Glass Animals’ Dave Bayley talks swapping medicine for music, conspiracies and sea slugs

Straight Up

21-09-2021 • 53 mins

What's it like to quit a seven-year medicine degree to chance it on a music career? Over some spicy margaritas, the lead singer, writer and producer of psych-pop band Glass Animals tells Straight Up all about how he swapped a career as a neuroscientist to launch a No1 band with a record-breaking one billion streams for their 2020 single Heat Waves.

Also in this episode, Dave busts some myths around life as a musician, including how the band had to wash their own underpants while on a major tour, how he spent the band's minimal advance from their record label, and his escape strategy for when fans recognise him in public.

Plus, Dave recalled his funniest drunken story, his strangest conspiracy theories and the one internet black hole he always falls into.

Thank you to our two amazing sponsors:

First up, hometipple, which provided the amazing Ambhar Tequila Plata for Dave's spicy margaritas, and is the one-stop-shop for creating your own at-home bar all the while giving back to winemakers, brewers and distillers all around the world. Use the discount code straighthome21 to open a PRO account that gets you 10% off every purchase. Open yours now at hometipple.com

VOX, which has everything any amateur or professional guitarist needs for the home and studio, from noise-cancelling headphones to retro-looking electric guitars and amps. Check their brand-new VOX Bobcat V90 & S66 semi-hollow body guitars and VH-Q1 smart noise-cancelling headphones for guitarists voxamps.com

Follow Eleanor on Instagram @elliehalls1 and Kathleen @kathleen.m.johnston

Straight Up's music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Follow him on Instagram @marlonpercy

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