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

<p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Plus, Dave recalled his funniest drunken story, his strangest conspiracy theories and the one internet black hole he always falls into.</p> <p>Thank you to our two amazing sponsors:</p> <p><strong>First up, hometipple</strong>, 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 <a href="https://www.hometipple.com/">hometipple.com</a></p> <p><strong>VOX</strong>, 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 &amp; S66 semi-hollow body guitars and VH-Q1 smart noise-cancelling headphones for guitarists <a href="https://voxamps.com/en-gb/">voxamps.com</a></p> <p>Follow Eleanor on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elliehalls1/?hl=en">@elliehalls1 </a>and Kathleen <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kathleen.m.johnston/?hl=en">@kathleen.m.johnston</a></p> <p>Straight Up's music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Follow him on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marlonpercy/?hl=en">@marlonpercy</a></p>