INTERVIEW: Alexander Biggs

INTERVIEW:

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Alexander Biggs

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I have been listening to Car Ride…

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by Alexander Biggs and excited to speak with its creator. Biggs talks about the song and whether there will be more material this year; how it feels getting traction from some big radio names; whether Melbourne (where he is from) is a great musical landscape – Biggs talks about idols and tastes.

I ask him whether there are gigs booked and how he spends time away from music; whether he has a favourite memory from his career so far; how being on stage makes him feel – he ends the interview by selecting an underrated Bob Dylan track.

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Hi, Alexander. How are you? How has your week been?

My week has been good, thanks.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I’m Alexander Biggs and I write songs and sing them.

Car Ride is new. Can you reveal the story behind the song?

I like songs most when I have to experience them and find an understanding in them for myself. The song is out in the world and is now the property of anyone who listens to it - so it’s better if I ask them what it means.

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Might we see other new cuts coming later in the year?

Yeah. I’m pretty eager to put more music out pretty quickly. It’s best to act quickly on recorded music because, a lot of the time, the songs have been around for a while and they can quickly become old songs. A few of the songs were written right before recording this year, though, so thankful I’m excited about them still.

Past songs like Out in the Dark and Tidal Wave have been backed by BBC Radio and gained a lot of love! Does that give you a lot of heart and encouragement?

I really appreciate the support that I’ve had from radio all over the world and from streaming services but I try not to think too much about it. I’m thankful of the encouragement but I feel my time is better spent encouraging myself and trying hard to believe in myself than to get it from any outside sources. Getting encouragement from anywhere outside of myself runs the risk of affecting my efforts.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Al Parkinson

Which musicians made a big impact when you were growing up? Who do you count as idols?

Growing up, I was really into My Chemical Romance and Paramore, so I suppose they’ve had an impact on me in their own subtle way. At the end of my teens, I was introduced to Elliott Smith too, who was a pivotal artist for me. I try not to idolise anyone because everyone’s out there trying to do their own thing and make their own way and I should be doing the same.

Less looking out, more looking in…

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You are from Melbourne. What is it like recording music there? Is it a fantastically supportive and compelling part of the world?

Melbourne is a diverse and supportive part of the industry in Australia. I think it’s only as supportive as you are willing to be involved, though. I see artists every now and then visit or move here and almost expect to be held up and supported but it still takes time like any other community. I like writing and recording in Melbourne because it’s an inspiring place to live.

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Can we see you tour this year? What gigs do you have coming along?

I’m hoping to be back for the end of the year.

You live show has been celebrated and noted. Is the stage where you feel alive and free?

I’m not entirely sure I feel alive and free. Some days, the stage is a place to celebrate and some days it’s just a place that I work. There are so many underlying factors.

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Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?

I want to release a lot more music and tour more overseas.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

I don’t have a favourite but the first memory that came into my head was when a stranger left me a drink on the bar and a story with the bar staff - that I reminded him of a younger self. I was at university and playing shows around town under a different name. I probably sucked. I remember wondering about that person and their story; whether they were happy.

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Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

Hard to say: I have a rotating list…

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Keep trying...

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IN THIS PHOTO: RAThammock/PHOTO CREDIT: William Patston Photography

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

RAThammock, Mickey Cooper; Phoebe Bridgers (she’s not that new), Buck Meek (he’s not new either but his new album is ten/ten).

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IN THIS PHOTO: Phoebe Bridgers

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I feel like I’m always doing something with music, whether that’s playing or listening or recording or talking about it. I unwind with more music. I did a meditation camp for ten days a month and a bit ago where you aren’t allowed to speak and when I came back I thought that I’d forgotten how to sing.

After that, I feel musically rejuvenated and inspired - so, I suppose I would say meditation courses help.

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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).

Wigwam - Bob Dylan

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INTERVIEW: Toya Delazy

INTERVIEW:

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PHOTO CREDIT: Superbalist 

Toya Delazy

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THERE is so much to draw the eye and ear to Toya Delazy.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Alisson Chaigneau

She has been telling me about her epic new cut, London Town, and moving from South Africa to London; what it is like being cast as the first black Powerpuff Girl; if there is a new artist we need to look out for – what sort of tour dates are coming up.

Delazy tells me how she got into being an M.C. and songwriter; what ambitions she wants to fulfil before the end of the year; if she gets chance to chill away from music; what we can expect going forward – she ends the interview by selecting a rather fine song.

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Hi, Toya. How are you? How has your week been?

I'm fine. My week has been hectic as usual; lots of stuff happening - I got back from attending the Midem in Cannes last Friday where I was part of two panels and also part of their first-ever songwriting camp -  I've been moving house as well for the first time since I arrived in London.

It feels like an upgrade after sharing for three years and I'm still in the East which is like a dope area; so I'm feeling kind of good. Currently, I’m preparing for a live Facebook interview which is going to be for the launch of the new season of The Powerpuff Girls - as the partnership has been renewed after the successful addition of the first black sister (Bliss)!

And it's only midweek...

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I am a pianist, singer; rapper and producer; originally from South Africa, now settled in London - my genre of music is whatever vibes me in a Jazz/Electro/Hip-Hop-sorta-way. 

 

London Town is your new single. Can you tell me what the story behind it is?

It's about the London mentality, especially in the arts scene - how we get around the city getting interconnected; it's about the melting pot boiling over. I feel I have finally gotten to the place where I fully understand the city and know how to move with it instead of letting it overwhelm me. So, it basically celebrates London as a cradle of diversity and multiculturalism.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Simon Wisbey

What was it like working with Rymez on the track? Did the collaboration add to the intensity and flow of the song?

He is a star! I first met him through D.J. Sbu who is one of South Africa's biggest self-made entrepreneurs and C.E.O. of Mofaya - South Africa's first black-owned energy drink. He was making tunes with him and invited me over. A year later, I called Rhymez up for some studio time after I wrote the bassline of London Town (and lyrics); I needed someone to help me package it nicely.

He was so humble and really great artist; a real pleasure to work with; open to collaboration and he loved the fact I had worked on the bass already. Chill guy!

Do you think there will be more singles out before next year?

Yup! Some of the songs I recorded in Cannes at the Midem songwriting camp are going to be released: one of them is in collaboration with Elvis Crespo; I can't say too much. Magical vibes!

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PHOTO CREDIT: Claire Bilyard

I understand you will voice the first black Powerpuff Girl? How does that make you feel?

Really great; bearing in mind the history The Powerpuff Girls has and the impact they have made in the animation world and kids worldwide. I used to love them growing up: it's like living a childhood dream; more excitingly is the positive spotlight on Africa and diversity in the animation world. It's really sparked exciting conversations which is great. It's a movement that had to happen.

Are race and inequality something that is not being tackled enough in modern music? Do you think there is an imbalance that is affecting black artists?

Modern music has no race or inequality: it’s the purest; the furthest it can be from some authoritarian model. Modern music is the epitome of freedom. The problem is old mentalities which seem minced into every modern success story. It's clear that people just want a chance to be themselves and feel alive - we want tolerance and equality and anyone against that is a social pariah.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Alisson Chaigneau

How did you get started as a songwriter and M.C.? How important is London and its energy regarding your creativity? 

I started writing songs from an early age as I started piano from the age of nine; after high-school, I started playing in pubs in Durban, South Africa - I joined cyphers and attended lots of local art events just so people could get to see me.

London destroyed the restraint I had and allowed me to function as my honest self. I threw myself into my artistry and that type of freedom is rare to find. Also; the city squeezed me and made me really face the reality of being a musician and I didn't run back to Africa where I was more comfortable - being uncomfortable is the key ingredient to unlocking yourself and find yourself. So, musically, it's been amazing: so much to sing about so many emotions to deal with...

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PHOTO CREDIT: Richard Hanson

Which artists are most important to you? Who do you recognise as idols?

Artists that are humble but have all the reason not to be and artists that are genuine and original:

Black Coffee - first met him when I hit the African scene and he was already established. I always admired him since then; thereafter, we would bump into each other at international events and he is still the KwaZulu-Natal bro I remember looking up to when I was young - and now making a serious name for himself in the world. 

Can we see you tour this year? What gigs do you have coming along?

Yes. My European tour is coming along so far on my calendar:

Cologne Pride - 7th July 

Bristol Pride - 14th July. 

Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?

Yes. I have to make all my buddies know how to replicate a Zulu ‘Q’ sound: it's like watching a dog with peanut butter on the roof of the mouth when everyone is practising it, but the joys of hearing a Non-Zulu utter their first "Qoh" is so satisfying.

Also; I would like to get London Town on one of the big radios after it reached number-three on the Club Chart - hoping the music video shows the vibes and peeps love them to be honest... 

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Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind

Performing at the Apollo Theater in Harlem for the first time, as part of the Africa Now series, made me feel like I was spearheading the voice of the next generation.

Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill

If it wasn't for Sister Act, I would have never discovered her! Her selfless desire to feed the heart with her voice; her lyrics and soul really helped shaped me into mixing my piano with Hip-Hop.

Nirvana - Nevermind

The wild spirit of freedom they brought with them; the musicality and the ease at which it was all done - remarkable band. 

Nina Simone - I Put a Spell on You

How the vulnerability in her voice was the most beautiful thing to channel the keys (and vice versa). How she lost herself in the moment and meant every word while still putting the Soul and Jazz into the keys - breathtaking artist. 

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PHOTO CREDIT: Frostee

 What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Keep going: it's a hill all the way. Stay original, because everyone else has been taken. Don't take it too seriously; have fun and, if you don't love it, then don't do it. 

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IN THIS PHOTO: Che Lingo

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Che Lingo. I love the way he raps articulately and pensively! One of my favourite artists at the moment…

 Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

Yes. I make the time – otherwise; living every day in the studio or in your bedroom; waiting for performances to come up can do your head in. I learnt to take better control of my compulsiveness. 

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).

Ok. Please play me Muzi (ft. Tiro) - Questions

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INTERVIEW: Dawson Reeve

INTERVIEW:

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Dawson Reeve

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MIXING busking with international performance…

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there are two sides to Dawson Reeve. I have been talking with the London-based artist about busking and whether there will be touring later this year; what inspired his new song, Hurricanes; if there is more material arriving shortly – Reeve discusses his musical idols and favourite new artists.

I ask whether there is a treasured musical memory that sticks in his mind; a few albums that are especially important to him; whether there is an opportunity to kick back outside of music; what advice he would give to artists coming through – he ends the interview with a stunning James Blake cut.

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Hi, Dawson. How are you? How has your week been?

Great, thanks! I spent last week visiting family, eating cream teas and surfing in Cornwall - and the weekend busking around London’s Bankside in glorious sunshine.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I’m Dawson Reeve; a Derbyshire lad who now calls London home.

Hurricanes seems to document a sense of fear and holding back. How much of the song is about having to deal with hard conversations and emotions?

It’s funny you should say that…

I wrote Hurricanes after a tough conversation with my girlfriend at the time. Literally, she walked out the door and the song just poured out. Songwriting is very cathartic for me: it’s a snapshot of how I was feeling at that moment in time. Hurricanes is about the power of words; how just one sentence can destroy a relationship of years.

I notice an evolution with every cut. Do you think you are growing stronger with each release?

I hope so! I’ve been sitting on these tracks for a while so it’s great to finally get them into the world.

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Might we see more material this year?

Hurricanes is the second track off of my Circumstance E.P., which is being released on 11th July.

How did you get into music? Did you grow up around a lot of different sounds?

We were given an old out of tune piano for free when I was six, so I started taking lessons. I went through school doing my Classical piano grades, then took up guitar and drums at fourteen. I played in Pop-Punk bands though secondary-school. I also played in a Jazz orchestra growing up so had a really eclectic grounding in music. I’ve always been on a musical path but didn’t find my voice and songwriting until I was studying a Leeds College of Music around nineteen, where I moved away from Classical and more to contemporary compositions.

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How did you transition from busking to making your own stuff? Did you learn a lot of talents and skills from busking?

Initially, when I started busking in Leeds seven years ago, I didn’t have any of my own songs. I was a timid teenager and I’ll be the first to admit my voice wasn’t up to much. Seven years on and hundreds of hours performing and perfecting later, I’m still busking today and I know I’ve grown in so many ways; partly from the skills I’ve acquired playing in the streets. You have to own the space, you have to give a performance that is going to make someone stop in their tracks and want to listen.

I love seeing people connect with my music and busking gives me the opportunity to connect with hundreds, if not thousands, of people in one day. Also, I’m on their level; not on a stage miles away, so I can talk to people and tell them about my music.

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Can we see you tour this year? What gigs do you have coming along?

After a year of pretty much non-stop touring, I’m having a little break to write new material. You can catch me playing at The Ned on 18th June and an intimate show at Escargot on 3rd July - both in London. After that, I’ll be booking Sofar Sounds gigs around the U.K. to try out new material and, of course, you can see me playing on the streets around Bankside.

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You have toured all over the world! Is it the different faces and new places that draw you to the road?

I’ve always had an innate desire to travel and explore and I’m lucky that I can combine this with my music. I love discovering new cultures and sounds. I was in Colombia in February and music and dance is everywhere. The atmosphere in a smoky, sweaty salsa club in Cartagena with a live band was something I will never forget. 

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Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?

I would love to get some visuals to accompany my music - any videographer out there hit me up!

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

Performing at the House of Blues Anaheim, in L.A, in front of 2000 people for the Loop Station World Championships (in 2013) was a definite highlight for me, as was touring the West Coast of the States afterwards.

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Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

Origin of Symmetry by Muse was the first album I really got into. Matt Bellamy’s vocal and Classical/ Rock crossover style blew my mind.

One by One by the Foo Fighters was also one of the first albums I listened to and transports me back to being an angsty teenager. Plus, everyone knows Dave Grohl is the Nicest Guy in Rock.

I don’t really listen to many albums all the way through anymore, in the age of Spotify playlists, but one album I could never get tired off is James Blake’s self-titled debut. It was like nothing I’d ever heard before and he is still one of my favourite artists. James Blake has definitely been an influence on the E.P., especially on a track called Hitting Home. 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Work hard, be persistent; experience as much as you can.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Kevin Garrett

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I’m a big fan of Kevin Garrett - check out Coloring (or ‘Colouring’).

Also; Rhys Lewis - Reason to Hate You is a tune!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Rhys Lewis

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I love to be active; mainly running and swimming. Running gives me a chance to think and, when I swim, it’s almost like meditation. I don’t think about anything apart from what lap I’m on. I’m always going on spontaneous trips, too. Nothing like a new city and new experience to spark an idea for a song….

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).

It’s got to be The Wilhelm Scream, possibly my favourite track from the James Blake album. Thanks for having me!

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INTERVIEW: Roz Yuen

INTERVIEW:

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Roz Yuen

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I have set time aside…

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to talk with the amazing Roz Yuen about her stunning E.P., Feel So Good. The single of the same name is out so I was curious what thought process started that song – and what themes go into the E.P.

Yuen moved from Australia to Berlin and talks about the German capital’s allure; how young she was when music really struck her; if there are British tour dates later this year; which new artists we should show some love – she selects three albums that mean a lot to her.

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Hi, Roz. How are you? How has your week been?

Great, thanks! This week has been a nice balance of working in the studios and time hanging with friends in the sun.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I’m a Berlin-based vocalist, songwriter and music producer from Melbourne, Australia. I make downtempo Electronica-Pop with an experimental edge.

Tell me about the single, Feel So Good. Can you explain what inspired the song?

The song is about a type of intimacy you share with strangers. I had just moved to Berlin without knowing anyone. It can be an isolating and lonely experience. However, when you have a clean slate it can feel really liberating, too. You get to share that moment in your life with people who have no perceived ideas about who you are. It’s a special type of bond or closeness.

It is from the E.P. of the same name. What sort of themes inspired the songwriting?

A running theme behind my three-track E.P. is intimacy. I draw from my experiences and like to tell stories about the people I encounter; the city’s natural rhythm and flow and the sounds that create its atmosphere.

It seems Berlin is important to where you are now. Is the city a perfect place to make and promote your music?

For now, yes! Berlin is chill, progressive and at forefront of things that really excite me like immersive audio-visual experiences. I also get amazing opportunities to meet and collaborate with creatives from all around the world.

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Do you think the music you are producing now is your best? How have you progressed as an artist, would you say?

I am making music that is an authentic expression of what I want to say - others can decide what they think it is my best. I have gained more confidence in my music production skills and realising the creative vision in my head. However, I’m always learning and growing with each song I write.

How did music come into your life? Which artists made an impression on you as a child?

My dad tells me he used to catch me singing in my cot. My parents exposed me to The Beatles and ABBA. I also remember singing along to Belinda Carlisle’s Runaway Horses on C.D. which belonged to my aunt.

Are there going to be any tour dates coming up? Where can we see you play?

I definitely intend to tour Europe. I did a lot of gigs when I was in Melbourne. However, since moving to Berlin in August 2017, I have focused on writing new work and developing my skills as a music producer. I absolutely love performing live and can’t wait to get stuck into it.

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Will you come to the U.K. and perform here?

I have a strong affection for the U.K. having lived in London for two years. I’d love to perform there again. So, the answer is ‘Yes!’

Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?

I am already working on songs for my next E.P. My ambitions are to finish the tracks and then partner up with a label to release them in early-2019. In the meantime, I’ll also be doing some shows.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

A defining moment in my music career was when I volunteered as a Performing Arts Leader to run a choir for the U.K. homeless charity event, Crisis at Christmas. In the middle of our rendition of Stand by Me, Sir Ian McKellen walked in and watched us perform. It reaffirmed why I invest so much and devote my life to making music. Music is a human need which has the power to connect you with other people and lift you up at your lowest.

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Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

Amy Winehouse - Back to Black

Her soulful vocals and witty dark lyricism have gotten me through some tough times.

Massive Attack – Mezzanine

This textually-rich Trip-Hop gem has been highly influential in shaping my sound.

Burial – Untrue

Words that come to mind when thinking of the album: ‘timeless’, ‘visceral’; ‘ambient’, ‘melancholic’ and ‘warm’. It’s aspirational.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Patience, perseverance and passion for the journey are what will sustain you through the highs and lows of a career in music.

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Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I am a huge fan of TOTEM from Copenhagen who makes new wave Synth-Pop. An amazing songwriter and hardworking music producer - it makes me think of New Order and The Cure.

I also rate Icelandic artist, Breazy Daze who has just dropped a lo-fi and dreamy single, She Knows.

Another hot tip is DJ Chick’n and the Cuntry Roosters; a British all-female trio that combines Punk and Techno. When their music is released it is going to go off - and I will be in the audience joining everyone.

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I am a bit of a workaholic and music-obsessed. However, my favourite unwinding activities include baths, lazing around on a picnic rug in the park or wandering around contemporary art museums.

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).

On my recent trip to London, I picked up several vinyl records from the lovely people at One Little Indian, including an L.P. from French artist, s a r a s a r a. I’d love for you to play her track, Love, which was co-produced and mixed by Matthew Herbert. It reminds me of Björk and Fever Ray.

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INTERVIEW: me&you

INTERVIEW:

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me&you

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THE sibling duo of me&you…

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are an exciting proposition I was determined to find out more about. They have been telling me about their latest single, Georgia, and how that song was born. I discover why they spent time in a campervan in New Zeeland and what we can expect from their Chasing Trails EP.

Connor and Karlee talk about talk about their influenced and whether they will be touring outside of California; new names we need to get our ears around; whether they’ll come to the U.K. – they end the interview by selecting a couple of corking songs!

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

Been well! Hope the same for you!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please

Hey, world; we’re Connor and Karlee and our band is called me&you. We’re a brother-and-sister duo from California and have been playing music and writing songs together ever since we can remember.

Georgia is your latest single. What can you reveal about it?

Georgia came about two years ago now. We wrote it while living in a campervan in New Zealand together. It’s a song about people getting the love that they deserve and not settling for anything less…and it sounds great in the car with the windows rolled down in the summer.

Or, at least we think so...

What can you reveal about the Chasing Trails EP? How did it come together? What sort of themes do you explore?

Chasing Trails was a concept born from living on the road. While living in the van in New Zealand; we’d wake up every morning and have no plans. We’d just get up and go and not worry about where we ended up, as long as we were enjoying the process. That became a big metaphor for our lives and for our music - and thus the Chasing Trails EP was born. This E.P. is about following our paths and not getting in the way of our ourselves.

Connor and Karlee. When did ‘me&you’ come together? As brother and sister; does the music come together naturally?

We have always played music together in many capacities: talent shows when we were kids, high-school Pop/Rock bands and our previous band, Connor and Karlee. We were ready for a change and weren't quite sure what that meant yet. One day, we were having this discussion about wanting to be a band that makes people feel like they can relate to our music - and us.

We’re just some kids that love making music and we want other people to feel the way we do when we write a song. We want to bring people together, not apart; especially in today's world.  We kept saying “All we’ve got is me and you…”; we used that as a lyric in one of the songs on the record...so, we called the band ‘me&you’.

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Who do you count as musical influences? Did you grow up around a variety of sounds?

Oh man; we could bore you to death but, if we gave you a shortlist, it would probably include: Lord Huron, John Mayer; Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot; Glen Campbell, Carly Simon; James Taylor and lots and lots of others. I guess we’re an ‘Indie-Folk’ band but we are heavily influenced by a lot of Pop music as well: bands like The 1975, Coldplay; Justin Timberlake etc...

Is it true you spent late-2016 traveling around New Zealand in a campervan?! Was that an experience that led to songwriting and inspiration?

It is true. We lived in the campervan for one month traveling around New Zealand. We’d basically get up every day and start driving. It led to a lot of unexpected adventures (hel-biking; bungee-jumping, mountain climbing…) and gave us the freedom we needed to just sit down and write. We needed some isolation - and we definitely found that in the van in N.Z.

Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

We plan to start doing some touring this fall; starting with California and branching out from there.

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Have you performed in the U.K. at all? Might we see you here?

We have not, yet…we definitely plan to come to the U.K. to do some touring in the near-future.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

In 2018, we are really trying to get our music out there and heard. It’s a weird time in the music industry: full of Spotify playlists, YouTube channels etc. Ultimately, we really just want to have our music heard by people and, hopefully, have it affect them and do something for them the way it did for us.

Have you each got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

Karlee and I were at a songwriting retreat back in April and we had an opportunity to play Georgia acoustically in front of all of our songwriting friends at the retreat. During the bridge of the song, we sing “We all get broken we all get lost/we’re always hoping love will come” over and over and every single person joined in and sang as loud as they could. It was one of those moments of pure expression and emotion that are so hard to get.

The power of that many people in a room singing about something real is pretty untouchable. You start with this little melody on acoustic guitar and hope it means something to someone someday. That night we finally felt like someone got it...

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If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Wow; that’s a loaded question. If we had to choose, it would probably be someone like Coldplay. They're so iconic and such great songwriters. Plus, they play in stadiums for the most part. So, that would be cool.

Our rider would probably include whiskey and chocolate. We’re very simple people.

Karlee: I would argue for someone like Brandi Carlile. She’s a huge inspiration to me and she plays in beautiful theatres – and, yes, whiskey and chocolate are a must.

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What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Connor: Our advice would be to never stop writing songs: no matter what happens in the music world, it always starts with a song.

Karlee: I would also add that success is subjective. It can be achieved on many different levels: you don’t have to be selling out stadiums to have a career in music. As long as you’re happy and doing what you love, you’re set...there’s no hard and fast formula anymore so don’t compare yourself too harshly to other creators in the business.

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IN THIS IMAGE: Gregory Alan Isakov/IMAGE CREDIT: Blue Gabor Caleel

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

If we had to name a few: Gregory Alan Isakov, Manzanita (from our hometown); Madison Cunningham is great – as are The Night Game and our friend Augustus James.  

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IN THIS PHOTO: Madison Cunningham

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

We do; we have to make time for it. It breathes fresh air into everything. We try to get up to the mountains as much as possible. We backpack, mountain bike; hike and do anything and everything to get us outdoors. It inspires most of our music and allows us to escape.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Connor: This song is absolutely beautiful and everyone should hear it: The Paper Kites: Nothing More Than That

Karlee: Oh. I’d have to choose one of my favorites right now: Feelings - Madison Cunningham

 

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INTERVIEW: Francois Klark

INTERVIEW:

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Francois Klark

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HIS new album is out…

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so I have been speaking with Francois Klark about Love and whether he is pleased it is out in the world. He reveals what sort of experiences inspired the album - he talks about the lyric video for the standout track, For You.

I was eager to know which artists and albums the Toronto-based musician is drawn to and whether there are going to be tour dates. South African-born Klark tells me how he relaxes away from music and which new artists we should be aware of.

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Hi, Francois. How are you? How has your week been?

Hi, Sam. Great chatting with you again. The week has been great, in spite of a small YouTube scare during which an online bug erased my YouTube channel. It is all fixed now, though, so you guys can check out the new lyric (for) For You again. 

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

Sure thing. I’m a small town South African choirboy, graphic design drop-out and music graduate now living in Toronto, Canada. I spend most of my time on mountains; anywhere that is close to trees and large bodies of water and behind my baby grand piano writing songs. I’m a massive science fiction fan, which might explain my love for using big synths and vocoder. I’m also a romantic, so recording music with just raw vocals, piano and a string section makes me very happy.

Growing up In South Africa instilled in me a deep love for world music and, as a result, I find that music from different cultures often bleeds into my music production choices. 

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Are you excited your debut album, Love, is out? How does it feel knowing it is out there?

It feels great knowing that it is out there...

It’s been finished, but unreleased, for quite some time because my team and I decided to hold off on the album release until we released a few singles first. Needless to say, I’ve been itching to get it out for a while now. 

Is there a song from the album that stands out as a personal highlight?

For You is, by far, my favourite. When I listen back to it, it makes me feel like I am back in my home country of South Africa. It was also my favourite song to work on because some of my closest friends were the musicians and featured artists who worked on it with me.

What sort of experiences and stories did you draw on when writing the songs?

The songs were all written over a long period of time during which I went through very formative experiences. I initially wrote each song as a way to deal with things that were happening in my life as I was going through it.

Always - coming to terms with every aspect of who I am; Please Stay - dealing with a long-distance relationship that was falling apart; The Only One - discovering my relationship with music as I was growing up. Some songs I wrote to tell made-up stories (Run, Spaceman and Giving My All). I wrote For You in order to unpack an issue that I am very passionate about - children's rights, freedom and safety. The song is also very closely tied to my childhood and my love for my home country, South Africa.

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Toronto is where you are based. How is life for a young musician there? Is it a great place to make music and feel inspired?

This beautiful and bustling city is an amazing place to live in as a creative person. My direct community of fellow songwriters and musicians are very closely-knit and incredibly supportive. This community, along with the support of the Government of Canada and an organization called the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR), makes it possible for independent artists like me to pursue our creative ideas and make a career out of it.

Very thankful to now call this city home….

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Which artists inspired you back then? Do you remember the first album you bought

Some of my earliest inspirations as a kid were Lauryn Hill (The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill), Alanis Morissette (Jagged Little Pill) and Erykah Badu. However, my first album purchase happened long before I discovered these powerhouse ladies. I am slightly embarrassed to tell you that my first album purchase was the soundtrack of the Disney film, Beauty and the Beast. In my defence; the orchestral arrangements and songwriting on that album were amazing.

Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?

Beyond music and promoting the Love album, I would like to take a university Spanish course and visit Oaxaca, Mexico during Dia de los Muertos.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time in music?

Definitely, my years performing with and travelling through all of South Africa with the children’s and youth choirs that I sang with. 

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Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

Crash - Dave Matthews Band

D.M.B. made me fall in love with painting pictures with words and telling stories with songs. I have a high-school buddy to thank for passing this album on to me and introducing me to D.M.B. (thanks, Dirk!) This album is pretty much the soundtrack to some of my favourite memories. 

Cloudburst and Other Choral Works - Eric Whitacre, Polyphony and Stephen Layton

This is, hands-down, my favourite album of all time. Turn off all the lights, lie down in your favourite place; put on some really good headphones and have your mind blown. If we could hear the universe sing: this is what I think it would sound like. 

Phase (Deluxe) - Jack Garratt

From the first to the last song - a masterpiece of songwriting, musicianship and the most imaginative and creative production.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Write all the time; surround yourself with truly genuine and good people. Make true friends, not contacts; don't follow trends - trends will pass by the time you're ready to release your music. Be true to what comes naturally to you. Find a purpose for your music - it wasn't given to you to serve you.

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IMAGE CREDIT: @jazzy_okami 

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Kyan. I Just recently discovered him and I am really excited about the music he is making.  Canadian musician Anomalie also blows my mind.

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IN THIS IMAGE: Anomalie/IMAGE CREDIT: alihassanein.com

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I think it is very important to spend time away from creating music and working on the business side of music – especially, once I finished a release. It is only through living life that we are exposed to new things and experiences that will, in turn, be the subject matter of new songs. 

I unwind by going outside; going for a run, working out; going travelling and doing things that scare me a little bit (spelunking: jumping off a bridge into a river…I’m yet to skydive.)

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).

Do You Remember (Grey Remix) - Jarryd James

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INTERVIEW: Esther & Fatou

INTERVIEW:

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PHOTO CREDIT: Dirk Leunis

Esther & Fatou

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I have been speaking with the Belgian duo of Esther & Fatou…

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PHOTO CREDIT: Dirk Leunis

who talk to me about their new track, Home. I ask them how they got together and what new material is coming up – they discuss working with Gaetan Vandewoude.

Esther & Fatou tell me what the scene is like in Belgium and whether they will come to the U.K. and play; whether there are new acts to watch out for; what advice they would give to fellow artists emerging – they both share a favourite musical memory.

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Hi, Esther & Fatou. How are you? How has your week been?

We’re totally fine. So happy that our new track, Home, is released.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?

We’re Esther & Fatou; a Pop/Folk duo hailing from Belgium. We’re known for singing in harmonies, often accompanied with guitars.

Can you tell me about Home and how the song came together?

We wrote Home a few years ago on a summer evening. Home is that type of song where the songwriting process went very smoothly. Everything came together very quickly.

What was it like working with Gaetan Vandewoude on the song?

A year after the writing; we decided to work on the song with Gaetan, our dear friend and producer. Although it was very clear from the beginning where we wanted to go with this song, recording it was a crazy/unforgettable ride. To us, Home became an ‘on-the-road’ song. We’re very happy that the song got released just before summer.

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Home follows the wintery debut track, At Night. Do you feel yourselves exploring new ground and sounds with every release? Might there be more material before the end of 2018? What else are you working on?

When we started recording our E.P. with Gaetan; we decided to choose five songs that stand together for our identity but are not too similar to each other. We’re very happy with the result and can’t wait to release the E.P. 

It’ll be released in the fall of 2018.

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How did you two meet one another? Was there an instant connection?

We live in the same, not too big city, so getting to know each other was not that difficult. It was because of Esther's boyfriend that we finally decided to come together to work on music. You know: we both liked to sing; we both liked to listen to Folk.

Belgium is where you are based. Is there a varied and promising music scene where you are?

We both live in Leuven and are very familiar with Het Depot, one of Belgium’s finest and most beautiful venues. Het Depot is like our second home for the last eight years. We met a lot of musicians and like-minded people at Het Depot, but also discovered an incredible amount of new musical talents. For us, a place like the Depot has been very important. We not only have our rehearsal space there but also made friends for life also made friends for life. At Het Depot, we philosophized long nights about life and music and... 

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Have you performed in the U.K. at all? Might we see you here?

We have never performed in the U.K. Of course, we would love to play some venues there!

 What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

We finished recording our E.P. two years ago so we’re writing new songs, probably for a full album. Gaetan is also excited to dive into the studio again, so we’ll start recording again soon. Of course, we hope to play some nice venues in Belgium and, hopefully, outside our little country (smiles).

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Have you each got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

Esther: I remember discovering The Beatles. It was because of my brother. When I dove into their songs, I was immediately hit by the way they sing in harmonies and the way the construct their songs. The record, Revolver, is my all-time favourite record of The Beatles. For me, discovering The Beatles was the very starting point of the music I’m listening to right now - and the music we’re making.

Fatou: The times I discovered Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan or more recent music like Bon Iver; I was stunned by the power of one voice and some beautiful guitar picking. It really got me through puberty but still hits me every time I listen to it. It’s also a good reminder that less is often more.

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If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Definitely, Paul McCartney!

On the rider: a good bottle of red wine to share with Paul while talking about music all-night-long (smiles).

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Such a cliché, however, so true: try to stick to your own sound. Avoid trying to look too much like someone you like. We’ve been searching for our own sound for years and we’re still exploring but that’s the best part of the whole road. We feel like – because we took our time – our music is becoming more and more like ‘us’.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Anna Tivel

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Esther: If you’re into the new Folk scene you should surely check out Anna Tivel, Siv Jakobsen and Phoebe Bridgers. Also, the debut record from LUMP - a collaboration between Laura Marling and Mike Lindsay of Tunng - is a treat.

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IN THIS PHOTO: LUMP

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Erase & Detach – Isbells

We picked a Belgian song! This is a song from Isbells; the band of our dear friend and producer Gaetan Vandewoude. Before we met, we saw Isbells playing this song and we got totally blown away. We were like: ‘We want to work with that man!’. Sometimes, dreams come true (smiles).

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INTERVIEW: THE WLDLFE

INTERVIEW:

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PHOTO CREDIT: Nitish Durbha

THE WLDLFE

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THIS week is already off to flyer…

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PHOTO CREDIT: Nitish Durbha

as I now get to speak with THE WLDLFE. I have been wrapping my ears around the new song, Towel, and was determined to find out more – and discover what it was like filming its unique and sensational video.

I discover how the Indianapolis band are progressing and what they have coming up; whether there are tour dates coming up; the sort of artists, new and past, they are reacting to; when the guys all got together – they each select a cool track to bring the interview to a close.

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

We are doing well! It’s been a busy couple of week since releasing Towel and such - but a good kind of busy.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?

For sure. We are a band called THE WLDLFE and we are from Indianapolis, Indiana. My name is Jansen, and the four other members of the band are Carson, Geoff; Jack, and Jason. We’ve been together for about two-and-a-half-years now and we aren’t planning on quitting any time soon.

Towel is your new single. What is the story behind it?

Towel has gone through a lot of different phases but I think that’s why we like it so much and one of the reasons why it feels like one of the tracks we’re most proud of. I wrote the verses a year or so ago and couldn’t figure out a good hook and a few months ago the chorus came to me at like 2 A.M. and it just was the perfect fit. Even though it’s a bit of a ballad, I feel like it’s kind of an anthem for those who have felt what it’s like to be in love with somebody who drives you crazy.

What was it like shooting the vertical video for the song?

It was definitely a little bit of a different process than a lot of the other videos we’ve done. We found a gem of an Airbnb in Muncie, IN which is a pretty small town and it turned out to be the perfect setting for the visual. We didn’t really shoot the video much differently than any other video and the vertical-ness of the video was brought together in post-production. We’ve been working with Brad Wong on all of our visuals for a while and he just keeps getting better and better.

The Towel video definitely feels like he took it next level and we really couldn’t be more pleased with how it came out.

Was it cool working with (director) Brad Wong? He seems to have a pretty good sense of concept and visuals…

For sure. Like I said; we’ve worked with him quite a bit and he’s always been great. He’s supe-open to what we have envisioned for the project and I think that’s why we keep calling him back. He certainly knows how to get the most out of what we want the video to look and feel like.

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How did THE WLDLFE get together? When did you start making music together?

This will sound like a joke, but we all kinda met at ‘Camp Rock’. Jason, Jack; Geoff and I all met each other at a camp called Orangehaus at Anderson University when we were in high-school and that all led us to attend college in Anderson. We all reconnected there and that is where the band was born. Carson is my younger brother and so I met him when he was born but he joined us in January of 2018 - and having him on the road with us has been awesome. He really felt like the missing piece for us and he has really helped us kinda reach where we wanted to be as far as live performance goes as well.

 Do you remember when music first came into your life? Which artists inspired you all?

We really all grew up listening to different music. Carson and I grew up on Journey and John Mayer. Geoff’s second cousin in Rick Allen from Def Leppard so he grew up listening to ‘80s Hair Metal. Jack and Jason both were into Hardcore bands like Underoath and Dance Gavin Dance - so, there is definitely a wide range of influences for all us. I think that plays to our advantage in a lot of ways though and it helps us look at music through, maybe, a different lens than maybe bands who grew up listening to the same music.

You are based out of Indianapolis. Is there a pretty healthy music scene there?

It’s growing and there are lots of plans to help improve the music scene in Indy. We’re excited to be one of the bands that are helping that expansion.

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Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

We are headed out to the West Coast in July and we’re super-pumped for it because we haven’t been able to get out there until last summer…

7.6 - Memphis, TN

7.7 - Kansas City, MO

7.9 - Houston, TX

7.11 - Phoenix, AZ

7.12 - San Diego, CA

7.13 - Anaheim, CA

7.15 - Dallas, TX (SAY INDIE! FESTIVAL )

We are working on more dates in the fall as well but we are excited for this week in July. It’s gonna be a fun trip.

Might you come to the U.K. and play?

Hopefully, soon! We would love to make it across the pond. Geoff’s family is actually from London so we know we at least would have a place to crash.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

It sounds like the boring answer but we just want to be better than we were last year. We want to grow and reach more people obviously but we always want to put the best records we can and put on the best show we can. That’s what we pride ourselves on.

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Have you each got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

I would say our favorite moment to date was this past April. We were playing in Lynchburg, VA. We had heard that we had a good following in the town but I don’t think any of us expected the kind of response we got at that show. It was just a special night in a packed record store and we definitely will not forget that show anytime soon.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

I think all of us might answer this question differently but I would love to support Jon Bellion. I think he is just a creative genius and a good example of how hard work and dedication to your craft pays off. He’s not the flashiest but he always puts on a good show.

As far as a rider goes, I think we would all agree on a lot of pita and hummus. Like a lot of it.

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What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

One thing (I think) I’m super-happy we did off the bat was to invest in good-quality production. When you have a professional-sounding product, it’s easier to promote your music. Bloggers pay more attention and so do online publications. Making music can be expensive but I would definitely encourage people to make that investment because it definitely pays off.

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IN THIS PHOTO: PHANGS

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Our buddy, PHANGS, is a guy out of Nashville who has been killing it lately. Super-genuine dude as well.

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

Lots of NBA 2K18 and Mario Kart. If we aren’t on stage, when we are on the road we are usually pretty glued to those games. We all have jobs on the side and, when we aren’t touring, we are usually preoccupied with those as well.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Phangs (ft. Truitt) - Dry Eyes

Dwilly (ft. Kyle Thornton) - Birds & The Bees

Charlie Burg - Phlliip’s Bicycle (Dan Sagher Remix)

Ry-Lo - New Friend

Kacey Musgraves - Lonely Weekend

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INTERVIEW: MYLK

INTERVIEW:

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MYLK

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IF your Monday lacks any fizz and hope…

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then do not give up just yet! I have been speaking with the variegated and captivating MYLK about her latest track, Haiku, and where she sources inspiration from. The Manchester-based artist tells me about music entering her life and whether we will receive more material this year.

MYLK shares her ambition for the coming months and tells me how she relaxes away from music; what advice she would give to new songwriters emerging right now – she ends the interview by selecting a rather colourful and energised track.

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Hi, MYLK. How are you? How has your week been?

Hello! I am good, thank you! My week has been okay; just the usual production and songwriting!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I am a U.K.-born, Japanese producer/singer/songwriter! I generally make J-Pop-influenced music mixed with a variety of E.D.M. genres and styles! I like creating a bubbly, happy vibe with my music.

Your single, Haiku, is out. What is the story behind the song?

It has a personal meaning. I went through a lot in my past. The light in the song refers to my goals and my life - as well as the fact that I never gave them up! I want the same for everyone else to value their life and goals.

It was written in the 575 haiku format. Was it difficult to fit the world around that format?

Although I took some time to think about it, I didn’t find it too difficult. Perhaps, because I used to like writing poems including haikus when I was young; so, maybe that helped the process.

Might there be an E.P. or more singles coming later in the year?

I have a collaboration with Michael White coming out on NCS this month! I have other collaborations that need finishing up and I do also have an E.P. on the way!

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Were you very young when you caught the passion for music? Was there a reason you stepped into the industry?

When I was fifteen, I was bullied a lot in school. Ultimately, I ended up dropping out because it got really bad and it affected my mental-health. It was around then that I found a passion for music production as an escape. I remember spending five-days-straight wondering what all the dials did on FL Studio 5 (which was my first ever DAW).

After a few years, I initially I gave up on my dream to become a successful producer. But, when I met some friends who were full-time in the music industry, I decided to give it a shot!

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You have come a long way and amassed a huge following. How important and encouraging is that support to you?!

I love all my fans. It's nice to have dedicated fans, too! They really lift my spirit up when I’m reading lovely comments from them (or messages)!

Which artists inspired you back then? Do you remember the first album you bought?

Around the time I discovered music production, I listened to a lot of Pop/J-Pop/Trance/commercial Dance music - and I was actually a Metalhead as well. I don’t actually remember the first album but I do remember my first single and that was Clint Eastwood by Gorillaz.

Can we see you tour this year? What gigs do you have coming along?

I don’t have any upcoming gigs and I’m not sure if I will tour yet, but I definitely would love to tour someday!

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Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?

Yes. I would love to release all my unfinished tracks this year! I’ve held onto some of them for a couple of years now!

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

My favourite memory is definitely my trip to Japan to play my first-ever show!

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Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

Ironically, I don’t actually listen to music that much; especially not albums: I tend to listen to a couple singles here and there. I feel like, if I listen to music too much, it would interfere with my creativity – so I like to keep it minimal!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Be yourself! Experimentations is always a good thing because it’s a great way to find fresh sounds. Don’t be afraid to be spontaneous and try something new! I know that certain set of genres follow a certain set of techniques or structure (or style) but music is art and there are no rules! I always like to go with the flow when I’m producing.

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IN THIS PHOTO: kirakira

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

You should definitely check out kirakira – I met her when I went to Japan for my show with Moe Shop (who you should check out, too) I don’t meet many female producers and this girl is super-talented and adorable too!

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IMAGE CREDIT: Moe Shop

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I do! I used to unwind by snowboarding regularly but I haven’t been regularly for the last couple years. These days, I like Netflix and chill and I also like the odd walkies outside – and I love eating out! I love food.

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).

Kirakira -ずっと好きLおRDおFSHAKE

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INTERVIEW: The Lighthouse

INTERVIEW:

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PHOTO CREDIT: Thomas Ost 

The Lighthouse

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I am new to the wonders of The Lighthouse…

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but it has been great investigating their music and talking with the guys. They have been telling me about their single, Headlights, and what it is all about. I was eager to know what it was like working with Huub Reijnders on their E.P., Joyride – they tell me what gigs are coming up and whether a U.K. stop is coming.

I discover how the band got together and how their music has evolved; if there are new artists we need to keep our minds open for; whether there is any sage advice new artists need to take on board – the guys each select a song to end the interview with.

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

Hi, Sam! We’ve had a fun week so far. It’s pretty calm on the band’s side because we have some students in the band who are preparing for their finals - but we did a show for national radio yesterday and we got back the mixes for some new songs we’re working on. So that’s always nice!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?

We’re a five-piece Indie outfit from Belgium Our influences include artists like The Wombats and The 1975 but there’s a lot of different genres creeping in left and right. Overall, we’re quite the sucker for a good Pop song but, from time to time, we do find ourselves writing songs that don’t necessarily really fit the Pop structures or sounds and these tend to be our personal favourites.

So, we’re curious where that road will take us. Headlights, definitely, is one of those! We had a break-through year in Belgium last year and now we’re aching to branch out to other territories.

Talk to me about Headlights. What is the inspiration behind the song?

The song is mainly about how closely love and fiction are connected throughout the night and regards nightlife romances as if they were a bit unreal because they are experienced in a haze or a foggy state of mind. It’s hard to say where we picked up inspiration: most of the time we start off from a musical idea. In this case, the song sort of developed around the almost choral repetition of that main sentence: “Shut off all the headlights”.

When working on the arrangement, this song really took off in a totally different direction in comparison to what we’ve been doing up to that moment. But, we all instantly liked it. It’s a little more synth-based than our previous work and also a bit less cheerful and more ambivalent. That’s definitely a side of our sound that we want to explore more in our new work. Lyrically, Willem (Keys) matches the mood of the song to the right words once the arrangement is done; so they draw inspiration primarily out of the overall vibe of the composition, infused with impressions and feelings you pick up in everyday life.

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It is from the E.P., Joyride. Was it cool working with (producer) Huub Reijnders on the E.P.?

Definitely! We discovered Huub through mutual friends who had recorded with him in the past and, although they play a totally different style of music, we knew Huub is a really versatile producer. If you look at his track record, he really did it all; from Punk-Rock to the biggest mainstream acts, but he always manages to find the right colours to make the songs shine.

We all think that’s really important: the song comes first. It’s a thin line between favouring sound or song but Huub keeps us on the right side of that line without neglecting the other side. On top of that, he’s really cool and fun guy to work with too.

How do you think your new material differs to the stuff you were producing at the start? Have you brought new elements into your sound?

We started out as a typical five-piece listening to late-2000s Indie-Rock like Two Door Cinema Club, Vampire Weekend and the likes and that’s also where we got the first inspiration for our sound: mostly guitar-based with a single piano or synth-line. Along the way, we incorporated other influences; mostly by adding more electronic or synth-based sounds to our guitar-based framework. We also took a slightly different approach to writing. Whereas we used to write while jamming, we now take to the DAW in a much earlier stage. This allows us to experiment with different sounds and layers early on in the writing process and this resulted in more intricate, less straightforward songs.

But, it’s an ongoing process. We’ve succeeded in creating a pretty recognizable and coherent sound with our last E.P. but, as we’re working on new material, we’re discovering new sounds and using some new instruments. So, our sound is still evolving and our songwriting skills are still maturing.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Diederik Craps

How did The Lighthouse get together? When did you all meet one another?

We’re in a steady formation for about three years now but, before that, there have been some other formations. Bram (Vocals) and Willem (Keys) started off as an acoustic duo and, along the way, they added more musicians and instruments to the band; changing out a bandsman every once in a while to eventually end up in the current formation since 2015. Everyone knows each other through mutual friends one way or another. We all live or lived in and around Leuven around that time so it wasn’t that hard to bump into each other.

Belgium is where you are based. Is there a pretty active and opportunity-lean scene there?

It’s a pretty strange country music-wise, because the linguistic border between the French and Dutch-speaking part also divides the country culturally and, definitely, musically in two very distinct markets. The French-speaking south of Belgium tends to look very much to France for their musical preferences while, in Flanders, we’re a little more U.K./U.S.-oriented.  Because of this, there’s almost no exchange of bands/artists between the North and the South and, as a result, the Belgian market is very small. This makes it very hard to make a viable living out of being a musician.

Even with frequent national airplay and playing the big venues and festivals, it’s nearly impossible to earn a living as an upcoming band without looking to venture abroad (and that’s a really big step). At the same time, there’s a pretty vibrant scene being infused by several professional music-education programmes and a lot of ‘amateurs’ with big aspirations (like ourselves). This makes for a lot of ‘competition’ but also for a good breeding ground for a melting pot of styles and scenes. There are quite a lot of opportunities for gigging but there are only so many top venues that can host a decent club show. So; once you’ve entered that stage, the options are way less manifold. We’re still spoiled with a lot of world-class festivals, though, so that kind of makes up for it.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Jokko

Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

We actually just finished a club tour through Belgium and the Netherlands. We do have some festivals lined up for the summer but the main focus is on writing new songs at the moment.

Is a small tour of the U.K. a future possibility?

It’s definitely a future possibility. We’ve had some U.K. fans asking us to come over a while now. We even had some of them make the trip to our release show in Brussels last November so we can’t wait to return the favour! But, there’s nothing planned at the moment. Hopefully, 2019 will expand our touring range to the U.K.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

As said, we’re currently focussing on writing and we’re slowly working towards a first full album but it’s too early to tell when that would actually see the light of day. We do feel our debut album should be a sticker. We want to leave our mark with this one, so everything has to feel right about it. We’re aiming for the first half of 2019 but we really can’t make any promises there.

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Have you each got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

There have been a couple of definite highlights so far.

Playing the Sziget Festival in 2015 is surely one of them. This happened pretty early on in our current formation and immediately made for a pinnacle of our young musical careers. But, last year was really one long-lasting rollercoaster. Our music got picked up by national radio, giving us the opportunities you dream of as a kid. It’s really hard to pick one favourite. Playing Pukkelpop for almost 10,000 people was really awesome - but our first sold-out headline show in the legendary Ancienne Belgique club was also very fulfilling experience!

Every time a fan expresses that our music means something to him or her; the thought that your music really has an effect on peoples’ lives…that’s always special as well.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

It’s difficult to choose between an artist that we greatly admire or ones with a huge crowd. We’d love to open up for Bon Iver or Phoenix just to let them know how much we love their work. But, in terms of an enormous superstar audience, we would have to wait for Oasis to reunite or the next Daft Punk show, whenever that will be.

As for our rider, we’re pretty satisfied already. A few beers to lighten the mood are all we need! But, when we really can push the limits a masseuse and a personal cocktail guy would be nice.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

When you’re in a band, your bandmates are not just the guys you happen to make music with: they’re also your best friends. When practice is over, or after a show, don’t go home and get a beer together: have a party and dance the night away! Also, play as many shows as you can because it’s the best way to keep growing as a group - and you get to know so many interesting people.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Kid Astray/PHOTO CREDIT: Marius Midttun 

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

We’ve been jamming out to Kid Astray, a band from Norway. Their latest E.P. has a couple of great earworms. (Shout-out to Joanne!). Talking about Norway, we’ve taken a great liking to Sigrid and songs like Don’t Kill My Vibe or Plot Twist!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Sigrid/PHOTO CREDIT: Jonathan Vivaaskise

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

Well. We don’t, actually. But, we can honestly say that, even though it’s a lot of hard work, music is the unwinding for us. I don’t think we’ll ever get tired of writing new songs and trying out new ideas. There’s nothing like starting with a blank canvas and ending up with something that could eventually reach an audience of thousands. It’s like a proud sense of accomplishment you can’t really compare with anything else.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Yannick (Bass): Ultralight Beam – Kanye West

Nick (Guitar): Bonfire - The Hunna

Bastiaan (Drums): Press Restart – Walk the Moon

Bram (Vocals): Only We’re Naked – Zak Abel

Willem (Keys): Don’t Dream It’s Over - Crowded House

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Follow The Lighthouse

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INTERVIEW: Christopher Haul

INTERVIEW:

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Christopher Haul

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HIS new single is released tomorrow…

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so it was a great time to speak with Christopher Haul about If You Found Love. The songwriter explains its story and what it was like shooting the video (out tomorrow); what inspired his debut E.P., Something's Changed - and the artists who are important to him.

Haul reveals his influences and when music arrived in his life; what sort of gigs are coming up; what advice he would give to new artists; a few albums that are special to him – he ends the interview with a pretty rousing track!

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Hi, Christopher. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey. I am really good, thanks. I’m enjoying this lovely weather but my hayfever is really suffering. Urgh!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I am Christopher Haul; a singer and writer from South Wales – I am releasing my debut E.P. called Something’s Changed.

What can you tell me about If You Found Love? What is the story behind the track?

If You Found Love is a feelgood song about coming across that someone or something you have a strong connection with and, essentially, love. It’s about holding on to it and not being scared of giving it your all.

It seems like the video was pretty cool and interesting to shoot. How much fun was it to make?

Thanks. Yes; the video was fun to make. It was in Central London on a Saturday and we filmed it right in the middle of all the tourist attractions in London. People were stopping in their tracks to watch what we were doing. Some people came up to me for an autograph and a photo which was quite sweet.

Phil Whitehead co-writes. Was it a good experience working with him?

Phil is a great guy and we both get on really well, which makes it much easier to share ideas and collaborate; then, neither of us feels like we are not adding to it or feeling left out.

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Can we expect any more material later in the year?

ABSOLUTELY! Now I have my first E.P. ready, I am back in the studio recording my next one. I am listening to a lot of '80s Synth-Pop for inspiration. 

You have modelled and worked in musical theatre. Was music a natural move for you? Was it nervewracking making your first moves?

Growing up throughout the '90s, music seemed to be a natural thing for me. I loved all the big boybands, girlbands and film soundtracks like Titanic (My Heart Will Go On), Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (Everything I Do) and The Bodyguard (I Will Always Love You).

 How has your music tastes changed through the year? Does your background in music theatre go into your own music?

I would say I have always loved Pop music: you could say I am a bit of a ‘Pop Tart’. But, I have found myself listening to more old-school sounds like the Eurhythmics, even ABBA. The music is pure genius. I don’t really mix the musical theatre stuff with my music. I had so many people telling me over the years how good I would be in musicals as well as on stage performing my original music that an agent of mine asked would I be up for it. I thought, ‘You know what. I would try anything once’; so I did it and I loved it!

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Can we see you tour this year? What gigs do you have coming along?

Yes. I am currently doing gigs throughout U.K. and Europe. I will be performing in Sitges this Sunday (17th June). I am in at the East Barnet Festival on 7th July; Croydon Fest 14th July. I’m in Hamburg at The Paul Schmidtchen Theatre and Cardiff Pride in August. 

 Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?

I am always setting myself goals and pushing myself. I would love to release my next E.P. before the year is out and get a number-one record from it (you have to think big, right?!). Also; I am working on my own clothing brand called House of Haul which I am hoping to launch in the next couple of months.

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Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

My most favourite memory with music was probably when my cousins and I used to put cassette tapes in our little mini-stereos and plating What’s Going On by Four Non Blondes and scream at the top of our lungs: “WHATS GOING ON!”. Hahah! 

Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

The three albums that mean the most to me are probably:

Backstreet Boys - Millennium

Whitney Houston - The Bodyguard (soundtrack)

Sia – A Thousand Forms of Fear

(If you ask me in twelve months this might change).

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Keep focussed and work quietly on what it is you want to do. Depend on nobody and don’t take things so serious - and enjoy the ride. Oh…and believe in yourself: the universe will work it all out.

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Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Other than ME?! Haha. I saw a great artist called Bekah at a gig recently and Valerio Lysander. He has is quirky and great!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Valerio Lysander

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I do try and unwind by taking time out at the beach and listening to the waves. I fell asleep at the seafront in Aberdeen the other day and the waves were hypnotic. It was so relaxing. I like to unwind by lighting as many candles as I can and just playing music and relaxing.

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).

Ahh. Thank you!  Could you play Sia’s Alive. That’s the sort of mood I am in right now!

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Follow Christopher Haul

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INTERVIEW: Gg

INTERVIEW:

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Gg

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MANY of us have had…

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rather unconventional lives and experiences. Gg has been involved with Russian mobs and had the sort of ‘excitement’ many of would not even dream of! I have been talking with the Russian artist about her latest track, Freezing, and how she is getting on.

She lets me into her world and discusses future material and whether she has progressed as an artist; if there are any tour dates approaching; whether she gets time to chill way from music – Gg tells me what the scene is like in Russia right now.

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Hi, Gg. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey! Kind of obscure, to tell the truth. I’ve been totally drunk at a Russian film festival; had a fight with a taxi driver (and had to defend Theresa May from an Armenian taxi driver in Moscow; no kidding) and all week have been trying to oppose being brainwashed by my fiancée’s mother. She’s a lovely lass, although Putin knows nothing about brainwash compared to her…

So, as you say in the U.K.: I’m fine, thank you…

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

Well. I’m Gg. I play Electro-Pop songs. I’ve got long legs, ginger hair; deep texts, a rich voice and poor friends from Russian mobs. I’m timid, modest and s*it but, if people ask “Who’s your daddy?!” - scream my name, God save the queen!

What can you tell me about your new song, Freezing? How did the song come together?

Well. I could say about broken hearts, recite some John Clare; but, to tell the truth - it was damn freezing in Moscow and I had just watched the last season of Game of Thrones.

Is there going to be more material later in the year?

Oh, yes: my third single and an album. I’m going to release a new album with some weird stuff. I don’t know how I came up with it….

Do you think you have progressed as an artist since your earliest days? Do you grow more confident with each release?

I’d say that I’m getting closer to my secret dream: an E.P. all in cockney.

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You are a Russian artist. Is there an active musical scene there right now?

I've just released an album. It’s kind of different in my mother tongue; kind of makes one think about how, in different countries, you become a different person - a nice, comfortable schizophrenic feeling. Generally, nothing is going on (on) the Russian stage. Let’s forget about politeness for a second: modern music belongs to the U.K.

Do you remember how you got into music? Were there particular artists that influenced you?

Bach. My parents took me to a Bach concert in my hometown. It was the ‘90s; we were in Russia; there were people dying all around, people got nothing to eat - and here it came. I haven’t caught my breath since that night, to be frank. It almost felt like Bruce Wayne – although, he would break in Russia.

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Can we see you tour this year? What gigs do you have coming along?

I wish I could answer ‘yes’, but we’ll see...

Do you think you’ll be playing in the U.K. at all?

Definitely. I’m honoured to have the chance.

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What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I’m going to make my own movie. As for music - the last few months were too busy; I’ve got to have some time off. Also, build a house; give birth to a son, plant a tree and all this - while looking gorgeous.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

Yeah. I do: every time my tour manager Steve begs me to bring him a Russian wife. It's nice to feel powerful; what can I say?!

Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

‘The White Album’ (The Beatles) by The Beatles; Highlands by Halsey and Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers.

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What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Stop. Reflect on yourself. Understand yourself in this particular moment. Accept that you can’t do it; not now, not later…not ever. Cause it’s all mine. Joking. Play your own music.

Never give in.

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

No. I don’t, actually. To unwind I write screenplays and sail; sometimes, simultaneously. I adore sailing.

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).

Well. It’s going to be Scooter’s Fire, then! My sweet childhood memories of Russian Disco-Dance. My favourite lullaby…

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Follow Gg

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INTERVIEW: Suzi Island

INTERVIEW:

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Suzi Island

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THE youthfulness and ambition of Suzi Island…

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is almost sickening but, given how nice they are, you can't get too depressed! I have been speaking with Hugh and Matt from the band about their single, Show Me the Way, and what it was like having Pete from The Vaccines produce it!

With a new track only a few days away; the guys talk about that and reveal what it is like living down in Brighton; whether there are new acts we should get our ears around; what gigs they have coming up – they select some great music to end the interview with.

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

Hugh: Hey! We’re great. How’re you? We’ve literally just been finishing up the final touches for our next release. It’s sounding crazy exciting. 

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?

Matt: So. We’re based in the sunny seaside space of Brighton and we get to spend our time making the music we want to listen to. 

How did Suzi Island come together? Can you reveal the inspiration behind the name?

Hugh: So. Basically, during our first year of uni, we misheard a quote on an episode of Friends. It sounded like a cool band name and it really just stuck ever since then. 

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Show Me the Way is your new track. How did that song get started? Was there a story that started the process?

Hugh: I always think that emotion is always the biggest part of a song. With Show Me the Way; it’s just this overwhelming outpour of emotion I had to get out into a song - it’s just that feeling of not knowing where you stand with someone when you’re so crazily in love with them. 

Pete Robertson of The Vaccines produced the track. What was it like working with him? Did you learn a lot of new skills?

Matt: Pete is crazy-good at what he does: we’ve learnt so much from creating stuff with him. I don’t know about specific skills, but he always has a good book recommendation; we have a good book recommendation thing going on.

Hi, Pete if you’re reading this and thanks for all the book recommendations…also; you definitely should check out his latest release, Aflame, under his artist name ‘Sunan’. Such a good song.  

Was it cool shooting the video? Whose concept was it?

Matt: Yeah. It was really good fun! Especially, working with the Brighton Film School. They were so incredibly professional to work with and loved the music too, which is such an important thing. It was such a beautiful day as well! Spending it on the beach wasn’t something we were gonna complain about.

The idea came about through a few brainstorming sessions with the students and the rest is history as they say. 

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Can we expect to see any more material later in the year? What are you working on right now?

Hugh: We’ve got a really important song called Actor that’s coming out on 27th June. It’s going to reshape what is expected of us. We can’t wait. 

You are a teenage duo from Brighton. Is it the perfect place to make music and find the inspiration you need? What is the scene like there right now?

Brighton’s always been such a cool environment. We used to live in a dark and gloomy basement flat but we’ve recently flipped the record and moved up to a top-floor apartment. The view makes the morning coffee taste better.

Matt: As far as the scene goes, I think musicians and bands will gravitate towards Brighton as it’s got the practicality of somewhere like London but with the addition of a naked cycling race every year. Who doesn’t love an annual naked cycling race?!

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Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

Hugh: We’ve got such a cool new live performance lined up for our next gigs. We’ve got some brand new tracks we’re dying to play! We’re also playing a night set up by Abbie McCarthy from BBC Radio 1 on 28th June which is going to be so great. Here are the live dates in full:

28th June - Good Karma Club (London) at the Sebright Arms

13th July - London, Notting Hill Arts Club

20th July - London, The Finsbury pub

27th - 29th July - Chiddfest, Chiddingly

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What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

As far as we’re concerned, we want to be the biggest band in the world. We know that’s a bit of a stretch before 2019...but, hey; we’ve got no choice but to make sure as many people hear our music as possible. 

Have you each got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

Matt: Definitely. When we were younger, a couple got engaged whilst we were busking one of our tunes. That was pretty magical! 

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If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

I guess, if we really wanted to set the bar, supporting someone like Coldplay would be pretty crazy. Just as they’ve had such an incredible ability to stay at the top of their game.

Then, probably something quite tame in our rider…an ice-cold Pepsi Max for me; maybe a Coke for Hugh…and a life-sized cut out of Christopher Biggins.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Hugh: I’d love to be all philosophical here but, in all honesty, we’re still breaking through ourselves! Have you got any advice for us?? Haha! 

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Naaz/PHOTO CREDIT: Valentina Vos

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Matt: I personally have been really into Naaz’s new album Bits of Naaz. She has a really cool sound; deffo check her out.

Hugh: Youth Sector also have a couple bodacious tunes out.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Youth Sector/PHOTO CREDIT: Jodie Canwell

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

Yeah. I mean, I think for us the highlight of living together and doing what we do is that music has become intertwined within everything we do. It’s funny because we seem to relax the most when we are just doing what we love - making music that we feel matters.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

I think we’d have to go with…

Fujiya & Miyagi - Collarbone

Milo (ft. Hemlock Ernst) - Souvenir

Absolutely amazing songs! 

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Follow Suzi Island

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INTERVIEW: Mercy Flight

INTERVIEW:

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Mercy Flight

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IT has been wonderful speaking with Steve…

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of Mercy Flight about the new track, Entropy. The band’s singer discusses its story and what tales and ideas go into their album, Humanizer. I learn how the band got together and whether there are any gigs booked in the diary – whether the Canadian group will also come over to the U.K.

Steve tells me about his start in music and influences; a new name we need to seek out; why technology, and the way we interact, is a key source of inspiration; how he spends time away from music – he provides advice to songwriters coming through right now.

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Hi, Steve. How are you? How has your week been?

Great, thanks! The record release party was a huge success last night: a packed house at the Piston and the band was on fire! So excited to be releasing the new album this week! So amazing!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I am the lead singer and songwriter of Mercy Flight. We are a dream-inspired Indie-Folk band from Toronto.

How did Mercy Flight come together? How did you find the musicians you play with?

Tony Rabalao (A.K.A. Lehlo) and I started running an open mic, Freefall Sundays (and making records), together about ten years ago which has been a galvanizing force in the evolution of the band.  Tony’s close friend and bandmate from Joydrop, Thomas McKay (also played in Moe and the Nightcrawlers), ended up producing and playing on the last three Mercy Flight records.

He brought in Ricky Tillo (Lady Gaga) and Dan Miller (Valerie Dour) on the last two records and Katey Morley (Gypsy Soul) joined the band a few years ago and sings B.Vs on our new record, Humanizer.

Entropy is the new single. What is the story behind it?

Entropy explores the importance of human connection in a disintegrating world; technologies designed to bring us together are tearing us apart and destroying our physical realities. Entropy is a reminder to connect in the moment.

Humanizer is your album. Are there overriding themes and ideas that define the record?

Humanizer explores the relationship between humanity and technology. The modern world is fraught with dehumanizing technologies. For example, one song is about breaking this cycle and getting outside “while the sun shines”. Another song is about an angel that wants to become human because he’s tired of immortality: “He wants to feel love”.  

It seems technology and the way we connect is important to you. Are we becoming more detached as a population?

Yes. I believe that modern technology is actually isolating us from each other. We can communicate with people from across the globe but we are not connecting well with the people right beside us, the people in our lives,  as well as we could.

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Tell me about your influences and what sort of music you grew up around…

My father was into Classical and Jazz. My mother sang me to sleep at night. I played the piano from a young age; violin and trombone as a pre-teen and later got into singing and playing Blues harp as a teen. I played in bars around town and eventually starting writing and singing my own songs. That was the beginning of what has been a lifelong pursuit of expressing myself through music.

I have had such a variety of influences. For example, Gustav Mahler and Erik Satie; The Psychedelic Furs and Tears for Fears; the Broken Bells and Tame Impala; David Bowie and Neil Young. My most recent influences are some of the emerging artists that I witness each week at my open mic. Lots of talent!

Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

We are definitely heading to Montreal and New York. No plans to go much further afield just yet. Although, that’s definitely something I’d like to do!

Have you performed in the U.K. at all? Might we see you here?

I haven’t, personally. I know other members of my band have. In fact, a few of them tour Europe and the U.K. with other bands. Lucky!

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What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

More of the same, really: keep writing music and playing live; maybe make a video.

Have you each got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

So many great moments at the open mic every week; spontaneous collaborations etc. and great shared energy and community-building with musicians from all over the world. It’s hard to pick one memory! I’ll have to think about that one.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

I’m not sure what you mean. You mean be a patron of the arts and support someone else’s career in music? There would be quite a few candidates! I wish someone would do that for me! (Laughs).

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Keep playing. It’s hard when life gets in the way, but stick to it! Music is its own reward.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Rose Cousins

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Rose Cousins.

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

For me, music is a way to unwind. I also like to get out into nature.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

I’ve really been enjoying Tame Impala these days. Anything from the album, Lonerism - or the Broken Bells’ After the Disco.

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Follow Mercy Flight

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INTERVIEW: Places Erupt

INTERVIEW:

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Places Erupt

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I have learned a lot…

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speaking with Places Erupt about their music and the new single, Bloggers. Lee from the band takes up most of the responses and tells me how the guys came together and what we will get from their upcoming E.P., 45 – I ask whether we need to punish those who are trolling and attacking people on social media (Bloggers looks at trolling and its effects).

I discover the type of music the band respond to and, given the choice, which artists they love to support; if there are some new acts we should turn our attention to; if there are gigs booked in the diary – the Canadian band tell me whether a U.K. jaunt is a possibility.

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey! It’s been exciting. We premiered our video on a projector screen at a wicked venue in The Junction; a neighbourhood in western Toronto.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?

We describe ourselves as a tempestuous sextet. Visualize orchestral music, Rock; Shoegaze and Post-Punk swirling about in a tornado and this band is at its centre; flanked by defiant, dancing black swans.

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Can you tell me how your single, Bloggers, came together?

Lee: I wrote the words and vocal melody and they instantly clicked with Greg, who matched a guitar part to it in minutes. The song came together very quickly. Content-wise, I had been meaning to write about trolling for a while. Once I had the first line written, the rest flooded out. Bloggers was the first of the family of new songs that comprise the E.P., so marked a significant sonic turning point for us.

Its themes of trolling seem ever-more relevant. Is it something we need to be more hard-line on – when it comes to punishment and prevention?

It’s hard to support hard-line punishment because you would be wading into free speech territory - and free speech is a sacred thing. In extreme cases, where people feel threatened, people can be prosecuted in Canada and the U.K. Regarding prevention, then absolutely; engaging with kids from a young age on the harmful effects of cyberbullying is crucial.

Similar to when you don’t feel like you’re spending money when you use a credit card; a lot of people are disconnected from the consequences of their actions online. There’s almost a sense that their words go into the cybersphere and stay there, apart from the everyday world. The more we talk about the adverse effect these actions have on people and on public discourse, the more we can hopefully discourage it. It’ll never go away entirely but maybe it can be like smoking - where many people still do it but significantly fewer people than before.

There’s an interesting podcast called Conversations with People Who Hate Me in which the host contacts people who have sent him hateful messages online and has a civilized conversation with them on the phone. In each of these conversations, the people he speaks with express regret and embarrassment at having written such terrible things to him. But, they likely never would have second-guessed their actions if they didn’t actually engage with him in a direct conversation. This behaviour can change but it requires a full societal effort.  

What was it like working on the video for the song? How did you come to select Pedja Milosavljevic as the director?

I was in a video that he shot for another band and met him that way. We were all so impressed by his work ethic, enthusiasm and dedication to the project. The most hilarious part of the process was going to a Rage Room in northern Toronto to shoot the footage of smashing plates and bottles that you can see in the background (in the bridge section of the video). Dressed in protective gear, we were given baseball bats and golf clubs and a couple boxes filled with breakable objects: plates, bottles and old stereos. We blasted the Pixies and Snapped Ankles and went to work for an hour.

Probably, the only time I’ll ever go to a Rage Room but I have to admit it was an incredibly entertaining and satisfying sixty minutes. So, yes; it was tons of fun working with Pedja. Ha.

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Your upcoming E.P., 45, explores various issues. How would you define it? What sort of thing will you be talking about?

Our music has always tackled serious subject matter: our previous work is a bit more sombre. This E.P. marks a shift with our sound in which the songs are feistier than any of our previous material. The songs cover everything from tourists to Tinder; to trolling to entitled film producers; to the current and forty-fifth President. The lyrics tend to both laugh at and lash out at the terrifying times in which we live.

Of all potential things to be anxious about in this world, the President sits right at the centre of it all. So much pain and anxiety can be sourced back to him, so we felt it was appropriate to acknowledge that with the title of the E.P. Never mentioning him by name, of course - because he doesn’t deserve that much.

How did Places Erupt get together? When did you all start playing together?

Greg and I started writing songs in a grimy apartment in Little Italy a few years ago. I met Anna backstage at a concert we were playing with our previous bands, where she was serving people caviar. Anna brought her lifelong friend Katie into the band and we all performed as a quartet; practising on my balcony in Baldwin Village, where passers-by would stop and listen in the street and applaud. We shared a few bills with Mike Legere’s other band, Century Thief, and he offered to join. Finally, Mike Johnsen joined the band last summer to help heighten and diversify our sound…

Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

We’ll be performing Canadian tour dates in the fall. Show dates will be posted on our site: www.placeserupt.com

Will you come to the U.K. and play at all?

 We would absolutely LOVE to. Fingers/toes crossed we’re able to pull it off.

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What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

We have a couple other videos we’re preparing to film that we’re REALLY excited for. Releasing the E.P. in the fall, after which we’re ready to take our sound anywhere. Maybe we’ll petition Elon Musk to be the first band to play in a Martian desert.

Have you each got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

One of my favourite memories is from when we were on tour in northern Quebec up in Gaspesie. We performed at a place called the Sea Shack, which is a series of tepees, yurts and cabins right next to the Atlantic Ocean. We were put up in a huge yurt for the night, which was heated with a wood stove. We played two sets, during which I spoke broken French the entire time - and we all saw the Northern Lights for the first time ever. It was unbelievable.

Greg: I saw Nine Inch Nails on their Year Zero tour. I still can't understand how they pulled off the huge transparent digital screen that Trent Reznor used to physically program the drum machine for Zero Sum at the end of the set…and that was in 2007!

Mike J: We have this festival in Toronto called NXNE and it used to be a club-hopping dream! Every venue in the city would have five or six bands playing each night for a whole week from all over the world. The first time I went, when I was nineteen; my friends and I biked around the whole city and must have seen about fifty bands. Never forget that summer!

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If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Lee: I’d love to support St. Vincent. She’s been a HUGE inspiration over the years. She’s five albums-deep and her music hasn’t lost any of its richness or lustre.

If I could choose my own rider, it would contain smoked salmon, Montreal-style bagels; raspberry and lemon gelato, freshly-squeezed pineapple juice; concord grapes and Hamilton microbrewery Collective Arts’ Mash Up the Jam dry hop sour beer.

Greg: I’d love to tour with the Philadelphia band Man Man. They’re creative and accessible and they always get the crowd moving!

I’d need a Soda Stream, limes and single-malt scotch - and an endless bowl of original Ruffles chips (crisps).

Mike L: I would support Wye Oak.

My rider: soda water, craft beer; veggies and hummus.

Mike J: I’m not too particular with who I’d play with. I’m happy to hang with anybody.

As long as the venue has a seven-foot-long couch for me to nap on and a pair of long black socks (can’t have enough) then I’ll make it through alive...

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Lee: Capture the music while it’s fresh - and don’t look back.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Wye Oak

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Mike L: Wye Oak.

Greg: He’s not brand-new, but Nick Hakim has been on all of my playlists for the past six months. The Green Twins album came out last year and it’s perfect.

Lee: I loved the Snapped Ankles album, Come Play the Trees, last year. Waylon Jennings’ album, Dreaming My Dreams, is one of my favourite discoveries of the past year. It was made in 1974 but was new to me. Nils Frahm’s All Melody, released this year, is excellent as is his new E.P., Encores 1. Also, Pusha T (Daytona) and Tinashe (Joyride).

Mike J: I’ve been listening to the new Bombino album on-repeat. That guy has got some serious talent, I’ll tell ya.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Tinashe

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

Lee: I actually spend a lot of my free time screenwriting, which isn’t always relaxing but is one of my absolute favourite things to do. As far as unwinding, reading a Tennessee Williams or Martin McDonagh play; watching classic films, catching Shakespeare in the Park; going to arcade bars, dancing at D.J. sets and playing Frank Ocean and T. Rex on my organ (music relaxes me too).

Greg: I take my chill time just as seriously as I take my music. If it’s summer, I ride bikes and jump into lakes. All other times of the year, I brew and drink beer and listen to Beastie Boys with an old friend.

Mike J: Playing in three different projects leaves me with almost zero time to chill away from music. But, that’s cool because music is my chill space…or a very long R.P.G. (role-playing game) that I play through over a couple of months.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Lee: Elvis Presley - Early Morning Rain

Greg: Nick Hakim - Bet She Looks Like You

Mike L: Wye Oak - The Louder I Call, the Faster It Runs

Mike J: WHOOP-Szo - Another Show

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Follow Places Erupt

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INTERVIEW: WNT-AL-N

INTERVIEW:

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WNT-AL-N

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NOT many people have chatted with Missy Elliott…

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and gained kudos from her! Not only has WNT-AL-N received praise from one of music’s titans but there is a lot of interest around his new single, Leave It on the Floor. I talk with the Atlanta-based songwriter about his current song and where he goes from here – he reveals his influences and what the scene is like where he is.

WNT-AL-N discusses working for a charity called Blue Dragon and work outside of music; why he has moved over thirty times; if we will see him in the U.K. at all – he picks a few albums that have helped shape who he is.

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Hi, WNT-AL-N. How are you? How has your week been?

Wonderful. I’m in Singapore at the moment; getting ready to head back to Atlanta.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

Hello, world! It’s pronounced ‘WENT-ALL-IN’. I'm just a kid from Atlanta that wanted to get out and experience the world (and did). Music is my first love and is what drives much of what I do. I also have a Dance background and art and human expression is what speaks to me the most.

I've lived overseas for a lot of my adult life and travel, history and culture has always been a part of life since a young age. I'm a drummer and percussionist first. What you see is a reflection of my life experiences. I love people and want to touch and inspire as many as I can.

What can you tell me about your new track, Leave It on the Floor?

This record is about finding a place where you can release and be fully yourself without being influenced by life's pressures. It’s about goin’ hard and leaving it all on the floor. Clearly, it's a record that moves so, with dance as a major part of my life, I definitely want it to make people dance, feel good and celebrate. It's what I do. I go hard in everything I do so WeNT ALl iN = Leaving It on the Floor. 

Is there going to be more material coming down the line? What are you working on?

Yes, indeed. I have a ton of music and I'm dying to put it out. We are stepping out with singles but, definitely, an E.P. and some mixtapes will be put out soon.  

How did you get into music? Were there particular artists who inspired your sound?

I'm a drummer first. I started playing when I was five and started in church from seven-year-old. My mom was the music minister pretty much my whole life and everyone in my family plays at least one instrument and sings. It's always been a major part of my life. I've been inspired by tons of artists: Chopin, James Brown; Andre 3000, Michael Jackson; Louis Armstrong, Missy and Timbaland; Gene Kelly, Pharrell; Tracy Chapman, Bob Marley; Busta Ryhmes, Stevie Wonder; Roger Troutman, Ray Charles; 8Ball & MJG - and my mom and God.

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You have moved over thirty times! What was the reason behind so many moves?! Do you think you are a bit restless as a person?

We were poor growing up. Like, in fifth grade, I moved four times in six months cause we had no home; so we bounced around living with family friends. I was kicked out when I was sixteen and lived where I could.

As an adult, I've moved because I want to see and be inspired by different things. Different perspectives and being a bit uncomfortable has allowed for a different kind of growth and understanding. I hate moving, actually, but love traveling. It allows me to talk about things in a different way – so, I wouldn't say restless but I do have large goals and I.O.L.O. (I only live once). 

If you had to describe your aesthetic and sound to a new listener, how would you respond?

It's Eclectic, authentic, honest and colorful: I got something for everybody. 

You work alongside Blue Dragon – a charity that assists children who are homeless, disabled or victims of slavery and human trafficking in Vietnam. How did you get involved with them? Are these issues the government in Vietnam is ignoring?

Yes. The first time I was there, I led a group to work with B.D. A lot of these kids don't have homes or a proper place to receive education in the most basic sense. Sex trafficking and slavery are very common in this part of the world - and the main focus is getting them off the streets where there's a high risk. It's also providing a sanctuary to any survivors.

I've been working with them over the last few years using dance, music and art to inspire and educate. There's so much potential in these kids and most in their position will never have these opportunities - so any chance I get to do things for the kids I'm there!

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Can we see you tour this year? What gigs do you have coming along?

I'm working on that as we speak. Now that I have some music out that is THE PRIORITY! I can't wait to get the chance to share and bring 'em into my world.  

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I'm brand-new, so I just want to get in front of people. Def touring, festivals and features. I am always ready to build with the right creatives. 

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Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

I remember the first time I talked to Missy Elliott on the phone. She had seen my E.P.K. and our managers set up a call. You know when you've grown up hearing someone's voice...when she answered the phone, I was like: ‘Damn! This is really Missy!’. I don't really get star-struck but it def was a moment for me.

Another was the first time we met at her crib in Atlanta.

Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

ATLiens & Aquemini – Outkast; Thriller – Michael Jackson and Tim's Bio: Life from da Bassment – Timbaland...

But, there are many that could take that last spot. Tim's Bio’ inspired me, sonically, cause Timbo was experimenting and really had found his sound. 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Start with the Ps: Patience, Persistence; Passion and Prayer. Put the time into your craft and never stop tweaking and growing. Be humble and surround yourself with people that are passionate about you and/or your vision. 

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IN THIS PHOTO: Sharaya J/PHOTO CREDIT: @haroldjulian 

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

My girl Sharaya J isn't that new but she's about to start really emerging. Check her out on The Four: Battle for Stardom on Fox (Season 2). She's the real deal. We got some ones together, too (smiles).

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I try and stay balanced: sports, reading; travel, movies; making fashion and other artsy things and, always, family time.  

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).

Kanye West & Kid Cudi (ft. Louis Prima) - 4th Dimension…that's where I stay. 

 

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INTERVIEW: RUN iN RED

INTERVIEW:

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RUN iN RED

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TIME to speak with the mighty RUN iN RED…

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about the single, Fade Away, and what its story is. I learn how the band got together and what the scene is like in Dublin right now; if there are new artists we need to look out for – they talk about gigs and future plans.

I discover whether the guys will come to the U.K. and what they hope to achieve before the end of the year; if they have favourite memories from their time in music; what advice they would give to fellow artists – the guys select a song each to end the interview with.

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

Hi, Sam. Great, thanks. We’ve been getting all the final prep work done for Fade Away - the video and single - which we just released yesterday!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?

We’re a three-piece transatlantic band with members from the Dublin, New York and U.K. music scenes. We have a lot of experience in the music industry and are channeling that into RUN iN RED - to take it as far as we can. We released our debut E.P., The Revelled Theory Mind, in 2017 and are about to release our next single, Fade Away, on June 14th - and will celebrate that with our own show in The Sound House, Dublin on June 29th.

This will be the first single off our upcoming second E.P, Undercover, Overthrown. We like to describe our music as having an urgency and importance in realising one’s self in relation to the experiences life gives you. ‘Run’ represents urgency; ‘Red’ represents a passion for life: ‘Run in Red’.

What is the tale behind your latest single, Fade Away?

As you may already know, RUN iN RED is a transatlantic band with Neil being from Baltimore in the U.S. Fade Away was written about being homesick and in love at the same time and the choices you must make that will affect every bit of your life ahead.

Is there more material coming a bit later this year? What are you working on?

Yes! We plan on releasing at least one more single and video from our second E.P., Undercover, Overthrown, in August and are working to gain a slot at one of the later summer festivals. After that, we are releasing the full E.P. and will then be back to record again come the autumn.

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How did RUN iN RED get together and start life?

Neil and Paul met through an audition and kept in touch with some rehearsals and writing. Following that, RiR started initially as a solo project with Neil, and then, by connecting with Paul again in 2016, the two started to record demo tracks and improve the sound of the band. Jim joined the band last August to complete the line-up and fill the sound - and we have been going strong ever since.

Dublin is where you are based. What is the city like for an upcoming young band?

We have a lot of previous experience in music scenes, in cities, all around from the likes of Baltimore, New York; Derry, Belfast and, of course, Dublin. The benefit with Dublin (is it) being a smaller city with a global reputation. We are able to cut through a lot of static media to reach people in this town who appreciate our music.

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Do you remember the musicians that inspired you growing up? Are there any key discoveries that stand out?

We are inspired by good quality songs and production - songs that connect and make you feel something. Ones that you can still get something out of even after ten listens. Because we three have different backgrounds, it adds to the complexity of our sound. From Dave Matthews Band, John Frusciante; Beach House and Yeasayer to Pink Floyd, Radiohead; Primus, Jeff Buckley; Van Morrison, The Police…we could go all day!

Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

We want to capitalise on this new release by getting our name out there more and then work hard to get a slot at one of the later summer festivals in 2018. As we have a member from Baltimore in the U.S., and all have experience in the industry, we would like to get our music to audiences stateside as soon as we can. We have also been offered slot at a festival in Basle this summer.

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Have you performed in the U.K. at all? Might we see you here?

We have two members from the North of Ireland and, playing in previous bands, we have played in Derry, Liverpool; Belfast and London - and will definitely be booking more dates in the U.K. this year.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

We'd love to gain a larger following through our releases and some support slots and then set up a modest autumn tour. Additionally, we will be recording our new tracks for release in late-2018. We have our own recording studio in Dublin city centre, so we are constantly writing and working on our music and stage show.

We have also started setting our studio space up to film a series of cover and original songs, primarily for our YouTube channel. We have built up a very strong following on Instagram, Facebook and Spotify as an independent act and will continue to grow that fanbase; planning to capitalise upon this with constant engagement, live shows and releases.

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Have you each got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

Jim: My favourite gig ever was with a Blues band that toured the North of England. A friend of ours ran a little Staffordshire pub and we played the last night before he gave the keys to a new landlord. Seemed like the whole town turned up - it spilt out into the street and, as everyone nipped home for their instruments, we gained about a dozen extra members with harmonicas and brass, accordions and all sorts. Not so much a lock-in as a block party; until everyone fell over. Great night.

Neil: Performing in The Rock Shop in Brooklyn, N.Y. was a highlight because I spent time living in N.Y.C. and would always go and see my favourite bands perform there; then, one day, I found I was on stage…

Paul: Playing at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin as a relatively unknown act in 2013 was a great experience.

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If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

I think the Weeknd because I really like that tune, I Feel it Coming, and that guy seems pretty chill. U2 would be an obvious one, but to watch them closely and learn how they do things and bring their audiences on a journey would be amazing. Not to mention the opportunities and people you could reach.

As for the rider: a warm-up rehearsal room would be great…and then some basics; plus, alcohol and a PlayStation would keep us happy!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Record any way possible, release often...and promote the hell out of your music. Don’t wait for perfection: get out and take the risk now. You can always get a nine-to-five again or play in a cover band - but some opportunities only come around once.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Stone Sea/PHOTO CREDIT: Kelly Levacher

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Stone Sea, who we supported recently, as well as The Barefoot Soldiers and Daniel Sean Kenny.

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Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

At the minute, things are very full-on in the lead-up to the release and headline show so, right now, even when we’re not playing, there is constant work going on behind the scenes. We love it, though. When we do get time away it’s great to just do nothing and have no deadlines for a while.

Then, before long, we usually find we want to be back and playing!  Neil was recently on holiday with his wife in Malta and ended up on stage at a gig at a show in Valletta - so that is a form of relaxing for us in itself!

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Yeasayer - Henrietta

Glass Animals - Life Itself

Editors – A Ton of Love

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Follow RUN In RED

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INTERVIEW: Abi Wade

INTERVIEW:

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Abi Wade

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THERE is a lot to love about Abi Wade…

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and I was excited to ask her about the recent single, Laws & Mankind. Her debut album, Beautifully Astray, is out and it is picking up a lot of attention – I ask what it was like recording the album and whether there was a story behind Laws & Mankind.

Wade discusses working and recording in Brighton; moving to London and changes she noticed; which artists she takes guidance from; some new acts we need to get behind – she tells me the three albums that mean the most to her.

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Hi, Abi. How are you? How has your week been?

Great, thanks. I'm busy prepping for some exciting new projects (smiles).

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

Yep. I'm Abi Wade. I'm a multi-instrumentalist and work a lot with the cello - and exploring different techniques. I also sing and play the piano. My debut album, Beautifully Astray, was released this year.

Laws & Mankind is your new single. Is there a story and inspiration behind the song?

Laws & Mankind is a questioning of human nature; it explores different themes around profit, power; the history of human rights and morals. But, there is a narrative within the track as well and it's written from the first-person…

Beautifully Astray, your debut album, has been out for a few weeks. What has the reaction been like to it? Was it a good experience recording the songs?

It's amazing to have it out in the world. I have been creating and developing the tracks for quite a while - the project became a bit of a cocoon which has its pros and cons. It's great to finally be able to release it. I have had such lovely personal responses to the tracks - which is really touching – and playing out live again is great: you get much more of an immediate response to the pieces.

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You employ Classical instruments and create a unique sound. Did you take to music very young? Was the tactility and physicality of instruments the reason you were curious and passionate about playing?

I don't remember beginning to play the piano, so I must have been very young. My grandmother played and, although she lived in another country, she would play duets with me whenever I saw her. I do remember having my first lessons, though. I begged to have lessons and a brother of a boy at school taught me a few things on an old Casio keyboard (I think it must have been a Casio). Then, I began Classical lessons with the most amazing piano teacher. I think, from a young age, I was intrigued by musical instruments; full of so much potential that could be unlocked by the player...

So, yes, I think the physicality was definitely something that appealed to me. That connection and power of the physicality of sound, alongside the concentration it takes to play, can be completely engulfing and very therapeutic.

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The songs on the album were written in your Brighton flat. What was it like recording in the flat? Did a lot of the field recordings we hear come from Brighton?

Yes. A lot of the album was written in my Brighton flat in Norfolk Square (or in Sticky Mike's Frog Bar) in The Lanes. I would set up for the day and write in the basement there until that night's band came to soundcheck - and I would have to pack up and move on. I continued to develop tracks when I moved to London, too, and had my little studio set up in a room in my Camden flat.

I recorded a lot of the location sounds in Brighton; I had moved to London at the time but I wanted to go back to Brighton where I knew I could capture sounds that I either couldn't get or didn't know how to get in London.

How important was it moving to London? Did you notice a change in sound and ambition when you relocated?

I love living in London. There are so many exhibitions and events to go to - it is kinda crazy. I don't know if it changed the sound for my album but I think moving to a different place means you make the effort to make new acquaintances…and I am so lucky to have met some amazing people in London who have taught me a lot.

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Are there particular musicians who you take guidance from when it comes to your voice/lyrics/music?

I meet up with a group of wonderful musicians every month or so. We share a lot of thoughts and discuss all sorts of things about music and releasing work, so I definitely get a lot of guidance from them. I also have a few friends who I share records I love with, and vice versa, that definitely inspires me. Dan Copeman (Esben and the Witch) guided a lot of the process of creating the album; as I wrote demos, I would meet up with Dan and chat through tracks and possibilities. He was really amazing throughout.

Can we see you tour this year? What gigs do you have coming along?

I have a gig on 23rd June in Cambridge; Brighton on 31st July and London on 1st August. I will also be touring the U.K. in September, so definitely check out abiwade.com and sign up to the mailing list for updates.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I have a new A.V. project called Gestalt I am currently writing tracks for based all around London with installations etc., so that is going to be really exciting. I have a new Abi Wade track to write and release in response to the anagrams received from my interactive album artwork. I am also working on a set of tracks in July which I will be travelling away for. Details for this will be announced very soon.

It's going to be a super-busy 2018!

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Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

I have so many favourite memories: it's impossible to choose just one. Some highlights would be supporting Patrick Wolf at The Old Vic or Poliça at The Old Market - and CoCoRosie at The Dome. So many amazing festivals experiences, too…and writing. I love composing music, so those rare times I can just write without distraction those are very special to me too.

Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

Again; an impossible question...but three of my faves are...

Paul Simon – Graceland

Arthur Russell - World of Echo

Kate Bush - Hounds of Love

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Try to balance things out. It's a very fast-paced industry so you have to be pretty pro-active and self-driven, but you also need to give yourself time to reflect and seek out opportunities to create work that inspires you without being too overly-influenced by others. Patrick Wolf said to me that the most important thing is to have a great team around you. That always stuck with me.

I think choosing the right team to work with is very important: people who will support your vision but also guide the process and give new insights and momentum to projects.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Oliver Coates/PHOTO CREDIT: Gaelle Beri

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I am loving Smerz and Oliver Coates; Sudan Archive's incorporation of strings I find really inspiring; Mary Ocher...actually; you can listen to my June radio show where I play a load of new artists that I would definitely recommend checking out (smiles): Totally Radio Celebrating the Female Voice.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Sudan Archives/PHOTO CREDIT: Theo Jemison

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I have to admit; most of my life is taken up by music and everything that that entails but I do love to swim and, when I can swim in a lake, river or the sea, that is my truest unwind I think...

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).

Ok, great. Can you play a track from either Arthur Russell's World of Echo or Julia Kent's Asperities. If you haven't heard these albums before definitely check them out - excited to see which song you choose (Sam: I’ll go for both albums…)

INTERVIEW: ABQ

INTERVIEW:

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ABQ

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THE Belfast band ABQ (Albuquerque)…

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discuss their current single, Takes So Long, and whether they will follow it with more material; what the scene is like in Belfast right now; if they have any gigs lined up in the diary – which artists they are inspired by and draw guidance from.

I learn what their live set consists of and which new artists we need to back; which musical memories stick in their mind; what they want to achieve before the end of the year; the advice they’d give to upcoming musicians – the guys end the interview by selecting some awesome songs.

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

Hi, Music Musings and Such. Thanks for having us. ABQ are all, collectively, in good shape. We have all recently all moved to new digs so we have spent this week settling in and rehearsing for a stripped back gig we have coming up.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?

We are Albuquerque - or ‘ABQ’ for short. We are Paul, Adam; Kit and James: four Irish fellas living in London playing music together. Our sound is full-frontal Indie-Pop. Vocals with an Irish twang; stick-in-your-head melodies, anthemic guitar riffs and a pumping rhythm section. It all comes together for an energetic and genuine live show.

Takes So Long is your current single. Can you talk about its background and inception?

The song came from the frustration that most people feel at some point in their lives that the good things are taking a little longer to appear. This, I think, can lead to the temptation to just cash in and accept where you’re at; so we wrote this song as an anthem for those who keep on moving forwards - to champion that person who is constantly told that it’ll never happen.

Is there going to be more material coming from you guys this year?

Yeah. We have more songs in the pipeline to be released in the near-future; the first of which is a song that anyone who has been to an ABQ gig will have heard: it’s called Edge of the Earth and has been a personal favourite of mine for a while now.

What is the scene like in Belfast? Is it easy to get gigs?

It’s extremely difficult to break out of the Belfast music scene. It’s a small city with funding and opportunities hard to come by. It’s very difficult to get over to the mainland U.K. to play shows and promote yourself. In that sense, Belfast definitely gets overlooked and it’s one of the reasons we decided to relocate.

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In terms of sounds and influences; which artists inspire you most?

We’re a pretty varied bunch in terms of personal influences but, when it comes to ABQ; I think we’re pretty much uniform in our aspirations. We love the energy and production of bands like Imagine Dragons and Twenty One Pilots: they’re constantly surprising and changing with their sound and it makes them exciting bands to follow. We also have a huge love for Irish bands like The Frames, Bell X1 (and) And So I Watch You From Afar, which we listened to a lot growing up and helped shape the music we make.

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Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

We’re doing a show with Sofar Sounds in London on 19th June and, following that, we’re in the midst of sorting out our next U.K. tour for autumn (to coincide with our next single). I can’t share any details just yet but, if you keep an eye out on our socials over the next month or two, there will be a lot more details coming.

In terms of your live set; what might we expect if we come and see you play?

The goal we set ourselves is a ‘stadium-esque’ show, no matter the venue size. Whether we’re playing the O2 or a flat stage in a day-lit pub, we will treat it exactly the same. Our songs are anthemic: they’re easy to sing along to, even if you’ve never heard them before, and they pack a bit of a punch.

It’ll get loud…

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

2018 is a foundational year for us where we want to elbow our way into the U.K. music scene and create a bit of a buzz for ourselves; releasing our first couple of singles and playing as many shows as we can whilst still being patient and choosing the right opportunities for the band.

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Have you each got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

My favourite memory is the time we spent at Rockfield Recording Studios in Monmouth - especially the late-night sessions; sitting in this beautiful incredibly historic studio, writing and recording with my best mates; having a few beers and playing a piano Freddie Mercury had frequently used…can’t get better than that.

For me (Adam), touring with The Rocket Summer last winter was cool. It was our first proper tour together and, with a bit of luck, we started with a biggie; getting to play some really nice venues around the UK. Finishing the tour in O2 Islington was a treat.

Kit: Playing The Great Escape in Brighton this year was a real highlight for me. I had always heard of amazing bands going there every year; so, to get the invite for 2018 and play three great shows over three days by the sea?! Incredible!

Mine (James) is a recent memory of playing this year’s Great Escape in Brighton. Usually, with any gig, there will be a great deal of sitting around and waiting to be done for soundchecks or doors to open. With the nature of The Great Escape, this was not the case: we were able to play a few shows and (be constantly) spoilt for choice with who we could go and watch next.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Just because their music has been with me my entire life, I’d have to personally choose Radiohead or Thom Yorke to answer the question more appropriately…I think that would be an unforgettable experience. For our rider, I’d have to insist on burritos being shipped directly from Boojum in Belfast. Since moving to London, I’ve yet to find a burrito to rival them - and then we’d have a selection of Brew Dog drinks on-tap. There would also have to be a Nintendo Switch and a copy of Mario Kart. That’s a deal-breaker.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

The most important advice ever imparted to me in this industry was to learn how to be patient. If you can master that and apply it to situations which may feel very exciting, it can save you from rushing into the wrong deal, wrong team and any other number of bad calls. A bit of patience in order for the right people or time to be found is essential. That being said; this isn’t something that can easily be learnt if it doesn’t come naturally.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Joshua Burnside

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

We will stick to our roots and champion a few artists with an Irish background who are creating some really nice music right now. Joshua Burnside, who released a debut album last year, is receiving some well-deserved acclaim. He is one of the best lyricists we know. JC Stewart, with his devilishly silky Pop vocals...and Blue Americans, who are full of style and creating some ultra on point, minimal Electronic-Pop.

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IN THIS PHOTO: JC Stewart

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I read a lot. I feel a bit off if I don’t have a good book to read. Same goes for comics and graphic novels. I also swim a lot. Makes me sound a bit like a dad on holiday: “A good book to read by the pool” but, in all honesty, that sounds incredible.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Paul: High Five - Sigrid

Adam: MGMT - Little Dark Age

Kit: Psycho - Post Malone (ft. Ty Dolla $ign)

James: EASYFUN (ft. Iiris) - Be Your USA

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Follow ABQ

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INTERVIEW: Corey Durkin

INTERVIEW:

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Corey Durkin

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FROM the London-based wonder of Charlotte Black…

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PHOTO CREDIT: Emily Swift Photography 

I move my scope to the wonderful American, Corey Durkin. The unique artist talks about his single, Rest My Bones, and how his skills as a speaker and entrepreneur bleed into his music – he recommends some new artists and talks about plans relating to U.K. appearances.

Durkin tells me about a few albums that are dear to him; some new artists we need to champion; how he spends time away from music; whether it is true he lost a boxing match with Orlando Bloom – Durkin completes the interview by suggesting some legendary, cool-as-hell Boyz II Men.

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Hi, Corey. How are you? How has your week been?

My week has been amazing because I bought a pair of space cat parachute pants AND a matching windbreaker - I honestly don’t know how it could get any better.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

Hi. Those of you who are new to my music, I’d like to introduce myself: my name is Corey Durkin and I’m a coffee-house arena-rocker from the woods of Connecticut where we just got running water installed two years ago.

Rest My Bones, I guess, is your most-recent single. Is there going to be more material later in the year?

Yes, indeed! My next E.P. comes out on August 1st and I’m hoping to have a new album out by the end of the year (which is called New England).

I know you are a speaker and author. How did you get into music and get bitten by the bug?!

The music came first, actually! I started seriously playing the guitar in eighth-grade and then, two years later, decided to leave high-school to pursue a career in music. That’s generally regarded as a bad idea by all musicians but it led me on the journey into the world of biz and now, here we are!

Do disciplines and skills needed to be a great speaker and entrepreneur help when it comes to music and your songwriting?  

Eh. On the music biz side of things, certainly, the same principles apply. Business is business, after all. As far as songwriting, I don’t think the skills are very similar, at least, not for me. I don’t have a rigid discipline around songwriting in the way that I do with, say, writing email marketing campaigns.

Music-wise, it comes in waves for me: I just let it happen and when something cool comes out of the clouds, I’m lucky enough to catch it and know what to do with it. It sometimes helps to wear a raincoat when catching cloud-matter, because you never know if it’ll start raining.

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When did music get into your life? Which artists did you grow up around?

Well. One of my earliest memories is of my dad playing Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen in the car…and pretty much, that’s all I needed to hear in so much as that song contains a deep commentary on the trials and tribulations of the people in and around the Roman province of Arabia Petraea.

Freddie wrote a lot about the Byzantine Empire, though this is unbeknownst to most. Lots of the '70s in my life when I was growing up - my dad played a lot of Led Zeppelin, the Eagles; Billy Joel, Jackson Browne; James Taylor…

Is it true you lost a boxing match to Orlando Bloom?! How did that happen?!

I’m really not at liberty to talk about the specifics regarding this boxing match, but I CAN tell you that, afterwards, I ate an entire six-person meal from Boston Market which only consisted of their mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese. It’s a common misconception that you should carb-load before a big event when, really, doing so AFTERWARDS produces the best results…

Can we see you tour this year? What gigs do you have coming along?

Well. You can SEE me on tour but you can’t HEAR me on tour because what I do is I play silent shows where you can visually enjoy me singing into a microphone and playing a guitar but no sound comes out. (Silent films had a big impact on me as a kid).

But, no, I’m not much for the touring. I host a concert series in Connecticut that’s gotten pretty big and that’s a great live outlet for me…but in terms of touring, not for music. For SPEAKING, yes. But, that’s another story. Which, apparently, I’ll answer in the next question!

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Will you come to the U.K. and play here?

It’s funny you mention that because I’ll be headed to the U.K. to speak in the fall! I’ve developed a new program called Money Mastery which teaches people how to take control of their finances in a way that none of the ‘supposed’ financial gurus has ever taught. It’s completely based off of my experience as a young entrepreneur who had to figure out WHAT IN THE WORLD to do with my money and I decided that I’d rather have control of it instead of just giving it over to someone else!

So. That program has caught fire and I've been asked to speak at a ton of incredible events and conferences - and I am SO passionate about helping people understand the best ways to run their finances and having total control. The U.K. talk(s) are going to be amazing and, perhaps, we’ll have to work on booking a U.K. show while I’m there! I mean…why not?!

Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?  

Well…now, I want to play a show in the U.K.! (Smiles). Yes. I have a new book coming out in the fall and, hopefully, will have the New England record done by the end of the year as well! I also want to go on the Connecticut taco trail which is, apparently, a thing, and, if you Google it, you’ll see that it is, in fact, a trail full of tacos…and how could anyone not want to do that?!

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

Yes. This one time, my good friend and keyboardist, Peter Inzero, sang the fourth verse of Only the Good Die Young by Billy Joel with, let’s call it, ‘a cursory knowledge of the cadence’. But, his voice was so magical and angelic that it lifted the roof off of the concert hall and we all levitated for about thirty-seven seconds.

Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

Running on Empty - Jackson Browne; Honkey Chateau - Elton John and A Night at the Opera - Queen.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Write a song. Then write another song. Then write another song. Then write another…and use better grammar than the answer I just gave…

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Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yes! My friend Cal Kehoe is an unbelievable musician and you should definitely check out his stuff. We have an amazing music scene here in Connecticut and in the Northeast in general. An artist named Gracie Day is amazing, as is a great artist named Frank Viele - who just put out a new record a few months ago!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Gracie Day/PHOTO CREDIT: Anna Lennard

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

Ha. Yeah, actually; most of my time IS spent away from music so, actually, my ‘unwinding’ usually involves sitting down at an instrument and playing! I play a lot of drums in my studio, so that’s always a good unwinding thing for me.

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).

I would like you to play something by Boyz II Men, please.

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Follow Corey Durkin

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