Jan 2025 - At Big Pink Music Studios in Warrington I sat down with Jake Vickers, the voice and driving force behind The Zangwills, for a live recording of the Unsigned Hub Podcast (now defunct). What unfolded was less a standard interview and more a dissection of how a modern independent band survives, evolves, and against the odds -builds momentum.

From their formation in 2017 with band members Jake (vocals, guitar, synth ) , Sam Davies (lead guitar), Ed Dowling (bass), and Adam Spence (drums) The Zangwills journey has been defined by constant motion. But beneath the surface of gig announcements and single releases lies something more deliberate: a band actively reshaping its identity in real time.

Early Zangwills tracks like Patio Paradise & New Heights carried the hallmarks of indie immediacy—high-energy, guitar-driven, built for crowded rooms and quick impact. But as Jake explained, that phase was giving way to something more introspective. Newer material, including songs like Backpatters and Shooters which reflects a shift toward piano-led arrangements and denser lyrical content.

The Mechanics of the Road

If songwriting is evolving, touring remains a constant test of endurance. Jake spoke candidly about the practical challenges of early runs across the UK—particularly the need to restructure setlists around logistics rather than artistry. Switching between guitar and keyboard mid-set isn’t just a creative decision; it’s a physical one, often dictating the order of songs depending on the venue. 

However, one of the most revealing moments of the interview came when Jake addressed what he calls the “first album paradox.” Early songs benefit from years - sometimes decades of accumulated ideas. But once that material is released, the timeline compresses dramatically. What took 17 years to think through must now be matched in months. This resulted in prolific output—13 singles in a three year period which Jake described as a “songwriting explosion” that speaks to both creative urgency and the demands of staying visible in a crowded digital landscape.

A Family Affair 

Beyond the music, the band’s identity is reinforced by a close-knit creative circle. Visual artist Lucy Evans contributes Victorian-style collage artwork, while photographer Edie Lees captures the band’s evolving image. Management, too, remains within this extended network, with Jackie Lees overseeing operations. This approach keeps the project grounded. In an industry often driven by external teams and shifting personnel, The Zangwills maintain a sense of continuity—a shared vision that extends beyond the stage.

Since the 2025 podcast the band released ‘Drawing from Memory and a song with a slower than normal tempo yet equally melodic, namely ‘Beers with The Beekeeper‘. Songs, including their latest single ‘Hope’ (Apr 26) can be found on major streaming platforms so check them out now and make sure you catch them live, they are terrific.