In this exclusive heart-to-heart interview with look terrified, we dive into the journey of one of indie alt-pop’s most promising new acts. Despite officially starting just this year, Austin and Conor have already released three singles, shot two DIY music videos, and even shared line-ups with the likes of Miles Kane and L Devine.
The band’s rise has been as swift as it is exciting, with their fresh, unapologetic sound and fierce DIY spirit capturing the attention of fans and peers alike. From the early days of experimenting with YouTube tutorials to their ambitious dream collaborations, look terrified is carving out their path in the indie music scene.
Today, they open up about the rebellious themes that drive their songwriting, their meticulous yet evolving production process, and the lessons learned along the way.
Heart-to-heart with look terrified: Self-Sabotage, Good Advice, and DIY Success
Can you share a bit about your artistic journey, from your early works to your most recent projects?
Austin: We started officially this year, since then we’ve released three singles, made two music videos ourselves and done a couple podcasts. We’re about as DIY as it gets but with YouTube tutorials and cheap equipment, it doesn’t have to be that bad anymore. We’ve got more music coming up, more visuals, some big gigs sharing line ups with people like Miles Kane and L Devine. It’s not been a bad first year existing.
Conor: We’d been working behind the scenes on the music and the visuals for so long before going public we sometimes find ourselves taking a step back and realising that we’re still right at the start of our careers as look terrified, we’ve only recently just played our second show and everything is already picking up momentum at quite a pace, it’s such an exciting time for us.
Are there specific themes or experiences that consistently inspire your songwriting?
Austin: Going against “good advice” seems to come up a lot, purposely wanting to rock the boat, sticking to your guns even if they’re pointed directly at your own foot. I guess there’s an element of wilful self-sabotage that’s undercut with a notion of stubborn self-belief. That and girls, there’s a few about girls.
Conor: I think there’s definitely an element of being unashamedly ourselves that’s really come through in the writing for this band and there’s a power in being able to communicate directly. I think we’ve both learnt that saying how you feel or being honest about things is really refreshing, you realise nothing really drastically changes, everyone knows what’s up and you often feel so much better for it.
Can you walk us through your recording and production process?
@lookterrified anyone for telletubby custard ? #indiemusic #bandsoftiktok #masterpeace #arcticmonkeys #synthtok
Austin: I produce our stuff. We did work with a guy called Jordan on the first two though and he was class. These days I’ll spend months on it till a deadline needs to materialise. Then it gets to a couple weeks off and the 10-hour days start. I’m trying to get better for my own sanity – the way you choose to be creative is an art form in and of itself. I’m learning more about my workflow and the unconscious pitfalls and closed loops I lead myself into with each release, all good fun.
Conor: I’ll maybe chime in from time to time but for the most part when he’s in his production dungeon with the do not disturb sign on the door, I leave him to it and wait for the live shows to start.
Is there a dream collaboration you would love to pursue in the future?
Austin: I think me and Charli xcx trading verses would be something else, might feel less special now she’s drafted in so many all stars for the BRAT album cycle though. I’m a big Radiohead and Artic Monkeys fan. If all three of us got in a room that would have to be something to behold, surely?
Conor: I think a Confidence Man x look terrified collab would be pretty lethal, I had an unhealthy obsession with their Glastonbury performance and I love the way they translate their dance tracks onto a live stage. It’s also no secret that I’m a massive Tame Impala fan (much to Austin’s dismay) and I know big Kev’s got the credentials after working with Mark Ronson, Gaga and Dua Lipa so that would probably be the ultimate dream to have him remix one of our tunes.
What advice would you give to aspiring indie artists who are just starting their musical journey?
Austin: Keep the quality up with your music, that’s your leverage and what stands the test of time after all, but attempt to detach from it at a certain point so you can keep it moving. I’m still working on that myself.
Conor: I’m going to sound like my dad but protect your hearing at all times. If it’s playing music or attending shows, I always have ear plugs on my key ring and they’re honestly invaluable, I wish I’d started way sooner than I did. Get familiar with playing to a click track as soon as you can, it’s practically a super power, it makes you so much better when there isn’t one and your confidence level will go through the roof. Listen to ALL types of music that you can, take inspiration from everything that you see and hear. Always have the reason why you’re doing something at the centre of it all.
Wrap up: look terried, but Fearless
As look terrified continues to push boundaries and defy conventions, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of an exciting journey. Their fearless approach to music, raw honesty in songwriting, and relentless DIY spirit are setting the stage for something truly special. With more music and live shows on the horizon, the momentum is only building.
Don’t miss a beat—follow look terrified on their IG (@lookterrified) or TikTok (@lookterrified) accounts and stay up to date with their latest releases, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming gigs.