INTERVIEW:
Captain of the Lost Waves
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IT is time to step into Captain of the Lost Waves’ world...
and get to know the man behind the music. I have been speaking with him about the new album, Synthesis, and the single, Uniforms; whether there is a reason and story behind that moniker and what sort of music is important to him.
Captain of the Lost Waves discusses his upcoming plans and reveals some albums important to him; what he wants to achieve before the end of the year and what advice new artists should take to heart – he selects a great song to end the interview with.
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Hi, Captain of the Lost Waves. How are you? How has your week been?
Currently feeling like a fair to middling supernova on soft ground after embracing the fierce elements of the Felixstowe coastline - where one’s pedalboard ended up with puddles of rain on it, in it and around it! I’m finally thawing out, as is my pedalboard…
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
I am neither one thing nor the other but all things - in truth we all are. We all decide to represent ourselves via one title, occupation or otherwise. My performance is a marriage; a jigsaw of pieces that really shouldn’t fit together but somehow do. This is music, storytelling and an intuitive connection with my audience. At the heart of it the music is the core ingredient that holds all of the elements in place, the sonic smorgasbord of fluctuating moods and expression.
Is there a reason behind the mysterious moniker? Does anyone know your true identity?!
The lost waves of which I am Captain of are but a nod to many things we choose to neither see nor resonate with; our own innate natures being overwhelmed by global mental noise. The miracle of life in its multitude of expressions are those hidden and consigned to the shadows. Of course, this is my true identity…depends what you call true? Does anyone really know anybody else? As often people don’t even know who they themselves are.
Synthesis is your latest album. What inspired the record and how much of your own experiences go into it?
Life inspires everything I do; amazing stories of life’s ability to weave the most inspiring tales. The album is the story so far with the singles to date and five brand new tracks. Like a Captain’s seesaw, this is the current halfway point.
Uniforms is the latest track from the album. Can you explain the story behind the song?
It’s the power that uniforms hold - of course, everything we wear is a uniform. The largest organ of the human body being the skin is the ultimate uniform, we are covered in it! Within the song itself, I explore the paradoxical nature of the uniform; the post-colonial empirical hangover. I’ll stop there…it’s curious as to why human beings need to quantify or have everything explained to them.
The treasure lies in the questions, not the answers.
Can you recall when you got into music? How have your sounds changed since the early day?
The drumbeat of my mother’s heart…I distinctly recall it. It’s a constant evolution exploring new sounds, mixing Classical and Ambient textures with the tumultuous tremolo of the human voice being fully embraced as the ultimate indigenous instrument of the human experience.
What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?
That I maintain the instinctive connection to the source of creation. I am merely a conduit, a vessel; a plaything for the gods, if you want to use a metaphor - though I’d not choose it to be any other way. Art, at its purest, is something intangible and unfathomable.
Do you already have plans for 2019?
Yes - to keep sowing the seeds of my vision and not losing sight of my grandest and wildest dreams (not likely to be anything of note in a three-dimensional sense). I may appear abstract or flighty to some of your readers - and that would be correct. Should I elaborate as to what my most pragmatic and logical aim is? To keep connecting with the magicians, the autonomous; the fiercely independent, the individuals; the magnificent outsiders, those so far out of the loop that, like me, they are almost back in.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
Far, far, far too many but, among them, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Lincoln Drill Hall; Glastonbury Festival and a range of shows over this last two years within the Steampunk community, of which when at its best is inclusive, imaginative; supportive and fun. As my dear friend Professor Elemental once said: “It’s a giant fancy dress party for adults”.
Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?
This is really difficult. Music, to me, is like food and, on any given day, my appetite yearns for something different. But, you asked for three so here goes! I could have had The Beatles – Revolver; Prince – Sign o’ the Times and Talking Heads – Remain in Light among tons of others!
Once Upon a Time in the West soundtrack - Ennio Morricone. I have a deep affinity to Classical music and soundtracks. This particularly resonates due to watching the film numerous times growing up.
Queen – A Night at the Opera. For its pure theatrical exuberance, wondrous songwriting and evocative atmosphere.
Cat Stevens – Tea for the Tillerman. Inherited from my uncle, a masterpiece of warmhearted vocal delivery; emblazoned across a tapestry of magical songs. He could stop me in my tracks.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
The Spaghetti Western Orchestra.
Twelve bottles of sparkling courtesy as standard…
Nine trays of affable audio exchange…
Thirteen platters of eye contact, which renders neither who engage uncomfortable…
Forty-hundred-and-forty-four bursts of belly laughter (however, if not available, a harem of hearty cackles or sweeping, sideways mile-wide grins will suffice)...
One audience member willing to explore the art of unlimited, open-ended and non-conclusive possibilities (one is all that’s ever needed in any setting to create a fusion effect…’spark to a flame’ comes to mind).
Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?
All sorts of places that you can find via the ‘adventures tab’ on the website.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Be prepared to go it alone; allow yourself time to discover your most authentic voice. Keep making mistakes: we all make them until we get it right, even when we think we get it right we are still making mistakes! Art is a process of discovery. You’re learning and it’s a lifetime pursuit.
IN THIS PHOTO: Stjepan Hauser (‘Hauser’)
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
It depends on what you call new: most music I tend to listen to is Classical and Ambient. I adore the cellist Stjepan Hauser and, if you want a night of pure silliness and true connection, my kindred spirit and dear friend Professor Elemental.
IN THIS PHOTO: Professor Elemental
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
I hear music in everything, my favourite musical sound is that of the ocean…hence, I find solitary endeavours such as walking on the coastline, conscious breathing and drinking Earl Grey tea whilst stroking a myriad of beautiful dogs (or cats; or horses…) are my favourite things to do…I always take time to take time out.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Adam & the Ants – Dog Eat Dog
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