Contagious UK alt-rockers LEARN TO LIE have cleverly created a fusion sound that is riff-orientated and anthemic. The rising quartet have now released their brand new single and lyric video, Strong. Watch the video, here – https://youtu.be/aSldgqQ6uf0 . With that in mind, we caught up with the band to find out more:
What is the full band line-up, who sings and who plays which instrument?
Courtney Hurcombe (Singer)
Andy Burns (Guitar)
Matt Checkley (Bass)
Matt Jones (Drums).
How and when did the band form?
The band was formed in 2017 by Andy Burns – pulling together past musicians, old friends and workmates to Learn to Lie. The lasting original members of Learn to Lie are Andy Burns and Matt Jones.
When and how did the band really start gelling and solidifying?
Autumn 2021 Learn to Lie went through a lineup change, with Courtney Hurcombe taking over as lead vocalist and Matt Checkley taking on Bass Guitar. Releasing 3 singles over 2022; Smile, Lost Boys and Lost Boys (Acoustic).
Who are your musical influences?
Channelling the energy of female-led alternative outfits such as Paramore, Marmozets and Skunk Anansie and the melodic hard rock of Arcane Roots and Biffy Clyro, Learn to Lie provide their own unique sound.
Where did the name of the band come from?
The reason was because Matt Jones read somewhere that ‘Bring Me the Horizon’ was taken from a film and thought it was cool that there was a story behind the name. Learn to Lie was taken from Star Wars – Rogue One “So I did the one thing nobody expected. I lied. I learned to lie.” Matt Jones thought that line was cool and tweaked the line into a band name.
How far back does your history with each other (the band members) extend?
Andy Burns (2017 – Present)
Matt Jones (2017 – Present)
Courtney Hercombe (2021 – Present)
Matt Checkley (2022 – Present)
– – –
Jake Regan (2017 – 2021)
Simon Tanter (2017 – 2021).
Are you friends from school or any family relations?
Andy Burns and Matt Jones worked at the local golf club together, and as soon as they found out that they were both musicians and were looking for new musical projects they quickly arranged a jam! Things started to gel together very quickly and pursued to make Learn to Lie a serious project and have worked together ever since.
Andy Burns and Courtney Hurcombe both studied music at University of Wolverhampton (2014 – 2017). Over their 3 years studying together they became really good friends and kept in touch ever since. When the opportunity came along to find a new singer for Learn to Lie Courtney was at the top of Andy’s list for potential singers.
Matt Checkley joined in early 2022 through joinmyband.co.uk. After a few jam sessions Matt settled in very quickly with his thumping bass lines and super dry sense of humour.
In your opinion, how is your band different from all the other bands out there?
Unique! I know that’s a cliche answer, but you name us an Alt-rock female fronted band we sound like or remotely similar too! Who? I hate how the industry tries to compare bands to other artists. We sound like Learn to Lie no one else.
If a deaf person were to ask you to describe the sound of your music, how would you describe it?
Wishful / Hopeful / Powerful.
Where can we find your social media sites?
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/LearnToLie
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/learntolie/?hl=en
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@LearnToLie
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2FHZg6AZ3s5HwlJsGdbBsR?si=4yOr1nw6RWyQvkt4ptFeEw