Moosic Entertainment: Do you have a story behind your artist name?
Bilvox [vocals]: When forming the band, it was all about finding the right people who have the same musical loves and touchstones… and when kicking around names that honored these same things, somehow “The Northern Line” seemed appropriate. At first, it almost felt like a throwaway, but then, realizing all the potential meanings, connotations, and connections, it felt perfect. A potential nod to the train line connecting London and Camden, honoring our love and influence on our musical writing from the north of the UK (especially Manchester) while celebrating all those amazing sounds that have come out of there( and bandmates) or have been influenced by them… without being a tourist.
Tell us a bit about your music journey. How has it shaped you?
Bilvox: I think we all have had somewhat interesting journeys to get here, and it feels great; this music feels great… it’s like putting on that perfect jacket for the first time. I have been in a few bands in the Boston area; all of those experiences and all of those bands taught me so much about myself, learning to express, perform, and write. They all prepared me for what sort of creative venture I really want to be in and what the culture should be. Sound-wise, I feel it’s a natural progression of my development and maturity. And to end up with this band, a talented group of gents who really are dialing into these exciting frequencies, grooves, and rhythms, excites me and, hopefully, listeners who discover us.
How would you describe your sound to someone unfamiliar with it?
McG [drums]: Sonically, for this project, we’re looking to bridge the gap between modern vintage and vintage mod. Draw a line from late ’60s London through late ‘80s Manchester, on to mid-’90s American retro, and beyond! No matter where you are on that line, we want you to move. We want you to dance.
Mike Ackley [keyboards]: As McG says, some of our reference points were ‘60s Mod, through to Madchester, and early Britpop. From a keys perspective, I think that right from the start we knew that we wanted Hammond to be a central part of the band’s sound, and a huge reference point for me is The Charlatans, but also from a “Mod” perspective: Northern Soul/Trojan records – think Nolan Porter, “Liquidator” by Harry J All Stars, etc.
What drew you to the genre /instruments you’re playing right now?
Bilvox: I think I remember always knowing how to play guitar or wanting to. I always felt like it could be a great instrument to channel my feelings. I have been writing lyrics, journals, and melodies since I was a teenager. I remember growing up in Pittsburgh and always finding it tough to find those melodies and bands that really excited me until I started discovering the sounds from Ireland and the UK: U2, The Cure, The Smiths, Oasis, Stereophonics, Travis, The Happy Mondays, hearing these grooves and sounds felt like coming home. It was like finding the congruent frequencies in me that I was trying to explore in my writing.
What inspires you to write music?
Bilvox: Writing music and lyrics has been the ultimate way for me to suss out all the static and noise inside of me and turn it into colors and sound. To set fire to my heart, to try to understand the world and the world in me. And through it? Connecting to people is magic, especially when you feel that connection playing live.
Would you tell us about your current project, album/EP, or song you’re promoting?
Bilvox: This is such an exciting song and a way for us, as a new band on the scene, to be the melody in your head. I think our debut single “Lightning Strikes” is a great representation of the fun energy of our music. Also, as we introduce ourselves to the world, this is a fist-pumping earworm that forces itself into your room and makes you want to move. It kicks down the door and says, ‘Hello!’ And I think it honors some favorite vibes of music we all celebrate, while creating a new space and sound to dive into. I think the vibe is a good indicator of things to come.
Ackley: This one is a nice intro that really showcases all the band. It’s also a central point in the sound of the band; we have slower, more anthemic tunes, tunes that are a little more rocking, but this one is core to our sound. Plus, it’s a banger.
What do you want listeners to take away from listening to your music?
Bilvox: I think our music is a celebration of many of the sounds that have influenced us and made us move and sing along with. With this band, we are having fun, writing bangers and hooks, and the tunes reflect this. And I am all for it. As people hear this track and the other singles in the future, I hope they will have as much fun as we do and feel the joy. Who knows, maybe even dance.
Who are your top three artists right now? If that’s not a fair question, what’s your favorite song right now?
Bilvox: Great question; this can change depending on the day and hour. Right now, this great indie band is writing such brilliant tunes out of Manchester, UK called Afflecks Palace – their name is taken from an infamous venue there, Mike (keyboardist in our band) tells me as he grew up around there. I have been digging the new singles “Primal Scream” have released ( while always loving the grooves of their Screamadelica album). And with Oasis coming back together, I have really gotten into their first album in a way that I never have before. Definitely Maybe is so exciting, fresh, and feels joyous and hopeful… and filled with sing-along bangers. Timeless, even if it’s 30 years old!
What’s the easiest way for fans to connect with you?
Bilvox: Come connect on Instagram @ northernline617, Check our site https://www.northern-line.com/ or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NorthernLine617/
Homepage: https://www.northern-line.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northernline617/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthernLine617/
Bandcamp: https://northernline617.bandcamp.com/
What’s next for you?
Bilvox: This is the first “Hello”! We have a fun show planned for November 23 at the Jungle in Somerville, Massachusetts. I am excited for people to hear “Lightning Strikes,” and folks should know there are more bangers and earworms where this comes from. 2024 into 2025 is going to be an exciting ride so come along, bring your dance shoes, and look sharp.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
Here are a few relevant previous projects we’ve all been involved with, for those in the Boston scene and beyond:
Bilvox: Strangeways
Mike Ackley: Strangeways, Looking Glass War
Matt Scheinman: Everything Illuminated (outta San Francisco)
Joshh Magee: The Daily Pravda
McG: The Luxury
And here’s how the lineup shakes out:
Bilvox: Vocals, guitar
Mike Ackley: Keyboards
Matt Scheinman: Guitar
Joshh Magee: Bass
McG: Drums, backing vocals
Lyrics by Bilvox and music by The Northern Line
Engineered by McG and produced by The Northern Line
Recorded and Mixed at Studio Lockland
Mastered by Nick Zampiello at New Alliance East
Bio: The Northern Line’s sonic aesthetic is melded from the band members’ common love of the hooks of Britpop, the textures and landscape of shoegaze, and the rhythms of Manchester — all polished up and brought into the moment by modern pop sensibilities.
Based out of Boston with a sound that reflects the world, The Northern Line produce music that takes you on a musical journey through sonic textures, soaring vocals, and hypnotic and grooving rhythms that guide the way.
The Northern Line urge everyone to raise a fist, bang a drum, and get on the indie dancefloor. Debut single “Lightning Strikes” crashes the streams on Friday, October 25.
