Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Posh Chocolates

Front man Christian Ellery, drummer Sam Osbourne, and synth/guitarist Robert “Bob” Maguire-Jones are creative pioneers in music, and together they form Posh Chocolates. The Manchester three-piece have brought pride to their hometown, creating an innovative sound that’s uniquely and authentically their own, and have been dubbed as “Ones to Watch” by the BBC.

We caught up with Christian to chat about the band and their new single, “Dose.”

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Christian: Singing the lyrics to “Smells Like Teen Spirit” as “Here we are now, it’s the teddy bears” at the age of five years old, thinking I was the real deal because I knew the lyrics.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Christian: I grew up on rock music from a young age. Jack White was probably the first muse I remember having within music. I think there was a pain portrayed within blues that subconsciously resonated within me even that early in life. Jack White was the one who modernized the blues and made it more accessible to my ears back then and probably pushed me to want to play guitar.

Since then, I’ve been through fads of obsession on all different dark ends of the genre spectrum. From death metal to house, with plenty of classical and even experimental field recordings. This is probably why my sound is still evolving so much. Though influence from these places may not directly be reflected in my pop-based music, there are definitely elements that I’ve learned hidden in there.

PC: What has been the key to the band’s success?
Christian: Manchester’s typecasted music scene has been so predictable since the Stone Roses and Oasis carved the path for every band to sound the same from this lil town since. As this is a prime example, I think actively trying to avoid sounding like other people and using more unique areas of inspiration was a good start to having a sound that wouldn’t be as easily diluted.

PC: What’s one fun fact that fans would be surprised to learn about each of you?
Christian: I competed as an Olympic freestyle wrestler when I was a young lad, believe it or not.

Jamie once had a job as an “olfactometrist,” which basically meant he had to smell-test things all day.

Sam distinctly has a bit of a thing for feet.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Dose.” What inspired the song?
Christian: “Dose” is born from contemplation about my affliction between addiction and the conviction of a new love interest. Often I feel love can be the main offender when it comes to provoking feelings of addiction, and seeking a dose of someone to replace urges to endeavor in substance is a profound feeling. I’m always seeking company, whether it be friendship, love, or just turning to the potion. “Hide my shady sauce syndrome,” states the chorus—sadly, already often misheard as “sausage rolls.” The question is to whom am I picking up the phone?

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Christian: Lamb of God. How about that?

PC: First album you bought?
Christian: White Stripes’ Icky Thump

PC: First concert you attended?
Christian: Flaming Lips

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Christian: Radiohead’s In Rainbows. It’s ten tracks of utter meditative bliss.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Christian: Koko, Camden

PC: A must-have on the road?
Christian: Water

To keep up with Posh Chocolates, follow them on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up or stream “Dose” today.