was very cathartic as now I know more about ADHD I can understand my brain more and do my best to lean into the positive. For anyone that has ADHD I recommend the book 'Delivered From Distraction'".
You have your EP release show at The Black Heart tomorrow. What can fans expect?
"'Party’ is the word that we are focused on. The music might be aggressive but we have always been about having a good time. We are going to play a longer set now that we have more songs in our arsenal. The last time we played the Black Heart it sold out and it was one of my favourite shows that I have ever played. We want to make sure that this one is even better. We have been practicing a lot and it’s sounding really good- Let’s fucking GO!!!!"
Favourite Song to Play Live:
'The Perfect Storm - State Of You'
"Tbh I love them all but I think ‘The Perfect Storm’ is my favourite as we play it towards the end of the set and by then the show is in full swing and it just hits like an out of control freight train. There’s nothing like hearing a venue scream out “This is British rock’n’roll !!!” at full volume."
Song That Reminds You of Your Childhood:
'So Beautiful - Simply Red'
"My mum is a huge Simply Red fan and has been since I can remember. I must have taken her to see them live about twenty times now. Their music always reminds me of when I would be sick and stay at home from school and she would play it ALL day. I know that one day in the future when she inevitably passes, their music will always remind me of her. Especially “So Beautiful”."
First Album You Brought:
'Rage Against the Machine - Rage Against the Machine'
"The first Rage Against the Machine album. I bought it from Our Price on Weybridge high street after my friend Tom’s older brother recommended it. I must have been about eleven and the guy gave me a funny look when I went to the counter. I remember going back to my friend’s house and we played it over and over and over as we played Sonic the Hedgehog. It’s still my favourite album now."
Song That Made You Want to Be a Musician:
'Freedom - Rage Against the Machine'
"I was fortunate to see RATM live 9 times. The first time was life changing for me. I would have given my whole life ahead of me to know what it’s like to have the space onstage to rock out. It wasn’t about the attention but more the space to go wild. The ending of ‘Freedom’ is still the heaviest thing I’ve ever heard in my life. It’s a spiritual experience. Zack will always be the most inspirational frontman of all time for me."
Song That Gets You Through Hard Times:
'Welcome to Hard Times - Charley Crockett'
"Most recently ‘Hard Times’ by Charley Crockett. Sav from While She Sleeps is a friend of mine and he got me into him. I’m a lorry driver and I spend most of my days by myself and that song resonates with me a lot these days."
A Song You Would Have Loved to Write:
'Consider The Ravens - Dustin Kensrue'
"I think ‘Consider the Ravens’ by Dustin Kensrue is absolutely stunning. I’m not a religious man but I feel like if I wrote that and there was a heaven, I would get to jump the queue."
Song You'd Put On at a Party:
'U Don't Know - JAY-Z'
"It sounds absolutely massive and I listen to it every Friday on my drive home after work. He was once in a restaurant in LA at the same time as me and he gave me a head nod as he left when he didn’t need to. It meant the world to me as I’m a huge fan."
Favourite Song of all Time:
'Stop - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club'
"It came out right as I had been dumped by a girl I was crazy about and that bass line just made me feel like I would get through it. I must have heard that song thousands of times but it still means everything to me."
Song You are Most Proud Of:
'Which Way the Water Flows - State of You'
"The last song on our new record is called “Which Way the Water Flows” and I think it’s probably the best vocal work that I’ve ever done. It was the first song that came together for me before we hit the studio and I’m really pleased with how it came out."
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