THE NOW – ARTIST SPOTLIGHT AND IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW

By Ralph Beauchamp

Every once in a while you happen to stumble on some awesome new music that just falls in your lap. After watching a video, YouTube popped on a clip from a South Wales (UK) quartet named The Now. Immediately my ears perked up and my soul became intoxicated. Their music really moved me. The Now distribute groove laden vibes that feature memorable vocals and vibrant soundscapes. Their guitar riffs are formidable and the backbeat is brazen with spicy inflections.

The Now released their debut album in 2024 entitled Too Hot To Handle via Trew Music. The full length is edgy and divinely fearless. In January of this year, the band released another single, “Pink Pony Club (Live From Studio 3)”. Even though it’s a cover of a Chappell Roan song, their version is savage with an exhilarating lushness and melodic intonations.

The Now is comprised of Shane Callaghan (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Callum Bromage (Guitar/Vocals), Jay Evans (Bass/ Vocals) and Will Scott (Drums). Their music has been played on countless UK radio stations and The Now has graced the stage with such notable artists as Florence Black, Noel Gallagher and Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes. In addition, The Now have played The isle of Wright Festival and Planet Rockstock with rapacious receptions. This is a band to truly watch. When they break, they’ll break big. Better start getting used to hearing their name. The Now will be huge.

The Now was gracious enough to sit with AMP for this in-depth interview.

AMP: Can you give our readers a brief history of the band?

THE NOW: Formed in 2018 after a chance meeting at a jam night in Neath, the band quickly found its footing in the local music scene. We started by playing renowned grassroots venues like The Bunkhouse in Swansea, Fuel in Cardiff, and Clwb Ifor Bach, steadily building a loyal following. As our reputation grew, we took to the festival circuit, performing at major events such as In It Together, Bearded Theory, Isle of Wight, Teddy Rocks, and many more.

Before long, we ticked off some of our bucket-list venues, including Swansea Arena on its opening day, and the iconic Dublin Castle. Along the way, we’ve had the privilege of supporting legendary bands like Feeder, Placebo, Reef, Trampolene, and Florence Black, proving we were more than ready to share the stage with the best.

AMP: What’s the band’s creative process like?

THE NOW: As a band, we thrive on creativity, constantly bouncing ideas off each other—sometimes they emerge out of nowhere, and other times, they happen by pure accident. Once we’ve captured the essence of a song, we take it to our studio—an unconventional yet inspiring space inside a tattoo shop in Glynneath. There, we expand on our ideas, layering sounds with synths and drum looping machines, refining everything in Cubase. The studio is where our vision truly comes to life, blending raw inspiration with technical experimentation. We draw influence from bands like Muse, Nothing But Thieves, Kasabian, and many more, channeling their energy while crafting something distinctly our own.

AMP: How would you best describe the band’s internal energy?

THE NOW: Our band thrives on energy—it’s what fuels our creativity and keeps ideas bouncing effortlessly between us. When we hit the stage, we’re all about being fully present, bringing high-energy performances that reflect our passion. We never take ourselves too seriously. Laughter and spontaneity are at the heart of everything we do, making every moment, on and off the stage, a memorable moment.

AMP: Your music is aggressively dynamic. How would you describe your sound?

THE NOW: Our music is electrifying. Built for big arenas, packed with energy and driven by powerful ballads. We craft soaring choruses and unforgettable melodies designed to resonate with massive crowds in order to bring them together in chant and celebration. It’s all about creating a bold, immersive sound that commands the stage and leaves a lasting impression.

Additionally, our music is dynamic and versatile. It’s built around a bold, arena ready sound which is full, rich and explosive. We craft each song to carry weight with deep resonant tones that fill the space and captivates the audience. It’s all about delivering a powerful and expansive experience that feels larger than life.

AMP: Your debut album, Too Hot To Handle, dropped in 2024. How was it received and are you happy with the reaction?

THE NOW: It was received really well for our first album – I don’t think any band can be happy unless it goes triple platinum and goes straight to number 1. Hopefully that’ll happen with the next one!

AMP: Young hard rock and metal bands in the US have a difficult time gaining speed. Do you feel that the UK has a similar issue or are the fans more nurturing?

THE NOW: No definitely a correlation there. I think the main issue is, is that the key radio stations want to plan the same regurgitated pop music or rap etc. Maybe one day bands will make a come back. Hopefully we can drive that bus through the record industry wall!

AMP: Best song to play live and why?

THE NOW: Have to say it’s nice to play a slower one like “Live & Die” to have a break and to get some breath back, haha. It’s also good to show our audience that we have a wide variety of tunes to keep them engaged from start to finish.

AMP: Is there something about the band that nobody knows? Any well kept secrets?

THE NOW: Yes, loads. And secrets they will remain, haha!

AMP: We understand you are currently recording new material. Will your fans be surprised as to the direction?

THE NOW: In a way, yes and no. We think the new tracks show some maturity and an evolution which, in our opinion, all bands try to do.

AMP: Where do you see The Now five years down the road?

THE NOW: Hopefully, the biggest band in the world or we will all be working at Tesco. It’s a 50/50 call. ha!