Josh Beech is one of the the most iconic alternative, high-end male models around. Fronting campaigns for Moschino and Levis, Beech shed the labels in favour of his first passion, music. The London born talent decided to make his touring band of John Turnham (drums,) John Martinelli (bass) a full time pursuit, releasing the Josh Beech and the Johns‘ first EP “She” in April 2011, and later adding Gulli Gunnarsson (keyboards) to the line up. We caught up with Beech before the release of the band’s debut single “Lights” on March 5th. Watch the brand new video for it, below – exclusive to Wonderland.

You’re one of the most recognisable models out there. Are you concerned that your music may not be taken seriously because of this?

Not being taken seriously as a musician is something that has crossed my mind, but I wouldn’t really say it was a concern. You either like the music
or you don’t.

How integral to a band’s success is carving and nurturing a certain image?

Image is very important in the music industry, every big band in history has had an image weather it was suits, punks or hippies. A lot of people will judge your band just on a promo. It’s kind of sad really, but that’s just the way it is.

How did you guys meet?

John Turnham has been one of my best friends for the last 12 years. John Martinelli I have known for about seven years through local bands on the scene. We supported each others’ bands along the way and always talked about starting a project together. Gulli is the newest member of the band. I have only known him for about a year and he has been in the band for about six months. John Martinelli went to uni with him and they worked on music projects together over the last few years. I was really excited when he joined as he is not only an extremely talented musician (as they all are), but one of the funniest people I have ever met.

How would you describe the band’s sound?

That’s difficult. How would you describe it? “DEATH METAL AMBIENT THRASH CORE”? I guess it’s just progressive rock/ singer songwriter. One music
magazine called us “post-folk”.

Was it a group compromise to create that sound or are you all on the same sort of wave-length and listen to the same sort of genres?

We have a really mixed bag of musical influences. Everything from John Mayer to Norma Jean is on our playlist.

The debut EP was pretty mellow. What sort of sounds can we expect to hear on the LP?

I would say that it’s all a progression. I am writing differently now to how I was six months ago.

What can we expect from the band this year? Any tours or festival dates scheduled?

We are actually currently looking for a booking agent so we can tour as much as possible. Every day we have requests from fans all around the world
to come and play in their city, and we would love to.

The single launch “Lights” is being held at The Old Blue Last in Hoxton. What is it that you love about London?

London is the best city in the world. I would have liked to do the launch in south London to be honest, because that’s our home borough but east is were
it is at right now.

Words: Shane Hawkins