“I remember watching Foo Fighters footage and thinking, ‘I need a band like that!’ No click tracks or extras – just real amps, real drums, real everything”: Introducing Lee Downer of Lowlives, the British rocker who thrives on a cranked amp – and owns 169 guitars.
In his previous band, The Defiled, Lee Downer blended nu-metal and industrial influences into a dynamic mix that propelled them to prominence in Britain.
Following the disbandment in 2016, Lee relocated to California, working as a vintage department buyer at Hollywood’s Guitar Center, and subsequently founded Lowlives.
The alt-rock quartet’s debut album, ‘Freaking Out,’ hit shelves in May under Universal’s Spinefarm label, accompanied by prestigious bookings at UK’s Download festival, as well as US festivals Aftershock and Louder Than Life. It’s safe to say, they’re off to a roaring start.
“I vividly remember a Foo Fighters concert I was fixated on in my youth,” Lee shares with TG. “I believe it was during their initial UK tour, and they were phenomenal. Watching that footage made me think, ‘I have to be part of a band like that!’ For this project, I aimed for authenticity – no click tracks or embellishments, just genuine amps, live drums, everything real.
“Our influences range from the classic rock sounds of Alice In Chains and Nirvana to more contemporary acts like Superheaven and Dinosaur Pile-Up. It’s not overly technical or heavy; it’s just great to be back playing live guitar.”
The band ventured to London’s Chapel Studios for recording sessions, though admitted their fair share of missteps necessitated a substantial guitar re-recording effort later on. Lessons were learned, as Lee reflects.
“All I needed was my Les Paul, but I made the mistake of bringing something else,” he admits. “I ended up redoing all the rhythms with my ’76 Les Paul Custom, which now sports a striking banana yellow finish.
“Over the years, I’ve owned several white Les Pauls, but this one delivers the best sound. It also has that cool factor – Dave Grohl wielded one during those early Foo Fighters tours. Manic Street Preachers had one, so did Randy Rhoads, but Steve Jones from Sex Pistols was probably the reason I first got one.”
Lee’s Les Paul was plugged into a modified Marshall JCM800, with a Maxon OD808 adding extra grit, complemented by old-school pedals like a Shin-Ei fuzz, a Rat, and a Small Clone.
In essence, the band’s sound revolves around a Gibson through a Marshall amp, despite Lee’s impressive collection of 169 guitars at home.
“I have a lot of gear, but I still prefer the raw sound of a simple setup,” he chuckles. “No gimmicks, no fuss – just straightforward rock!”
