BILK – REINVENTION, REALITY & ROCK ‘N’ ROLL – INSIDE THEIR MVT UK TOUR – THE INTERVIEW

Bilk have never been a band to blend in. With their gritty mix of indie, punk, and raw social commentary, they’ve carved out a space all of their own – unapologetically authentic, loud, and honest to the core. As they tear through small venues across the UK on their Music Venue Trust (MVT) tour, frontman Sol Abrahams reflects on the band’s evolution, their no-filter attitude, and what’s next for one of Essex’s most
outspoken exports.

Rock and Roll Without Apologies….

When asked to define Bilk’s identity, Sol doesn’t hesitate.

“I’d say we’re a rock and roll band first and foremost,” he says. “In our approach, in our attitude and in the music we make most of all. Rock and roll is a broad spectrum, but we don’t like to pigeonhole ourselves. If it sounds rocking and I’m liking it, it’s good for us.”

That freewheeling approach underpins everything Bilk does. Their music may have roots in punk and indie, but there’s an untamed streak running through it – one that refuses to conform to trends or
expectations.

From Reality to Reinvention….

Bilk’s earlier material was grounded in tales of working-class frustration and modern-day disillusionment, something fans immediately connected with. But for Sol, the next phase of the band marks a shift in mindset.

“I’ve never tried to give a voice to anyone,” he explains. “I just write about what’s going on in my life. If people relate to it, cool. But now, I’m starting to write in a looser way – songs that don’t necessarily have deep meaning but just sound great. You can have a great lyric that’s all philosophical, but if it sounds shit, you’re not going to bother, are you?”

That honesty defines the new era of Bilk. Following the MVT tour, the band is heading into what Sol calls a reinvention.

“The old Bilk will be dead and the new Bilk will come alive,” he says. “The sound has always been very British, with a rap influence and quite young, I guess. But I’ve gotten older now, more mature, and I’ve got different influences. The new stuff is more rock and roll.”

No Gloss, No Filter….

For a band built on brutal honesty, success hasn’t dulled their edge.

“There’ve been people around me who love me for who I am, but sometimes question if my attitude has helped us in terms of success,” Sol admits. “People don’t like honesty and reality from musicians – they want this glossy, polished version of people. But I’ve always been very ‘what you see is what you get.’ If I’m in a bad mood, you’ll know about it. If I’m in a good mood, you’ll know about it. That’s what makes us human.”

It’s that refusal to fake it that’s won Bilk both fans and critics. “As long as you’re being yourself, you can’t go wrong,” Sol adds.

Lessons from the Road….

After years of gigging and relentless touring, Sol says the biggest takeaway isn’t some grand epiphany – it’s experience itself.

“The more shows you play, the better you get and the more comfortable you become,” he says. “I used to jump up and down a lot more, but I’ve had my sunglasses stolen a few times now and I can’t be bothered,” he laughs. “Now I prefer to go on stage, sip a drink, take it easy, and let the music speak. Spontaneity is a big part of who I am – if I end up diving into the drum kit, then so be it.”

Escapism Over Activism….

In an age where socially conscious music dominates headlines, Bilk’s frontman offers a refreshing counterpoint.

“Everyone does political music these days,” he says. “But I don’t want Bilk to be the kind of band where you come to a gig and get reminded of all the bullshit you’ve heard on the news all week. I want people to come and rock out, dance, and escape. That’s what it’s about.”

For Sol, authenticity trumps activism.

“Who am I to be some political leader? I’m not a politician, I’m a rockstar – a 26-year-old from Essex in a leather jacket who wears shades indoors. Just get on with the music.”

The State of the Scene….

Despite the UK indie resurgence, Sol remains unconvinced about the health of the scene.

“I don’t know if it’s thriving really, or maybe I’m just too lazy to seek it out,” he shrugs. “I see a lot of bands at festivals or as supports and I’m rarely impressed. That’s why I listen to old music. I’d love to be a fan of new bands more, but I just don’t like many apart from Bilk.”

He doesn’t mince words about the challenges new bands face.

“It’s fucked for bands right now. Labels don’t want to sign them – they’re expensive and seen as hassle compared to solo artists making albums in their bedrooms. It’s tough for working-class people to afford it. I really hope it all comes back around, because I love band music and I want to see more of it.”

Looking Ahead….

So where does Bilk go from here?

Evolution, not repetition

“I can’t see the point in doing the same thing over and over again,” Sol says. “People change, music changes, bands change — and that’s a good thing. The next stuff is different, but we love it. Whether people dig it or not, that’s out of our hands. What matters is that we do.”

The MVT tour might mark the end of one chapter for Bilk, but it’s also the spark of a new beginning. A harder, more mature, unapologetically rock and roll version of the band – still raw, still real, and still entirely themselves.

As Sol puts it,