Shape of Water get their inspiration from all kinds of places but for ‘Last Goodbye’ they used Manchester’s club scene and the spirits of artists like Freddie Mercury and Lady Gage. They blend electronic grooves with raw emotion and we asked them some questions about that!
Hi! Could you introduce yourself, your genre, and your musical influences?
“We’re Shape of Water, an alternative rock band with a cinematic, experimental twist. Our sound blends dark electronics, gritty guitars, and emotional vocals — imagine Muse having a fever dream soundtracked by Nine Inch Nails, with a touch of Depeche Mode and Radiohead for depth. We love to explore both beauty and chaos in our music, and that duality shapes everything we do.”
What inspired you to start making music and what inspires you to keep going?
“Music has always been a form of survival — a way to process what we feel, think, and fear. We started creating music because it gave us a voice when words failed. What keeps us going is that same fire, along with the connection we’ve built with our listeners. Every time someone tells us a song helped them through something — that’s the fuel.”
Which musical achievements are you most proud of?
“Releasing our debut album Great Illusions and seeing it resonate worldwide was a major milestone. We’re also proud of scoring and soundtracking short films and art projects — pushing the boundaries of what a band can be. And of course, performing live and seeing people lose themselves in our sound is always a moment of pride.”
Who would you like to work with and where would you like to perform in the next three years?
“We’d love to collaborate with producers like Atticus Ross or artists like Chelsea Wolfe, who understand the interplay between darkness and elegance. As for venues, headlining somewhere like the Roundhouse in London or playing a set at Roadburn Festival would be a dream. We’d also love to tour Europe and South America — places where the energy is raw and passionate.”
You mention heartbreak as part of the inspiration behind the song, how do you cope with heavy feelings and how do you hope your music will support others going through it?
“We channel pain into art — that’s our therapy. Writing about heartbreak is a way of understanding it, giving it form, then letting it go. We hope our music gives people permission to feel deeply, without shame, and to know that they’re not alone in their darkness. If our songs can hold someone through their worst days, we’ve done our job.”
This song has a clear inspiration, do you always write from personal experience and if you’re ever stuck for inspiration, how do you refuel your creative brain?
“Most of our work is rooted in personal experience, but we often exaggerate or distort it to fit a surreal narrative. When we’re stuck, we dive into other art forms — film, literature, painting. Sometimes it takes stepping outside music to rediscover what you want to say. Also, walking through a city at night with no destination helps. There’s something in the quiet chaos that always brings new ideas.”
Aside from your new release, what are your plans for this year and what do you hope to achieve?
“This year, we’re working on a new concept album that blends sonic experimentation with visual storytelling. We’re also planning a series of immersive live shows — more like experiences than traditional gigs. We want to push what a performance can be, blurring the line between audience and artist.”
What tip would you give your younger self to make sure they don’t give up on their dreams?
“Stop waiting for permission. The fear won’t go away, but neither will your need to create — so do it anyway. Stay curious, stay weird, and surround yourself with people who see you, not just your potential. Oh, and don’t delete that demo — it might be your best song one day.”
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