INTRODUCING: Televised Mind

Explosive, sharp-witted and impossible to ignore, Televised Mind have stormed out of the Lincoln music scene with a debut EP already championed by BBC 6 Music, Radio X, Apple Music and some of the most respected voices in modern rock. Blending punk urgency with introspective storytelling, the foursome have carved out a reputation for blistering live shows, razor-edged lyricism and hooks that hit as hard as their social commentary.

With over 100 shows under their belt and praise from industry heavyweights like Amy Lamé, Tom Robinson, Frank Skinner and John Kennedy, Televised Mind are fast becoming one of the UK’s most vital new alternative acts. Here, the band dive deep into the themes behind Masks, their unconventional beginnings, their creative process and what’s next for 2025.

Your debut EP Masks has already earned attention from BBC 6 Music, Radio X and Apple Music. What themes were you most eager to explore on this first major release, and how did they shape the sound of the EP?

'Masks' is a small collection of tracks that explore identity, authenticity and social pressure in this digital age. It is almost confrontational, but in a healthy and positive way. It questions the listener, but doesn't preach. We want our music to be thought-provoking without spelling out exactly what we mean. We all have to wear different 'Masks' and play different roles in our every day lives.

Televised Mind formed after Ste stumbled into songwriting—how did that unexpected beginning influence the band’s creative chemistry and the raw, urgent energy in your music?

I started writing my first song spontaneously one morning after a friend had talked my head off at the end of a night shift, so we have him to thank - shout out Josh! It snowballed from there and rather than overthinking my approach, I just let the songs be what they were as they came. I am glad that it happened when it did, as when I was younger I think I would have got in my own way. I have learned to lean into the chaos of life rather than trying to achieve absolute perfection. Perhaps my lack of any musical education has lended itself to the raw edge of the songs in some subconscious way.

You’ve been praised for thought-provoking lyricism and “all-out sonic assault.” What does your writing process look like when you’re balancing heavy social commentary with catchy, high-energy hooks?

I don't sit down and deliberately decide to write a song. I am inspired by what I see and hear and the world around me. Generally, words will come first along with cartoon-like visions in my mind's eye. Then it's a case of adding a catchy guitar or bass hook. I tend to have the songs written out fully on guitar, sometimes with an idea for a bassline, then I show them to James, Cal and Matt to really elevate it as a band.

You’ve worked with major producers like Tayte Nickols, Nick Brine, Billy Lunn and Gordon Raphael. What did each of them bring to the evolution of your sound, and how did those collaborations refine the Televised Mind identity?

The producers that we have worked with each have their own styles and techniques, but they all understood what we are about and what we were aiming for, song by song. They are all world class in their own right and have worked with a whole host of big names. We are excited to get back into the studio in early 2026 as our stockpile of tunes is growing fast.

With over 100 shows already under your belt and a reputation for blistering live performances, how has constant gigging across the UK shaped who you are as a band—and what can fans expect from your upcoming shows in 2025?

We have certainly got around over these last few years (laughs). At the end of the day it's all about the songs and when we perform them live we really want to bring it for the audience and try to give them a memorable experience and make them think. Gigging all across the UK in different venues and on different stages has honed our live performance and when a song connects in real time there's no better feeling. In 2026, we are hoping to make it onto festival stages and we will have new music to put out into the universe.