Rock-pop duo World’s First Cinema, who made their first appearance on the music scene just last year, are back with yet another bold and cinematic track, “Cold Sets In”. This new offering effortlessly blends theatrical orchestration with melodic pop vocals, proving that the cinematic sensibility we saw at the heart of the duo’s first two releases is here to stay.
And yet, there’s something new here. Something gentler, more emotional than we’ve seen from the band before. Sweeping cellos and a powerful piano progression build to a balladic style chorus, which lyrically explores how pain can bring you closer to loved ones: “I hate it when the cold sets in/But I love the way it draws us/Closer than we’ve ever been/Holding on for warmth.” Speaking about the new track, World’s First Cinema has explained: “it acts as a clear indicator that we can expect a more emotional side of this project in the future.”
While we might refer to them as newcomers, when Fil Thorpe and John Sinclair came together back in 2019, they each brought with them a wealth of individual experience. Thorpe, a founding member of rock band Neck Deep, met Sinclair, who had featured on a Macklemore single in 2017, when he relocated to LA in pursuit of his dream career in production. The musical pair immediately clicked, coming together in a mission to craft their very own distinct brand of theatrical, Victorian-inspired, melodic rock-pop.
Starting a project as ambitious as this during a global pandemic has certainly had its challenges, but Thorpe and Sinclair are determined to take the bull by the horns and are already plotting their next big moves. We caught up with them talking the duo’s conception, strange inspirations and what we can expect from them next.
“Cold Sets In” is lifted from the pair’s forthcoming debut EP, which is set to land in the Spring 2021.
Check out the interview below…
How have you been during this uncertain time? How has it impacted your music and creativity?
World’s First Cinema has existed almost entirely within the pandemic, which is truly bizarre to think about, so it’s hard to say how it would’ve felt otherwise. The two of us have been a close-knit creative pair from the very start, so the lockdown didn’t affect our workflow much. We’re still able to safely see each other and create music together.
You guys have joked that you met at a “ritual sacrifice” – where did you actually meet and how did you come up with the name World’s First Cinema?
We met at a friend’s board-game night in LA! There was no real scheme to make the music we’re making now, we just became friends and started working. The work was just way too fun to ignore. The name was all Fil’s idea – It just ‘stuck’ once he said it. It feels mystical, theatrical and bizarre – all without giving too much away.
How would you describe your genre, and what do you both bring to World’s First Cinema?
Our genre is truly Cinematic, almost Theatrical, Rock-Pop. The two of us cover a lot of dynamics. I compose and record the strings and piano, and do the singing. Fil handles all the production and guitar work. As for writing we share duties equally, usually with Fil sat on the couch pondering the song while I pace the room over and over. We’ve become a really well-oiled machine over the last few months – we’ve got this specific rhythm to our work that just feels irreplaceable at this point.
Congratulations on your new track “Cold Sets In” – what was it inspired by?
Essentially, “Cold Sets In” is inspired by shared turmoil. The song explores how such heartache can bring you closer to loved ones. Through the lens of pain, we watch how starting over can become the most impactful part of a relationship. Strife can shepherd in both meaning and perspective as its silver lining.
And it’s taken from your forthcoming debut EP, what can you tell us about it? What ties it together as a body of work?
We can’t say too much – but it’s coming in a matter of weeks. It’s meant to lay a foundation – setting the stage for what’s to come from WFC.
Your music is so cinematic and orchestral – what feeling are you trying to evoke in your listeners?
We want people to really feel the rise and fall of our music. It’s not static – it changes constantly and takes sharp corners and steep dives. Every song has its own personality. Our goal is to put the ‘theatre’ back into popular music. We want people to get something from our sound that they just can’t get anywhere else. That would be truly special.
How does it feel releasing new music when most of the world is in lockdown/everything feels so uncertain – what do you hope your music will bring?
Thus far I’m just so grateful to be releasing these songs. I hope people find joy and a little light in them; something new.
What’s the most unusual place you pull inspiration from?
Vintage magic show pamphlets.
What’s next for you? What are you looking forward to in 2021?
We’ve got a lot to look forward to. And a lot of work to do. We’ve spent this whole time scheming and building an entire universe to be the backdrop to our sound, and we haven’t gotten the chance to unveil even a fraction of it. There is so, so much more to come from Fil and I. It’s truly just the beginning.