Inside the Music: A Q&A with Joe Symes & the Loving Kind
Updated: Aug 4
Lucidia Records: A major milestone for any musician is stepping foot into Abbey Road Studios. What can you tell us about recording there for your second album, Phase II?
Joe: Recording at Abbey Road Studios was a magical experience. Walking down those famous steps and into that historic space puts everything into perspective. We recorded three specific tracks there for our second album, Phase II. The acoustics, the history, and the gear in that building are legendary. You can truly feel the creative spirits of the greats who recorded there before you, and it elevated those tracks to a completely new level.
Lucidia Records: You have shared the stage with some massive names over the years. What was it like supporting alt-rock icons Embrace?
Joe: It was an absolute honor. Playing alongside a band like Embrace—who have such a massive, dedicated following and a catalog of anthemic hits—was an incredible experience. The energy from their crowd was electric, and it really pushed us to deliver one of our sharpest sets. They were incredibly welcoming to us behind the scenes, too.
Lucidia Records: Speaking of legends, you’ve crossed paths with some serious rock royalty. Tell us about meeting Slade frontman Noddy Holder and Chris Norman.
Joe: Meeting Noddy Holder from Slade was a total "pinch-me" moment. He is an absolute icon of British rock, and he couldn't have been more down-to-earth. We also had a fantastic time meeting Chris Norman, whose voice and legacy with Smokie we've always deeply respected. Having chats about the industry with artists who have been at the very top of the game is something we will never forget.
Lucidia Records: You also had a profound connection with the late, great broadcasting legend Janice Long. How did she impact the band?
Joe: Janice Long was a true champion of independent music and a massive supporter of ours. Meeting her and getting her seal of approval meant the world to us. She had an unmatched ear for discovering new music and gave so many independent artists a platform when they needed it most. We will always be grateful for the love she showed our music.
Lucidia Records: Your music has been traveling far beyond the UK lately. How did it feel finding out you were getting radio airplay across the Atlantic in Canada?
Joe: It’s been mind-blowing! Hearing that our tracks are getting picked up by international stations, including Radio Downtown in Canada, is incredibly rewarding. As an independent band, knowing that your music is crossing oceans and connecting with listeners thousands of miles away is exactly why we do this. We're so thankful to the DJs and fans in Canada for embracing our sound.
Lucidia Records: Being a proud Liverpool band, it must have been a surreal moment when you were featured in the official Liverpool FC matchday programme. How did that feel?
Joe: As massive football fans from the city, appearing in the official LFC matchday programme at Anfield was an unforgettable milestone. Standing in the stadium knowing our music and story were being read by tens of thousands of fans in the ground that day was an unbelievable feeling. It's a huge honour to get that kind of recognition from your hometown club.
Watch: "It's All Too Late"a standout track taken from their critically acclaimed third album, Portmanteau.
