Formed in 2019, comprising musicians Alec McGarry, Nathan Lambert, and Ryan Meaney began their musical journey as New Rules. Within the last four years, the band’s shared passion and dedication to music has made them the artist to watch and driven them to the spotlight, leaving audiences, fans, and perhaps locals walking on the streets of London where they’ve busked amazed and intrigued.
The trio had initially met online before meeting in London to begin their musical journey as they introduced themselves as a band. Since 2019, the band has embarked on supporting beloved artists on their tours, such as Julia Michaels, Little Mix, and Picture This. Their magnetic social media presence had gained focus on their popular tracks “Pasta” and “Emily.” The band signed to Elektra Records in 2021, solidifying their trajectory within the music industry. Within the past year, the band has been on a whirlwind of various acoustic show tours, live performances, and their Go The Distance mixtape release across the world.
New Rules 2023 – Courtesy of Charlie Harris
The Knockturnal had the chance to sit down with the guys to discuss their latest single, “Old Days,” artistic evolution, touring, and fan engagement.
“When we started, we didn’t really know what we were. We knew what we liked… When you start a band or start putting out music, you’re trying to work out what your voice is and what you wanna say.” Nathan reflected on the band’s artistic journey, acknowledging a lack of identity as a group before finding their sound.
“I think there’s a confidence to the music we’re putting out now. It’s a bit braver.” In reference to the trio’s popular song ‘Pasta,’ Alec explains how the band approached daringly creating music and how they have honed their songwriting abilities to work as a cohesive unit.
New Rules has also collaborated with notable songwriters, including James Squire (keys/piano for 1975), John Ryan (known for work with One Direction, Harry Styles, and Niall Horan), and Jamie Scott (who has collaborated with artists like One Direction, Jess Glynne, Justin Bieber, and Little Mix).
Last month, the band hosted an exclusive listening session in New York City for their fans. Their devoted supporters were among the first to hear a compilation of new and unreleased music. With genuine gratitude, the guys emphasize the importance of connecting with their fans and how impactful fan feedback is on the music. Throughout the interview, it’s clear New Rules wants to make music that resonates with their supporters. They see and recognize their fan’s enthusiasm and emotional investment in their music and remain dedicated to cultivating the bond between artists and fans.
In dedication to their fans, the guys released their notable track, “Not Alone,” which evoked a profound impact and garnered an emotional response from their fanbase. Many fans expressed how being a part of the New Rules fandom and community is a safe space for them. Recognizing the universal language of music and the song’s vulnerability, the band created an accompanying project to go with the track, where fans could post and share their life stories, growing a community to feel ‘not alone.’
“We knew we were about to go out and do some shows and play it for the first time. It was important to gauge how people felt about the song. It had the desired effect, and people related to it. It was an emotional one at the gigs.” Ryan noted. The band also created a project dedicated to their latest single, “Old Days,” where fans can submit letters writing to their past and younger selves. The guys themselves also wrote letters.
Unsurprisingly, the band has resonated with millions of followers across their social media platforms. Their genuine and deep bond of friendship is undeniable and evident, radiating throughout the interview and harmoniously reflected in their cohesive songwriting abilities as a band.
The band eagerly looks forward to the rest of the year, expressing excitement and anticipation for the future. They have an array of headlining shows occurring in the future. Beyond live shows, New Rules has a lot in store for the remainder of the year, as they will continue to unveil new music to captivate their fanbase and attract more listeners.
Without a doubt, New Rules’ dedication and passion for their craft will drive them forward, ensuring their future releases showcase their evolving artistry, captivating new listeners and expanding their musical reach.
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