Punk rock band Medusa write new album in Scarborough relocation

Julian Molinero is the frontman for Medusa, self-described as a “band of rock ’n’ roll lunatics”.

The band, which is normally based in London, decided to relocate to Scarborough during the pandemic.

Julian said: “I would advise anyone to do it! [relocate during the pandemic] London is usually an exciting place to be; I was there for a little bit during lockdown and it was just unbearable. Scarborough is a lot better place to be.”

Despite lockdown having a devastating impact on gigs, live music and festivals the band has been working hard to release two new music videos.

“I’m just pleased that it’s finally getting done after such a long wait, when we finally filmed the Los Angeles bits for this music video the album hadn’t even been recorded yet.”

The band’s new music video for track River Phoenix traces the final movements of the Hollywood actor, brother of Joaquin Phoenix, who died outside The Viper Room on the Sunset Strip of a drug overdose in 1993.

“It’s been a whole year of trying to get these two music videos done, that’s been the priority,” he said.

Julian said it is a relief to see the small pieces of the puzzle finally coming together, as the music videos were shot on multiple different shoots across the year.

“I would never normally spend nearly two years from the start of a music video getting made to the end of it, I like to put a lot of effort into it, but there’s no need to spend that much time on it, you can make a movie in two years!”

Julian’s family moved to Scarborough more than 10 years ago and he has been visiting the seaside town on and off ever since.

“I’ve used Scarborough as a temporary on and off place, I’ve been back and forth between here and London, it’s kind of peaceful, the complete opposite of London! Just away from the hecticness of the city.”

The band’s last album In Bed With Medusa was recorded in four days in Chicago with American producer Steve Albini who produced Nirvana’s final studio album In Utero.

Julian is now putting together the band’s next album.

“It’s not really an ideal circumstance for piecing together a new album, to make music. I’m usually really, really busy and don’t have the time.

“To me, music is made as a by-product of life happening and drama, so if there’s nothing going on, there’s nothing really to go off. The best things come from high drama,” he said.

While Julian was coy on how Scarborough has influenced his writing for Medusa’s new work, he said it will have an impact.

Medusa’s new music video River Phoenix releases on YouTube today, you can watch it HERE.