Photographer Ella Pavlides
Fashion Rachel Allison
Writer Carolina Benjumea
Photographer Assistants Rhea Scotland and Georgina Zilvetti
Fashion Assistant Alice Glaves
Location Special Thanks Kings Head Pub
I talk to Tom Ogden, lead singer of Blossoms, right before soundcheck. I am struck immediately by his resolute sense of self. It’s one that you hear intertwined in Blossoms’ music and is a quality that allows them to be silly, creative, and colour outside the lines. Tom, Joe, Josh, Charlie, and Myles are a gang of friends who happen to have a band. Born in Stockport near Manchester, they formed Blossoms in 2013 and have since embraced a style reminiscent of the location’s musical heritage. When it comes to inspiration, they find it everywhere: in love, friendship, life itself…and a giant fibreglass gorilla. Gary, the name of their fifth album and its opening track, tells the story of an eight-foot statue that was stolen. “You don’t get much more random than that,” says Tom. But randomness often stems from a deep sense of comfort and trust which has solidified them together since the very first blossoming bud they felt playing as a group.
We met Blossoms eight years ago for Issue 10. Some may say we go way back. Eight years ago we photographed them in black and white and honestly didn't think they could look any cooler, but this issue begs to differ. We talk as if no time has passed about self-discovery and transportation through music and learning to let go of ego. This is something the boys are still particularly good at. While a lot has changed, their passion and joy remains the same as we think back to their very first moments playing together as a band.
Here is a sneak peek of our conversation:
I heard the story on the radio in my car and thought, 'Why are they talking about this on the radio?' They were saying the hunt was on for this fibreglass gorilla statue that had been stolen, and it had a name - Gary. I think that was it. Because they gave it a name, maybe as a songwriter, I thought, 'Okay, they’ve given this thing personality.' Do you know what I mean? I also thought it was funny. So, I went home and read more about it.
Take in the full 14-page story beyond this teaser. Our brand new Autumn Winter 2024 issue Revolving Revelations is available to buy online.
