INTERVIEW: Eleanor Nelly

INTERVIEW:

 Eleanor Nelly

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SPEAKING with artists making their first motions…

PHOTO CREDIT: @georgiaflynncreative

into the music world is very interesting. You get that fleck of excitement and the slight nerves; the hunger and open-eyed desire. Eleanor Nelly has been talking about her debut single, Polaroid, and how it developed (sorry!); what it was like filming the song’s video; whether there is more material coming this year – she reveals some upcoming artists to investigate.

I ask her which musicians have influenced her and whether she has a favourite memory from her career; the three albums that mean the most to her; if we can catch her on tour this year  - the songwriter ends the interview by selecting a classic Folk track.

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

Hey! Ah; it's been good - just lounging in the sun trying to catch any kind of tan I can get before the weather goes miserable again, really. Haha.

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

I'm Eleanor Nelly; an eighteen-year-old singer/songwriter telling my stories through my music; letting people into my little world using my guitar.

Polaroid is your debut track. What is the story behind it?

This was one of the songs I wrote on my trip to Nashville last year! It was the last day of the trip and I couldn't stop thinking about how gutted I was to be going home. Haha. So, I took that into the session and told Andrew DeRoberts, who I wrote the song with, about how I didn't want to go home and (how we) face problems with our government in the U.K.

But, then, I knew the issues in America with Trump were bad too. It was just about wanting everyone to stop for a minute and (just) focus on the world and how beautiful it can be without us ruining it...just like looking at a polaroid!

The video looks like it was fun to film. Where was it shot? Was it a good experience?

I loved filming the video for Polaroid! We filmed it in the ‘Bombed Our Church’ in Liverpool, on a freezing cold day. Haha. I was so nervous because I've never done a music video before; so, I was so worried about how it was gonna look watching myself back but it such a good video! It was so much fun - even just spending the day in the church and learning things - and seeing things I'd never known even living in the city and walking past it every day.

It seems you have been busy the past year or so! Are we going to see more songs later in the year? What have you been working on?

It's been a crazy year. I've got some more songs on their way very, very soon and an E.P. to be expected soon, too! I spent a lot of this year collecting, writing and recording the songs for this E.P. - so I'm really excited for everyone to hear what's been going on!

Do you get a buzz from songwriting? Does it make you feel safer and more alive?

Songwriting, for me, is so therapeutic. Back when I was in a really bad place in my life, songwriting always allowed me to put them feelings somewhere; somewhere safe. (It was) Just a way I could tell people what was happening and what I was going through without actually having to tell anyone.

Which artists inspired you growing up? Did you always have that love of music?

I always loved being creative; I’ve done acting, dancing and then, eventually, music and writing! Growing up, I always had music around me and I can't really imagine life any other way. I grew up in a city where music is the heart of everything!

My first inspiration was Sandi Thom - and my reason for getting into music! She was the first gig I went to when I was eight and she took me under her wing really!

Liverpool is where you are based. What is the city likes in terms of music and energy?

Liverpool's music scene is special. It's such a supportive network with soooooo many talented people! Some of my favourite bands and artists of all time are local and I love it. Especially, watching local musicians getting so far with music - it makes the city so proud always.

Will there be any live dates coming up? Where can we see you play?

There are a few dates coming up more towards the end of the year! I'm playing a local festival called Shout About It festival next month in Liverpool which is to support local bands as well as photographers wanting to gain experience!

PHOTO CREDIT: @roosvelting

Then, in September, I'll be supporting one of my longest friends at his headline gig - also in Liverpool! More dates always pop up so I always tell people to keep an eye out because I'm always somewhere playing. Haha

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

Before the end of the year…hmm; I'm not sure! Honestly, I have done most of the things I have always wanted to do so the rest of the things are all possibly next year's goals or goals for the next five years - like release an album, get back to Nashville; play Glasto!

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

Ahhh; I have so many memories. My favourite one has got to be my first gig. I was like twelve or thirteen and went down to this pub in Liverpool called The Albert. I turned up and literally had to play one song because they were worried about me being in there because I was so young…so I got up and played Valerie. People played along with me and sang with me - and it was just the start and I didn't even know it! It always gives me such a warm feeling thinking about it.

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

My three fave albums would probably have to be Kacey Musgraves' newest album called Golden Hour; Joni Mitchell’s Blue and, probably, John Martyn’s Solid Air.

For me; they always remind me of certain points in my life and I can connect with almost every song on each album. It's all about connecting with music to me!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

To any new artist coming through, I'd say keep at it. If you love it, do it. If you want it, get it. If it feels right for you, go with it! I can't stress enough how important it is to keep going and keep being you - being original and you is so important. Do what your heart wants and everything along the way will fall into place.

Master your craft and grow with your music! At the end of the day, your music is your art and no-one else can change that or take it away from you so own it!

IN THIS PHOTO: XamVolo/PHOTO CREDIT: Robin Clewley 

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

So many artists I love that are up and coming! A band called Stillia (are ones I love). They are smashing it at the moment. Thom Morecroft is one of my favourite local musicians who just blows me away with his songs every time.

XamVolo is just a super talent - there are no words for how unreal that man is. Robbie Cavanagh is such a dream with his music. Also, Callum Beattie is one of my new faves. So many: I could give you books and books of artists to listen to...

IN THIS PHOTO: Robbie Cavanagh

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

When I need time I take time, but music for me is my chill. When the rest of the world gets too much, then music helps me but, sometimes, I like to just sit and have quiet time. But, honestly; I don't do anything else apart from music: I wake up and play my guitar and do up until I fall asleep.

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).

Oooo; I'd love it if you could play Sweet Little Mystery by John Martyn - one of my fave songs and artists!

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Follow Eleanor Nelly

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/EleanorNellyMusic/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/eleanor_nelly

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/eleanor_nelly/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/eleanornelly

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9jVPKip_7VTS5kxl_V9gIg

INTERVIEW: Ryan Keen

INTERVIEW:

Ryan Keen

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NOT many people can claim…

they have Ed Sheeran as a friend! I have been talking with Ryan Keen about Sheeran and their bond; what the story behind the new track, Never Let You Down, is; if there is more material coming down the line – Keen recommends some upcoming artists to get involved with.

The songwriter talks about an accident that almost cost him the use of one of his hands; how important being up on stage is; whether he gets time to unwind outside of music – Keen ends the interview by selecting a top tune.

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

It’s been great, thanks. Finally, summer has hit London!

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

Sure. I’m a singer/songwriter from Devon. I’ve been playing the guitar all my life (originally, flamenco) but my sound has a mix of influences on it. I used to be a session player and composer but, when I was twenty-one, I decided to make a go of being a solo artist.

Never Let You Down is your current track. What is the story behind the song?

I wrote the song for my girlfriend at the time. I was planning to move to L.A. and it was just my way of saying that she has nothing to worry about - that I’d make it work.

Is more material coming this year? Are you working on other songs?

Yes! I’ve written so much over the past year I have a lot of songs ready to release. I’m always writing; both for myself and for others – there is lots more in the pipeline.

You suffered an accident which almost took away your guitar-playing hand. Was that a moment you felt would end your music career?!

The accident was bad. I’d severed the tendons and nerves and had lost movement in my thumb. I didn’t think it was going to end my career though. I was completely determined to keep playing with whatever movement that I could get back. Thankfully, I made a good recovery - it's not the same but I’ve managed to practice enough to play as well as I used to with my thumbs slightly altered shape.

Which artists are important to you? I guess, being Ed Sheeran’s protégé, you rank him highly?!

Yeah; he’s amazing. I have nothing but good things to say about Ed. My musical taste is very eclectic, though; spanning pretty much all genres and over several decades.

There are a lot of good singer-songwriters emerging and remaining. Why do you think we prefer them over bands at the moment?

I think that there’s always going to be a place for singer-songwriters. Production is continuously evolving and different sounds and trends come and go but there’s something great about the stripped-back sound of a voice and a live instrument. It shows the true strength of the song.

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

My next gig is supporting Gavin James in Limerick in July.

Is the stage the place you feel strongest and most free? How important is it being up there and performing to the crowd?

I used to get really nervous when I first starting performing as a solo artist but now I love it. My style of guitar playing (percussive finger-style) is a very visual one that people seem to like.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

To just keep writing, releasing and touring.

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

There’s a lot...

I’ve travelled a lot with my music and I’ve been lucky enough to play at some amazing venues. I think standouts would be the Royal Albert Hall and the Sydney Opera House.

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

I would love to support John Mayer. His early albums were very influential on me so that would be incredible.

My riders are always pretty simple. So long as there is some whisky and some tasty food then I’m happy.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I don’t have the answers, but it’s definitely true that there is no substitute for hard work

 IN THIS PHOTO: Corey Harper/PHOTO CREDIT: @valentinaaa

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Corey Harper and Noah Kahan are both worth checking out.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Noah Kahan

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

I try and surf as and when I can. With music, I go to L.A., Australia; S.W. France etc. - so, I get some time then, normally. I also run a lot and meditate regularly – they both help me unwind.

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).

As I’ve just mentioned him; let’s go with Noah Kahan – Young Blood

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Follow Ryan Keen

Official:

http://www.ryankeen.co.uk/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/ryankeenuk

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/ryankeen

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ryankeen/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/ryan-keen

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7LLZkvAZN3jH7srfTQ7woi

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/ryankeenmusic

INTERVIEW: Wildeor

INTERVIEW:

Wildeor

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THIS job affords plenty of variety…

and musical nourishment. I have not met anyone or anything quite like Wildeor. I have been talking with the Alternative-Folk band about their mix of sounds and the inspiration behind their debut single, The Devil Makes Three – they chat about their eponymous E.P. and the stories behind the songs.

The guys talk about the combination of influences in the camp and how they take from Los Angeles and its vibes; how they got together and started making music; which new artists they recommend we get involved with – Wildeor reveal whether they are coming to the U.K.

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

Great, thank you! No complaints.

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

We are an Alternative-Folk band from Los Angeles, California. We combine a mixture of Folk, Rock; Classical and Celtic influences in our music.

The Devil Makes Three is your debut single. Can you reveal the story behind the song?

This song is inspired, in part, by my life growing up in Northern California - there are a lot of references to the wildness of the land that represents the sense of abandon and freedom in the song. Ultimately, it’s about letting go; being a little reckless and embracing the risks you take as part of an adventure you’re meant to have.

I drew inspiration for this from periods in my life when I felt like maybe I was heading in the wrong direction or making mistakes - and wanted to recapture a kind of devil-may-care feeling; focusing on embracing the experiences I was having instead of worrying about where they would lead.

How did Wildeor get together? When did you find one another?

We came together in summer of 2016; so we’re coming up on two years as a band. I met Mark one day when I was sitting outside the music building at UCLA talking to a friend. Mark knew the person I was talking to and stopped to say ‘hi’. I mentioned that I was starting to put a band together and he said: “Well; if you ever need a cellist…!”.

As for Caleb; I reached out to a friend in the UCLA music department who put me in touch with a percussion teacher who put me in touch with some of her students…one of whom was Caleb. We all started playing music together and became good friends pretty quickly. Over time, the band gelled and became more serious.

Tell me about Wildeor's eponymous E.P. and the themes explored.

It’s an eclectic mix of songs and themes. Northern County Line and The Devil Makes Three are both adventure-themed songs but Northern County Line is tinged with sorrow and nostalgia for the past and The Devil Makes Three is more about breaking free - and has more of a sense of danger, thematically.

Rain on the Moon is a good-old heartbreak song about being betrayed by someone you care for. Come Down explores the hopefulness of possibility and desperation for change. Slow Moving Water digs into depression and despair - that song is all about catharsis and expressing a kind of darkness that just takes over. It’s probably the most powerful song that we have and certainly the most emotionally intense for me as a singer and writer.

Being based out of Los Angeles; do you take a lot from the city and its history? What is it like recording there?

I came here from far Northern California - California is quite a long state so, when I moved here, it was basically like moving from another state. Or another planet. The topography, culture etc. is radically different. I actually draw more creatively from the wilderness I grew up with: the forests, rivers; mountains, etc. But, over the years, I have started to draw on the L.A.-area deserts and cityscapes as well.

Some of the music has been inspired by feeling out of place in a city that is so different from what I knew and who I was. To some extent, it still is. Recording here is pretty great although it can be expensive as well. But, there are a lot of options to choose from depending on where you are in your career, what your budget is and so on. 

What sort of music did you all grow up around? Do you share tastes?

We all have a Classical background. I grew up around Classical musicians and my parents played a lot of Folk music from the '60s and '70s. I started singing Classical music at thirteen and then Opera in my teenage years, so that was a pretty profound influence on my singing and writing. Caleb and Mark both started in Classical music at an early age as well. Mark started playing the cello when he was eight and Caleb started playing the drums in middle-school.

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

At the moment, we are doing regional tours so you can catch us throughout Southern California. But, we are hoping to branch out and explore the East Coast as well.

Do you reckon you’ll come to the U.K. and perform this year?

That would be amazing. I have a real fondness for the U.K. and I think we’d all love to do that. We don’t have plans for that currently but, if an opportunity came our way, we would definitely take it.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

We are working on new music and our next recording project. We are working on a new single at the moment and hoping to release an album in the next year (also planning to produce a music video).

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

Our show at Hotel Cafe to promote our new E.P. was definitely a highlight. That was a great night. Definitely, it was a triumph for us and we had a great time - really, anytime we’ve been out playing together and celebrating music, our friendship and life in general.

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

Tough choice. Probably Florence + the Machine or Lord Huron. As Indie musicians, we are quite used to traveling and playing in all sorts of conditions so we’re not too fussy. It would be great to have access to bigger stages that give us more freedom in our performances.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Find your own, unique artistic truth and stick with it. Stay focused. Learn as much as you can but don’t be distracted by what everyone or anyone else is doing. Always follow up and follow through. Talent only gets you so far - the rest is hard work and perseverance.

IN THIS PHOTO: Elephant Revival/PHOTO CREDIT: Athena Delene Photography

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Elephant Revival. They aren’t necessarily new but they’re very Indie. They combine an awesome mix of Folk, Bluegrass and Celtic influences.

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

We are all pretty immersed in music most of the time. Fortunately, music is as therapeutic as it is demanding. But, we also often do things unrelated to music - going to events in L.A., getting other groups of friends together; board game nights etc.

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).

Megan: Remembering a Beginning - Elephant Revival

Mark: Spanish Flea - Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass

Caleb: Ludwig van Beethoven - Symphony No. 9 in D Minor Op.125: Ill Molto Vivace

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Follow Wildeor

Official:

http://wildeormusic.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/wildeormusic/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/wildeormusic/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/wildeor_music

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0LEjAz445lYe88dFozRMiV?si=iUUR0cEXRoqiCzfE_76dPg

INTERVIEW: Stalagmites

INTERVIEW:

Stalagmites

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I have just got back from Manchester…

so I was very excited to speak with the Manchester-based band Stalagmites. The guys talk about the scene there and give me the skinny regarding their latest track, Projectile Dysfunction. I ask how the band got together and whether they share tastes in music – they recommend some upcoming acts to investigate.

The chaps reveal whether more music is coming; what their favourite memory from music has been; whether they have any gigs booked in the diary – they provide some useful advice for fellow artists.

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

Great, thank you very much. The week has been glorious as the weather has been cracking and lots of people have been saying nice things about the single - including Steve Lamacq and Robin Murray to name a few!

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

Bradley Lynch on the bass guitar and the vocals; Daniel Jones on the drums and Alex Hardman on the guitar.

How did Stalagmites get together? When did you start jamming?

It was the year 2010 or '11. Brad started off songwriting and Alex thought he'd like to get involved with that and so we set off writing tunes in the style of our favourite bands. One Gumtree post and a quick practice later and Dan joins the band.

The end.

Projectile Dysfunction is your latest work. Is there a background to the song?

It's about the journey that you go on being in a band in the modern age: trying to keep a band together amidst an ever-changing landscape and navigating the treacherous music industry.

It sounds like the song gelled naturally in the studio. Was it an interesting track to write?

The bare bones of the track came together fairly quickly and relatively pain-free but then the real magic happened in VIBE Recording Studio (as it usually does!).

Will there be more material later in the year?

Yes. We have another single ready to go and potentially an E.P. If the E.P. isn't this year, then it's early-2019!

Is Manchester a great city to make music in? Are you inspired by the history and current quality coming through?

It is a great city to make music in as there is always something going on. You can walk down the street and find inspiration. It's great.

What sort of music did you all grow up around? Do you share tastes?

I'd say that we don’t all share the same taste in music but we're all open-minded enough to listen to what we are each playing that week - from Echo and the Bunnymen to Kanye West; from Aphex Twin to The Carpenters. All tastes!

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

We're sticking to the studio for now with the odd show in and around Manchester to test out some new material. Keep an eye out on socials.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

We’re quite simple in our goals. We just love making music so, if we can continue to get the same feeling after writing each song that we have gotten for the last two singles (Binary and Projectile Dysfunction), then we are winning.

Even better if all these wonderful blogs keep writing about us.

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

I think, for all of us, it would have to be being played on BBC Radio 6 Music by Steve Lamacq, and then, Tom Robinson. We're all big fans of Radio 6, so to be picked up was a real high for us all.

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

To support, it would have to be Radiohead…

The rider would be simple: a few beers; a load of tasty bread like what you get when you go to a market in a village in the South of France or something (and a packet of dry-roasted).

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Just enjoy the whole process - whether you’re lugging your gear across the country to play a show or you’re just chilling in the practice room. Also; try to be different. If somebody says you sound exactly like another band then change it up…unless that's what you’re going for then it’s all good!

IN THIS PHOTO: Cavana/PHOTO CREDIT: Trust A Fox Photography 

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

TYPES, Cavana and Dirty Freud. They are all next level!

 IN THIS PHOTO: Dirty Freud

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

Bit of gardening; the odd bike ride and a few pints every now and then. Manchester isn't short of great microbreweries, so we get out to these when we can!

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).

Brad: Gruff Rhys - Shark Ridden Waters

Dan: Purity Ring - Lofticries

Al: Gaz Coombes - Walk the Walk

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Follow Stalagmites

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Stalagmites/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/stalagmitesband

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/stalagmites

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ayYhptJxEXnQ4sWThJhtu

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/stalagmitesband

INTERVIEW: Jareth

INTERVIEW:

Jareth

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ONE definitely experiences something…

spiritual, unique and entrancing when encountering Jareth. The London-based songwriter has been discussing the remix of her song, Bit by Bit, and working with Saltwives; how important London is regarding her drive and personality; if there is more material coming later this year – she picks a couple of new acts we need to follow.

Jareth picks three albums that mean a lot to her and reveals how she spends time away from music; I ask if there are any tour dates coming up and whether she always wanted to be a songwriter – she ends the interview by picking a rather epic cut.

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

I’m good (smiles). Thanks for asking. My week has been really pleasant; mostly because the weather has been so lovely.

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

Hi. I’m Jareth. I am a 'real deal', an all-round genuine artist - not to be confused with David Bowie’s character in Labyrinth. I am no Goblin King.

,

There is a remix of Bit by Bit out now. How did you come to work with Saltwives?

It's simple: I have an amazing team of pioneers that do wonderful things behind my back when I am busy being Jareth. In short, my people did their thing and connected my voice with the right musical wizards.

Knowing about the artists they have worked with; was it quite daunting working with one another?!

That is the great thing about being me: I was too busy living in my alternate universe; I basically had no idea.

What is the story behind Bit by Bit? Does it hold personal weight?

Everything I write holds weight. I am emotionally obese and music is my physical personal gym. I imagine everyone I know must be secretly haunted by my cathartic, artistic expressions because I am heavily influenced by my real-life experiences. I’m like a musical reality T.V. show.

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

Most definitely. I have the Moonchild E.P. en route and it’s going to reveal more of me, emotionally, which I am so excited about.

London is where you are based. How important is the city in regard to your music and sound?

London is so important to me. I see this city as my actual astral house. I’m so fully involved in its fluid fabric. I am the type of citizen that bins trash that isn’t my own just because I want the city to look cute. 

Did you always know you wanted to be a songwriter? Was there ever a moment of doubt?

Well. The thing is, when I look at my bank account, I don’t be getting no Adele vibes, which distresses me to no end - but I am semi-over it. I feel like I have to get to Adele’s level to answer this question honestly because, until I am there, I am no more a songwriter than the seagulls that wake me up in the morning.

Will there be any live dates coming up? Where can we catch you perform?

Catching me live will be a treat for everybody involved (mostly me). I like to live my life as a series of constant surprises; so, let the mystery of my live dates be a surprise for everyone involved.

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

I just want to get as much of my art out there for people to access. It’s very important for me to share my seemingly mundane experiences with other unicorns.

ARTWORK: Russell Cobb

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

There was this time in Miami for Ultra Music Festival a few years ago when I was with my friend, Fran Lobo (another singer-songwriter). We were on a big yacht thing of a boat having so many cute moments at the floating bar with the captain.

We shared many London-style jokes; bringing our fellow Americans into London road culture and, obviously, took formidable selfies. I get that it doesn’t make for a good story but, you know what, you had to be there; it was very girl power, female boss - and it was so fabulous.

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

Spiceworld by the Spice Girls connected me with my inner-Geri: just because I am black doesn’t mean I am automatically ‘Scary’.

The Writing's on the Wall by Destiny’s Child confirmed to me I am actually Kelly Rowland secretly being Beyoncé.

Back to Black by Amy Winehouse awakened me to my inner-dark side.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through? 

Until I see my bank account at level-Adele, I actually need to be quiet; take several seats and not advise any up-and-comings. In short; I need to be a real-life household name before I guide any artists anywhere. I’m fabulously lost.

IN THIS PHOTO: Martyna Bake

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out? 

Martyna Baker and Purple Ferdinand. They are very real and so easy on the ear; extremely soft on the soul…especially if you have been through some tough times.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Purple Ferdinand/PHOTO CREDIT: Olivia Rose

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

I chill out every time I close my eyes (this includes blinking). I am addicted to most, if not all forms, of meditation. Like the trees, I take the business of successful breathing very seriously.

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).

Kano's (ft. Benga) Forefather is great for zen meditation and (just) general filtering out of imaginary haters who are totally and secretly obsessed with your being. It’s super-good purge music (smiles).

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Follow Jareth

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/JarethMusicOfficial/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/JarethMusic

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jarethofficial/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/jarethmusic

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/jarethmusic

INTERVIEW: Stealth

INTERVIEW:

Stealth

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STEALTH has been talking with me…

about his current single, Gotta Stop Loving You, and what its story is. He tells me about the E.P., Chorus, and whether there are particular themes that run through it – the songwriter reveals how his music has evolved and built since the earliest days.

Stealth recommends some new artists to look out for and discusses touring; how classic artists like Etta James are important; what advice he would give upcoming artists – he ends the interview by choosing a great song.

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

It’s been great! My single, Gotta Stop Loving You, dropped Friday just gone and it’s been getting a great reaction. So, I’m very happy.

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

I’m Stealth. I’m a singer/songwriter from Birmingham who makes modern Blues/Soul music - and my mum thinks I’m pretty good at it.

Gotta Stop Loving You is your new single. What is the inspiration behind it?

I wrote the song after breaking up with a long-term girlfriend. It was the right call from her but it didn’t make it feel any better. I wanted to write a song that, essentially, said I don’t blame you for anything and I’m not angry...but, sh*t, this hurts like hell.

It is from the E.P., Chorus. Are there particular themes and ideas that influenced the songwriting?

The only real theme running through the E.P. is me. All of the songs written on the E.P. have come from a pretty personal place.

Your music has developed and evolved over the years. How do you feel you have altered as an artist? Do you keep picking up new sounds and colours?

I’m always looking for new things to inspire me and new ways of writing. However, I always get drawn back to that old-school sound. As an artist, though, I feel surer of myself; there seem to be people out there who are enjoying what I do which is giving me the confidence to push myself to make better music. I think this E.P. shows that. I really feel this is the best stuff I’ve put out to date (shock horror. Haha).

When did your attachment to music begin? Did music come into your life early?

I was the biggest Elvis fan when I was about four. I used to dress in shiny pyjamas and put shows on for people. As you can tell, I’ve always been an introvert...

I get a sense classic Blues artists are important to you. Are people like Howlin’ Wolf and Etta James heroes?

In a musical sense, yes. They are legends. Both of their voices are iconic. I’ve always been drawn to music that makes you feel and, when you hear Etta James sing All I Could Do Was Cry; Christ alive, that gets me in the feels!

Also; I defy anyone not to like Howlin’ Wolf. The guy doesn’t sing songs he bites chunks out of them.

Your music has received millions of streams and been heard on T.V. Does that sort of backing and kudos give you huge confidence?!

My parents do stream my songs a lot, yeah (smiles). But, in all seriousness of course it does, yeah. Like I said earlier; it just gives you confirmation that you’re doing something right. But, at the same time, adds that valuable pressure that you need to keep putting out good music.

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

I’m playing a headline show at Laylow in Notting Hill on 20th September. Tickets will be available on my Facebook page.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Is world domination too much to ask for?

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

I was broke and I was sofa-surfing/living in my car and I had landed a sync on Suits (Judgement Day). I remember laying on my mate Luke’s floor at about four/five A.M., when it airs in the U.S., and watching my social media just go insane! That was the first time I really felt like, ‘SHHHIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTT, THIS IS HAPPENING’. Those sorts of feelings come few and far between in this industry so I hold on to that one.

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

The hard thing about this question is I’ve been asked it a few times then the person I say goes off and dies, so I don’t know if I should say! Haha. But, Fleetwood Mac would be a dream for me. Especially if we could get Peter Green up for a few tunes; maybe Black Magic Woman or something.

A rider would be no-frills beer, beer and beer (my tastes may become more Rockstar if this E.P. does well).

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Be a plumber…

Honestly; do what you want. No one really knows what they are doing – we’re all blagging it - so make stuff that makes you happy and that you want to listen to because there is a possibility your gonna be the only one who ever hears it. But, if it does do something it will be credible and you’ll be happy to stand by it.

IN THIS PHOTO: Son Little

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

He’s not really new but I love Son Little. I think he’s amazing! Also; a good friend of mine, Cameron Bloomfield, is a very, very talented young man.

IN THIS PHOTO: Cameron Bloomfield

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

Love my rugby, love my pubs - so; I do a lot of watching rugby in the pub.

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’ll Make It Up to You - Clay Hammond

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Follow Stealth

Official:

http://www.stealthmusicuk.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/stealthmusicUK

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/stealthmusicUK

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/stealthmusicuk/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/stealthofficialmusic

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6f3R3mqKR3kHp1KBNMUn80

INTERVIEW: Vera Carlbom

INTERVIEW:

Vera Carlbom

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THE terrific Vera Carlbom has been discussing…

her new single, Bottoms Up, and filming its video. I ask the Swedish songwriter what the scene is like where she is and whether she is heading on tour this year – Carlbom reveals whether there is more material coming down the lines.

She tells me what she hopes to achieve before the end of the year; what her favourite memory from music is; if the determination and spirit we hear in her music is natural – I ask whether Bottoms Up’s themes of no-good men is taken from her own life…whether she has had experience of those types of guys.  

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

HI! I’m really good, actually. I’ve been sick the last couple of weeks but I’m starting to feel better now so, right now, I’m just enjoying life (smiles).

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

Yes! I’m an eighteen-year-old artist from Stockholm. I’ve been working as a producer, songwriter and artist for a couple years now - and I just released my debut single Bottoms Up. I love to make out on Sundays and my favourite movie is The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D. 

Bottoms Up is your latest single. What is the story behind it?

I wrote that song on the bus and produced it the second I got home; sent it to my producer Jonathan and we both fell in love with it. It’s a song that makes me both laugh and cry. It’s both cocky and vulnerable at the same time. 

I guess no-good men and their dishonesty drives the song. Have you encountered your fair share of idiots and time wasters?

Yes, of course. I’ve met some fuc*ed-up people but none are in my life anymore. I’m all for letting people who don’t deserve me go. 

What was it like putting the video together? Was it interesting to film?

It was SO FUN. We were partying and filming at the same time; that’s why the video looks so real. You really get the feeling that this is something you’ve experienced yourself. 

Is there more material arriving later in the year? Might we see an E.P. down the line?

Yes. I’ve been working on my mixtape for the last couple of months and we’re just finishing up the last touches of it as we speak!

You certainly have a lot of determination and attitude. Is that strength and defiance a reason you keep on pushing and aiming high?

I’ve always believed a lot in myself and my attitude is something I was born with; so aiming for the stars is in my veins. It’s natural for me. 

Being based in Sweden; is there a good music scene there? How does it differ to somewhere like the U.K. and U.S.?

Well. They say that Sweden has the best musicians and I believe that’s true. I just came back from a month in L.A. and the scene is definitely different: it’s harder to have a context there, but L.A. is where I wanna be based in the long-run, so it’s just to get used to it.

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

I’m gonna play a little bit everywhere in Sweden this summer, but it would be really cool to play in both U.K. and U.S. anytime soon.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Releasing my mixtape and the singles after it; start touring a little bit and start working and finish my album.

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

Yes. I was in Diplo’s house in L.A. and signed one of his basketballs he has in his kitchen. HOTSAUCE!

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Follow Vera Carlbom

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/VeraCarlbom/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Vera_Carlbom

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/verahotsauce/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG5Iu-bJcJixG74jcAs71XQ

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6h3ninqpmqZ3QXcbFtqGj1

INTERVIEW: Benedict Cork

INTERVIEW:

Benedict Cork

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I have been chatting with Benedict Cork…

about his current single, Ghost, and filming its video at Red Gate Recorders. Cork talks about future plans and shares advice for artists coming through; which new musicians we should be listening to; a special memory from his time in music – Cork discusses touring and why he loves to travel.

I ask what it was like working with big names (including Adam Lambert) and what he wants to achieve before the end of the year; the sort of music he listens to away from his own – Cork tells me how he chills and unwinds.

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

I’m really good, thanks. Just moved back to London after a couple of months away and it feels so good to be home. Looking forward to catching up with everyone and everything I’ve missed - and making some new tunes.

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

Sure. I’m Benedict. People call me ‘B’, ‘Ben’; ‘Benedict’ or ‘Benny’. I write kind of soulful piano-led songs and try to tell stories about my life and lives around me in my music. I like to keep it really personal and intimate.

Ghost, your new track, is out there. Is there a story and specific event that inspired the song?

I went through a pretty sad break up last year where we both just sort of fell out of love with each other. There was nothing and no one to blame - and I think that’s almost harder than if someone had done something really hurtful. The song’s about that feeling of always being emotionally connected to someone, even when they’re not physically in your life anymore.

Its video was recorded at Red Gate Recorders. What was behind the decision to film there? Was it a fun video to shoot?

Yeah, so fun! We were scouting venues online to find a really beautiful space and the team were brilliant. I loved the really homely mood of it and all the old artefacts made it feel like I was playing in someone’s living room. We actually recorded five videos in one day, which has then become my first E.P - Piano Tapes - and the next song is dropping next week.

You have worked with the likes of Adam Lambert and MNEK. How much do you take from the artists in terms of disciplines and experience?

I love collaborating. Co-writing is probably my favourite way to make music as you sit there and challenge each other’s ideas and push them to places where you wouldn’t necessarily go yourself if you’re just sitting at the piano and writing on your own. Working with artists like Adam and MNEK is amazing. It’s super-inspiring seeing someone else’s process and how they form their melodies and ideas, especially when it’s super-talented artists who you really respect.

Might there be more material coming later in the year? What are you working on at the moment?

Yeah. The next track and video from the series are coming next week and then the full E.P. will be dropping later in the year. I just got back from L.A. and Stockholm where I was working on loads of new music too. I need to take an afternoon, sit down with a cup of tea and listen to everything to start figuring where I want to go next.

What sort of music do you usually listen to when not making your own? Do you have eclectic tastes?

I try to listen to everything. I love getting friends to send me their playlists so that I discover new stuff all the time. I actually just made a Spotify playlist on my profile called Benny’s Best Beats which has everything I love right now. I was going through it this morning and it’s pretty eclectic.

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

We’re actually just finalising plans right this second and should be announcing the first dates in the next week or so. We’re starting with London as it’s my city and I want the first show to be really special. Then, after that, I’d love to go everywhere! I’m a bit addicted to travelling so love the idea of going to loads of new places to play shows.

How does it make you feel when you are on the stage and performing to crowds? Is it your favourite place to be?

Yep, pretty much. The five/ten minutes before hitting the stage I get so nervous. Then, as soon as the first song starts, there’s this weird sense of release where you know you just have to ride the wave and it’s amazing. After about thirty seconds into the first song, I’m having the best time. There’s nothing that really compares to the immediate reaction you get from a live audience. I love working in studios – but, then, feeling it come to life in a live space is pretty awesome.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

It feels great getting this first body of work out. I wanna continue working on the next one, collaborate with some of my favourite writers and artists and start playing these shows. I’ve really missed playing live since I’ve been locked away in the studio for so long.

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

Ooo; good question. It would probably be the first gig I ever played which was at the acoustic club in my hometown, Bishop’s Stortford. I must have been around fifteen and played a half-hour set of covers. The local paper wrote a pretty nice review but said it was a shame I didn’t have any of my own songs.

I took it to heart because I’m clearly really sensitive and started writing songs the day after that review came out. So, thanks reviewer person for kickstarting my songwriting career.

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

Ahh; there’s so many. I would travel on Calvin Harris’ jet; take Rihanna’s rider and support Elton John. Does that work?

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I feel like I’m a brand new artist too so I’m not sure I can give great advice yet. But, I’d say make sure you’re doing what you love. There was a brief time a few years ago where I was working super-hard but nothing seemed to be working so I ran away to Stockholm, Sweden to just fall back in love with making music again.

I wanted to remember what it felt like to be that fifteen-year-old kid writing a song for the first time and not listening to all the other voices around me.

IN THIS PHOTO: Tove Styrke

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

There’s so much amazing new music around at the moment. I love Tove Styrke, Billie Eilish and Moss Kena. The new Jessie Ware album is beautiful. I’m a little bit obsessed with my old flatmate’s band LOVE SICK and my other ex-housemate Yadi just released this awesome body of work with her band Frank Gamble.

IN THIS PHOTO: Jessie Ware

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

Someone told me the other day that I’m an introverted extrovert. I still have no idea what that means but, apparently, I love being surrounded by good people and I also love being on my own. I go for really long walks around the city alone and chill in an art gallery for the afternoon. It kind of just depends on my mood.

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).

My tune of the week is Whethan – Superlove (ft. Oh Wonder). I’m a big, big fan of both of them.

_____________

Follow Benedict Cork

Official:

http://www.benedictcork.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/BenedictCork/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/benedictcork

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/benedictcork/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgfZgd0V1PVf4Lp3mVbBdiQ

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3x2c58AEVAjnJPpuz8ywTv

BLACK-AND-WHITE PHOTOS:

Paul Rusconi

INTERVIEW: Leuca

INTERVIEW:

Leuca

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KICKING off this week is Leuca…

who has been talking with me about his incredible track, Right Now, and working with Mike Green on it. He looks ahead to his E.P., Don’t Tell Me What to Do, and its influences; some newer artists we need to get behind; what he hopes to achieve before the end of this year – Leuca tells me what sort of music he grew up around.

The New York-raised artist shares a favourite memory from his time in music; discusses how he takes time out from music; gives some useful advice to breaking artists – he ends the interview by selecting a rather good song.

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

Hey, Sam! I’m well. My week has been long but very rewarding. I’ve been amped about this release and have received great feedback from it!

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

For sure! My name is Leuca. I’m a twenty-year-old singer/songwriter/rapper/producer born and raised in Long Island, N.Y. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember but didn’t really start pursuing my own career as an artist 'til around 2015 or so - just a few years!

Can you tell me about the new single, Right Now? How did that come together?

So. I wrote Right Now last summer. I was going through a rough patch in my relationship and I decided I’d write about it. In that same week, I wrote a few different songs concerning the same issue but this one stuck out. Mike Green, the producer of Right Now, and I had been cooking up tracks for months beforehand. We planned on putting out a project and we were in the process of compiling tracks. I brought this song to him as a voice note originally and he literally brought the idea to life.

After that, it was history. It’s been through so many different versions and so many ideas were added to it. But, I’m more than pleased with its final product.

You are working with Mike Green. How did that collaboration happen? What does he bring to the party in terms of guidance and music?

So. Mike and I met through another producer/engineer, EQ IIIrdeye, who executive produced my first project, Soul[o]. Mike came through to EQ’s studio one day and that’s how we met. Mike laid down guitar on a few of the tracks on Soul[o] and, shortly after that we started working together on our own stuff. Mike has definitely been one of the most challenging people to work with in terms of my growth as an artist. He’s brought me out of my comfort zone with songwriting and has helped me a great deal with it.

Along with Mike being an amazing guitarist, he’s an even better producer. So, being in sessions with him and picking his head, I’ve learned so much about production and song formatting as well.

Did he give you a push to record music and take your songs in new directions?

For sure. Without Mike, lots of the new music you hear; this year and for the rest of my life wouldn’t be the same. Like I said: he’s taught me a lot. That was just a matter of a year too, really: 2017.

Don’t Tell Me What to Do is out next month. What sort of themes influenced the E.P.?

Love, definitely. I was never one to make love songs like that. Soul[o] was filled with a bunch of stories and deep analysis of my home life. With this E.P., it’s more care-free and fun. I use the word ‘baby’ a lot (laughs). It’s way more commercial and open than any music I’ve ever made or been used to.  

Did you grow up around a lot of music? How important were those early years?

Music has always been my life and I’ve been involved in plenty, sports, dancing etc. It always circled back to music. I was on choirs all my life in church and later became a worship leader (and still am). One of my earliest memories of music is taking my older brother’s iPod when I was very young and listening to a bunch of Chris Brown. He was basically my idol. My mom always used to play cassette tapes and C.D.s in the house and the car (Alicia Keys and India Arie). I used to memorize so much of it. I’d say, without that kind of stuff, my interest in music wouldn’t be where it’s at today. I’ve always appreciated music.

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

I’m not too sure yet. Hopefully, we can book some shows soon. Nothing is set in stone as of right now.

Might we see you in the U.K. at any point?

I’d love to head out to the U.K. and perform. A bunch of random people always hit me up and show love from there all the time. When the timing permits, I’ll definitely be out there.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I’m trying to tour by the end of this year. I know, in 2019, I want to headline. This year, I’d love to support an artist on a tour: East Coast, West Coast; national, any. I’ve literally been itching to do so since the end of 2017. So, I definitely want to add that on my resume by the end of this year.

I also want to release, on top of Don’t Tell Me What to Do, another E.P. entitled Wake Up which is executive produced and performed by me. I want to place myself on the map, live off my music; maybe sell out a bigger venue in N.Y.C. and L.A.; if not by the end of this year, definitely the beginning of 2019. I’ve got myself on a timeline right now.

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

Definitely, one would be opening up for Xavier Omar and Avalon Young at the end of 2016 at Rough Trade in Brooklyn. I was hit up about the show a week prior; Xavier put the word in for me. That’s my brother. I’d never performed original stuff in front of a crowd that big and they were super-inviting, so much love. One of the best nights of my life thus far. I just wish to repeat that kind of experience with my name being the headliner.

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

Kendrick Lamar, Saba and Jon Bellion.

I’m really not that picky. As long as they have some water, tea (peppermint or ginger) and some honey lemon cough drops, I think I’m good. I also love sour candy but that’s terrible for your voice and your face - so maybe I should hold off on that (laughs).

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I say this all the time but never give up. If you have a dream, chase after it. I never imagined I’d be in this position and I know this is only a small fraction of all God has for me. Know yourself and know whose advice you’ll be taking into consideration. Not everyone wants to see you win or is looking out for your best interest so always stick to your vision and stay true to yourself.

If you spend too much time listening to everyone else or worrying about what they think, you’ll lose yourself in the process and that’s EXACTLY what you want to avoid here.

IN THIS PHOTO: Sylo Nozra

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Sylo Nozra, Mac Ayres; Xavier Omär and Nakesake.

IN THIS PHOTO: Marc Ayres

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

Sometimes. I spend a lot of time with my girlfriend. I connect most AND best with her. When I’m not working, I’m most likely either making music or hanging out with her.

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).

Forever Always by Peter CottonTale

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Follow Leuca

Official:

https://leucaworld.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/iamleuca/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/iamleuca

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/iamleuca/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/imuzicklivingforgod/videos

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/iamleuca

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3wCg2Idgypg6OjA0uDYctR

Bandcamp:

https://leuca.bandcamp.com/ 

INTERVIEW: UNBLOOM

INTERVIEW:

UNBLOOM

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TO end the weekend…

I have been getting to know UNBLOOM and what inspired his latest track, I Followed. He talks about the reaction following his song, Chances, and where he heads from here – I discover which artists influenced him growing up and why Canada, in his view, has such a varied and vibrant scene.

UNBLOOM talks about touring and unspent ambitions; which new artists/stables we should be looking out for; how he chills away from music – the Canadian artist also provides some handy advice for upcoming artists.

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

Hey! It’s been good; crazy-hectic with campaigning I Followed - but, totally a fun process to hear and see people’s reaction to it! Otherwise, I’ve been back in the studio working on more material.

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

Sure thing! My name is Jonathan Zarola and I write, produce and perform under the moniker ‘UNBLOOM’. I make music that causes people to move, emote and reflect (hopefully, simultaneously. Haha). I write and record everything myself from my home studio.

Your last single, Chances, got a lot of love and support. Did you expect so many people to react to it?

Honestly; you never know what to expect when you release a new song into the world (especially one that is so emotionally-charged and important to your life) so it was unbelievable to see how many people empathised with the song. It’s always gratifying to write music that resonates with people and, even more so, to know that you’re not the only person feeling the way you are.

I Followed is your latest track. Is it a reaction to that success? What inspired the song?

It’s interesting because I Followed was written in that awkward pre-release window where Chances wasn’t released yet but was still very emotionally fresh in my mind and heart. So, in some regards, the two songs share this symbiotic narrative in which both relate to feelings of instability and transition - and really, at its core, I Followed is a song about transition; a song that negotiates the tension between personal passion and societal expectations.

In some ways, the song deals with this millennial dread that seeps in where we start questioning what we want to do in life and what’s next.

Do you reckon there will be even more material coming before the end of this year?

I really believe so, yeah. I have some exciting collaborations in the works and other material that I’m fine-tuning. Releases are as much about questions of strategy as they are execution. I just have to make sure the timing between releases works for me and my team. 

You are based in Canada. Why do you think there are so many great Canadian acts coming through right now?

That’s a good question.

Sometimes, I think Canada has the highest rate of talent per capita than any other country. Haha. It might have something to do with the fact that we are so culturally and ideologically diverse. There isn’t a distinct ‘Canadian’ sound and that, in itself, is a huge asset. We aren’t bound by genre or specific sounds: we just do what we want because we live in a space that promotes anything and everything.

Give me a sense of the artists you were raised on. Do you recall the first album you bought?

My dad fed me a diet of Led Zeppelin, The Who; Jimi Hendrix and other classic Rock albums. I started my music career as a drummer (and he was one too) so that had a lot of influence on the kind of music I was raised on. That being said, I also loved electronic acts like The Prodigy and I remember buying their classic album, Fat of the Land - my dad was pretty into it too. Haha.

It just had this raw energy that I couldn’t articulate into words. I also had a pretty strong Emo phase, but I won’t dive too much into that (*wink*). Haha

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

Nothing is booked as of yet but you can expect shows to pop up as I gain some momentum from these latest releases!

Will you visit the U.K. this year and see us?

I would love to! If we see there’s an audience to nurture it, I’ll definitely make it a priority. Otherwise, I’ll see if I can live-stream a set in Canada for you guys!

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I think the primary objective is to continue building a loyal and supportive fan-base. I think the best way to do this in the current music landscape is to get featured on large Apple and Spotify playlists. That’s why I always emphasize to my fans to save my tracks to their personal playlists. It’s an algorithmic world and I’m just trying to keep up with it. Other than that, I just hope to continue to get better at my craft and to keep making music that resonates with people.

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

I think I’m fortunate to have a lot of special memories. I remember being featured on Apple Music’s electronic page banner when my E.P., This Could Be Everything/This Could Be Nothing, was released last summer. That was definitely a ‘wow!’ moment. More recently, the legendary DJ TARO spun I Followed on the major Japanese radio channel J-WAVE which was so surreal; he sent me a quick video of him singing along to the chorus and my jaw was on the floor.  

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

Damn; that’s a tough question! I’ll have to go with the amazing Mura Masa. Opening a show for him would be a dream come true (and tons of fun).

I’d probably put some vodka root beers on the rider plus a salt lamp to help me get into the right vibe. Haha

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I could go the cheesy route and say ‘Work on your craft; be your own artist etc. etc.’ which is all true but, pragmatically-speaking, save money for each release and budget most of it for P.R. Visibility is king in this industry and simply emailing blogs won’t reap the kind of benefits it used to.

IN THIS PHOTO: EXNATIONS

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

If you’re into cool Techno/instrumental tracks, definitively keep Toronto-based indie label Biblioteka Records on your radar and the artists they support. Another group that should warrant your attention is Brooklyn band EXNATIONS - really fun Synth-Pop stuff.

IN THIS PHOTO: Biblioteka Records' The Wonderlust

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

It can be difficult - because my studio is also my home - but I do make it a point to unwind with my girlfriend and watch shows (we’re really into Suits right now) and spend a bit of time playing some video games (sorry; I’m kinda into Fortnite. Haha)

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 was my pleasure, honestly! If you could play EXNATIONS’ Can’t Get Hurt or, if you’re looking for a larger artist, some early Disclosure would be great (my favourite deep cut of theirs is Defeated No More).

_____________

Follow UNBLOOM

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/unbloomsounds

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/UnbloomMusic

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/unbloom_music/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd1B0hBdz53Aac26YwKHF0w

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/unbloomsounds

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7A1u4hHjvuw7UAjAkQx7KS

Bandcamp:

https://unbloomsounds.bandcamp.com/releases

INTERVIEW: J Pee

INTERVIEW:

J Pee

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YOU do not meet many artists…

who have the same skills and stylings as J Pee. He is a unique talent and someone I was keen to speak with. He talks about his new album, Who Is J Pee?, and the musicians/albums who inspire him – he tells me whether the state of the planet affects his work and whether he is compelled by modern politics.

J Pee reveals the story behind his latest single, To the Kids That I May Never Have, and why Eminem is an idol; a new artist we need to throw our weight behind; how important Los Angeles is in terms of its people and vibes; what advice he would give to new musicians emerging – J Pee selects a rather unexpected song to end the interview with!

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Hi, J Pee. How are you? How has your week been?

Hi M.M.S.! My week has been wonderful. I spent the weekend in San Jose with my birth-father and his family (I am adopted and recently met my biological father two years ago, so this a pretty new and exciting experience for me and will certainly infiltrate my music at some point! But, I digress (smiles).

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

Absolutely. My name is Jesse Pepe (alias, J Pee), and recently released my debut Rap album, Who Is J Pee? I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah. I’ve been writing music since my junior year of college. At first, it was a lot of Pop/R&B stuff. For the last five years, since moving to Los Angeles, I’ve done a lot of Lonely Island-type music on YouTube which has done pretty well. The music I’ve written has taken so many twists, turns and iterations but has landed right where I think it was always meant to land, which is Hip-Hop.

In the past, I shied away from taking myself seriously as a rapper because I thought that what I had to say was too ‘out there’: not nearly mainstream enough. I’ve realized that this quality is exactly why I feel so compelled to infiltrate (and, hopefully, be a voice of change within) this genre. I’m excited to bring a new, fresh voice of storytelling to Rap music.

What is the story behind To the Kids That I May Never Have? How did it come together?

They are my own personal opinions of a twenty-eight-year-old man who struggles a lot with societal and biological pressures (which are, sometimes, one and the same). I feel like we as a society don’t question our actions enough - myself included. I’m really trying to dig deeper into my own life and find the source of my thoughts, feelings and actions.

I’ve been spending more time with myself, trying to come to honest answers about certain topics without added societal pressure. I realized that having kids because ‘I’ve just always wanted one’ or ‘That’s just what humans are supposed to do’ didn’t seem like enough to me. Conversely, not having kids because ‘Ew; I hate kids, they’re ugly’ felt too shallow. There are biological and societal underpinnings for pretty much every decision we make and, when you start pulling that thread and unravelling the thoughts, it is the most fascinating thing on the planet.

I’m hoping this song challenges people’s beliefs on the subject and hopefully launches them into their own internal debate on why they do or don’t want children. It’s an important topic to be talking about right now - and an uncomfortable one.

It seems it looks at the modern world and the risks and dangers there. Does the state of the planet affect the way you write?

100%. To be honest, on any given day I feel so much joy, love; guilt, sadness and anger all because of purely existing as a human being. I feel like I’ve been given such a gift to exist on this planet and share it with so many other wonderful human beings. My heart fills with love countless times a day. On the flip-side, I’ll constantly catch myself feeling like I’m nothing more than meat: part of a deep biological system that I can’t escape.

Ultimately, we’re only alive to breed and continue the species; pretty similar to a virus. I feel like the only sure-fire way to prevent the devastation that comes from overpopulation (and we’re already seeing the myriad of repercussions as we speak) is to question our biological programming and ask ourselves if we have the strength to make decisions that aren’t purely dictated by biology. I’m, in no way, saying “Don’t have kids.” I just think at this point, having kids for the sake of having kids; for legacy, out of boredom; because I’m ‘supposed to’…that mindset is dangerous.

Who Is J Pee? is your debut album. What sort of themes inspired the record?

I feel like I spent my first twenty-five years of life not deeply questioning myself, not spending time with myself: I was simply a reactionary human. I felt things and responded. I thought things and responded. I started meditating, I started doing yoga and, as I began to spend more time with myself, I realized that I had been living in a Matrix of sorts; an algorithm. As I spent more time with myself, I started realizing that how I thought I really felt or thought about a certain topic wasn’t always true. I had been programmed to feel that way because of societal pressure, or by a biological default.

I wanted to create an album that represents the new journey that I’m currently on. I want it to feel like you just jumped into my brain for an hour, experiencing the highs; lows, discomfort; contradictions, vulnerability and, most importantly, honesty. Honesty is something new to my life if I’m being honest (pun intended). I’m hoping this level of openness will give others permission to go on their own journey into these uncomfortable human places, without the judgment we (and others) cast on ourselves.

You mix comedic touches with the music. Who would you count as idols? Do you think it is important to mix serious and humorous?

I think Lil Dicky is a game-changer. That dude is (so) unique because he’s so honest about how emasculated he feels in a world that prides stereotypically masculine qualities. Listening to his album was a lightbulb moment for me. But, my biggest influence is Eminem (surprise, surprise). He is a master storyteller. His earlier stuff was so funny, fu*ked up and incredibly honest. His songs have arcs; they have beginnings, middles and ends. They have characters...

He changed an entire genre of music because he was able to take incredibly dark, violent topics and make them relatable. You have to be an active, engaged listener when you listen to his stuff. If you miss a word you miss a part of the story. He crafts his songs in the same way a master comedian like Carlan or Chapelle crafts a stand-up bit.

These guys understand that the majority audience does not want to go there with you because most people don’t like to be uncomfortable. So, you need humour and you need a good story to sever the blow. But, most importantly; they’re going to be more apt to listen to what you have to say.  

I get the sense someone like Eminem has made an impression. Are you a big fan of his music?

Clearly, I did not scan all of these questions before I started answering…

Los Angeles plays a role in your life and music. How vital is the city and its spirit been to you?

The longer I live in Los Angeles, the more I love it. I have an amazingly talented group of friends and an incredible support system. If you are fortunate enough to find a strong community out there, it’s the best thing you could ask for. I’m beyond fortunate in that way. It’s a city full of people who left the comfort of their hometowns to risk something. I love that energy.

I also sometimes hate that energy because it can be incredibly desperate, depressing; competitive and isolating - and there are days where I definitely feel all of those things. The joys of being human!

Will there be any live dates coming up? Where can we catch you perform?

I currently do not have any live show dates coming up. Fixing that A.S.A.P. (smiles).

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

I already have the second album written and plan on releasing it before the end of 2018. It’s a really tight seven-song album that delves into toxic masculinity. It’s super-dark, heavy-trap and deals with a lot of really uncomfortable parts of myself. I also have five more music videos in pre-production from Who Is J Pee? and will start releasing them in July.

I’m trying to on a tour with Lil Dicky or Rich Brian by the end of the year. There’s a lot of work to be done to make that happen, so I’ve gotta keep pushing.  

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

Writing the end of Meditation...

I wrote the last two minutes of that song and I remember thinking: ‘Oh, okay; that’s how deep I have to ask myself to go, every time. This is what is required of me if I want to continue to do this in a meaningful way to myself and to others’. That was a pretty pivotal moment.

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

Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP

It is probably my favorite Hip-Hop album.

Radius by Allen Stone 

I have no idea how Allen Stone is not a household name. In my opinion, he’s the best singer/songwriter on the planet.

Jingle Cats - Meowy Christmas

Someone legitimately compiled cat meows and assembled them to classic Christmas tunes. My mom bought this for me when I was six and I listened to it SO many times. I’m still blown away that someone went through all that work. How did he find all of those cat meows?! Was he sampling?! Does he have thirty cats?! I still have so many questions. It’s genius.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Spend a lot of time with yourself. Do your best to ‘deculturalize’ yourself (is that word? I don’t think that’s a word). In that strange, exciting and lonely place you’ll start to really get to know yourself (which I’m really enjoying, although it’s terrifying). You’ll start to find what you really think, feel and makes you inspired. Do what inspires you. No matter how bizarre it might feel. If it inspires you it will 100% resonate with someone else. The world doesn’t need your art. There are already too many of us trying this.

That isn’t meant to be pessimistic: it’s actually quite freeing. Because, now, you can stop giving a fuc* about what other people want and do what you want; the way you want to do it. But, you can only find that through spending a lot of time with yourself; asking questions; going down the rabbit hole.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Chuck Acid

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I recently found this Philadelphia rapper named Chuck Acid. He has an L.P. on Spotify called Food for Your Sole. It’s one of the best albums I’ve heard all year. Definitely check him out.

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

Escape Rooms. I’m absolutely obsessed with Escape Rooms.

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).

Jingle Cats – Silent Night. Just so you guys can experience this. It’s MADNESS.

_____________

Follow J Pee

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/jpeemusic

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/JessePepe1111

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jessepepe1111/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/JPeeMusic

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/jpeemusic

INTERVIEW: Son of William

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Dan Wiebe

Son of William

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THERE is something quite low-key…

and under the radar when it comes to Son of William. Whilst their social media profile is a little limited; the music they are creating is turning heads and standing out! I have been speaking with the Manchester duo about their E.P., Colour of Love, and what influenced the music.

Hayley and Ben discuss Manchester and reveal how they got together; what gigs they have in the pipeline; some new acts to look out for; what advice they would give to upcoming artists – they each pick Folk classics to end the interview with.

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Hi, Son of William. How are you? How has your week been?

Hello. We are well; thank you for asking - we have had a busy week preparing for our E.P. launch.  

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

We are a Folk duo hailing from Manchester - comprising of Hayley Williams (Vocals) and Ben Williams (Vocals and Guitar).

 

Your new E.P. is out. Can you talk about it and what influenced the songs?

Our new E.P. is called Colour of Love. It’s a stripped-back acoustic affair, pretty much as we perform live - with the addition of cello and piano on a couple of tracks. The Civil Wars have been a big influence when writing the E.P., as well as a more traditional Folk and Blues music.

Is there a cut from the E.P. you each gravitate forwards?

Dear Old Acquaintance was a cathartic process. The song is an open letter to someone one of us couldn’t speak to again. Colour of Love is probably our other favourite song from the E.P. That song came together relatively quickly and we found ourselves in an extremely lucid writing process.

 

Are you already working on more material – or do you want the E.P. to bed-in first?

We are currently writing more material and hope to perform some of them at our launch next week. 

How did you get together? When did you start to jam?

We started playing music about five years ago. I was getting guitar lessons from Ben and he was getting vocal lessons from me. There was a natural gravitation into writing music from the off. 

Being based in Manchester; how important are the city and its personality regarding your musical ethos?

The city is extremely important to us - both in its musical heritage and its influence. After living here for a number of years, we both have found the gigging scene to be wholly accepting and versatile for many different styles and genres which, in turn, has allowed us to grow as musicians and hone our craft. We have been able to be musically authentic and have found that we have been able to find our own feet and not had to adhere to certain musical trends. 

You have supported the likes of Simply Red and Chic. How important have those moment been to you?

Ben supported those acts while working as a session guitarist. It was great to experience playing arenas and playing to large crowds - and also have the opportunity to learn from the amazing musicianship in both bands.  

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

We have dates coming up in Manchester, Coventry; London, The Lake District and Hamburg at the end of the year. 

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

We are currently writing for a follow up for 2019 and will hopefully have some festivals booked in by the end of the year. 

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

We have both had many experiences, musically, that have been notable to us in many different ways. One of the most memorable musical experiences was singing for Andrew Lloyd Webber. 

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

Jägermeister, Shetland ponies; chewing gum and hot sauce: we would like to support Joni Mitchell.  

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Don’t compare yourself to others in a negative way. Don’t give up too easily. Remain authentic. 

IN THIS PHOTO: Janileigh Cohen

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Janileigh Cohen, Jon Kenzie; Alina Ly, Shunya and Buffalo Brothers.

IN THIS PHOTO: Alina Ly

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

Music tends to be our hobby as well as our livelihood. We like to cook, do yoga; run, meditate and play Scrabble with alcohol. 

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).

Hayley: Pink Moon - Nick Drake

Ben: A Case of You - Joni Mitchell

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Follow Son of William

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/SonofWilliamMusic/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/sonofwilliammusic/

INTERVIEW: DeanKelly

INTERVIEW:

DeanKelly

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I have been chilling with DeanKelly…

as he talks about his new work, The MissTape - EP. The Nigerian songwriter discusses some of the ideas/themes on the E.P. and the song that stands out to him; why genres like Afrobeat are so important to him – I ask whether his Nigerian heritage and D.N.A. affects the way he writes and performs.

DeanKelly talks about some of the artists who have impacted him and what he wants to achieve going forward; a few albums that mean a lot to him; what advice he would give upcoming artists – he ends the interview by selecting a great Afrobeat-inspired cut.

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

I’m swell, fam. It’s been great. Thank you.

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

I’m DeanKelly; a singer-songwriter based in Lagos, Nigeria.

What can you reveal about The MissTape - EP? What are the themes that inspired it?

The MissTape, my debut E.P., is something I’ve been working on for some time now and I’m really ecstatic about the reviews...like, a lot of people love the E.P. The E.P. is, basically, about my quest for love (not necessarily true love); love for ‘the now’ (laughs).

While I was composing the E.P., I pictured myself in different scenarios (a club, a street…) where I saw a beautiful girl and making her mine was the only thing on my mind...well, one of the things (laughs). So, these scenarios helped shape the foundation of the E.P. 

It has an Afrobeat heart. Is it a style of music you react to? Does it have a great spiritual importance to you?

Yeah, it is because of where I spent most of my life (Nigeria) I grew fond of Afrobeats and it’s really amazing cus the Afrobeat scene is starting to gain recognition and I’m happy to be a part of it. 

Well; so far, I don’t think I’m spiritually attached to it. I guess time will tell…

You are of Nigerian origin. Do you take anything from the country’s people and spirit for your own music?

Hell, yeah. I infuse my Nigerian origins into my music a lot; from my words to the way I jump on a beat to the instruments used on a beat. The possibilities are endless, especially with Afro-Fusion - when you fuse Afrobeat to foreign sounds.

Was there a moment recording the E.P. that stuck in the heart? Is there a song that stands from the rest?

There are many moments. From the hardship I faced during the period when I was making the E.P.; sleepless nights spent in the studio (laughs) etc. But, the moment that really got stuck in my head was when I was making MonaLisa. The song was inspired by a female friend of mine in an abusive relationship and she wouldn’t leave the guy and it was so sad cus I knew she deserved better. So, yeah, I did a song about it.

There’s a story behind every song on the E.P. To be honest, I don’t have like a favourite song off the E.P. cus I love all the songs - but I noticed I’ve been listening to MonaLisa a lot lately.

What sort of music were you raised on? Were your parents responsible for your love of sound?

It’s funny cus, growing up, I listened to a lot of Céline Dion, yeah (laughs). I remember waking up listening to the likes of Céline Dion, Don Moen; Plantashun Boiz and a lot of music. I’m like this vocabulary of sounds cus I listened to a lot of people growing up (laughs). I can’t list all of them but a few artists that actually inspired me were Chris Brown, T-Pain; 2face Idibia, Wande Coal etc.

Nope, my parents weren’t. I mean, my mom loves singing in the house but she wasn’t responsible for my love for sound. Or maybe she was (laughs). Subconsciously.

Will there be any live dates coming up? Where can we see you play?

Yeah, sure, pretty soon. Just make sure y’all check my site and follow me on social media platforms for more info on that.

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

Yeah. I believe one should set goals; it’s kind of a marker for measuring success. With these goals, one can plan and, with strategic planning, results are as achieved...you feel me?! Before the year ends, I want an increase in the number of people listening to my music. I want to perform at events and have fans singing my song along with me out loud (laughs; *exhales*) - one of the greatest feelings ever. 

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

Oh, yeah. A couple but, right now, the one that’s in my head is (one time) when I was performing and people were bringing out their phones to takes pictures and videos. Crazy.

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

Jay-Z – The Blueprint III

Wande Coal - Mushin 2 Mohits 

T-Pain – Three Ringz 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Keep recording, keep working; work hard, work smart and please be humble (laughs). 

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Errr, I don’t (laughs). Just go on SoundCloud: there’s tons of talent on there.

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

I watch T.V. shows, movies and listen to more music (laughs). There’s no chill for me right now - I’m always working (smiles).

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).

Wande Coal, DJ Tunez – Iskaba. Now, that record is some classic Afrobeat stuff (laughs).

_____________

Follow DeanKelly

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/deankelly_4eva

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Deankelly4eva/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/deankelly_4eva/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/deankelly_4eva

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0mwmgPO6Lc564a0xULcsTr

INTERVIEW: UHURU

INTERVIEW:

UHURU

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THE guys of UHURU have been telling me…

about their single, Thirsty, and what its origins are. Connor and Rob talk about their formation and whether there is a story behind that moniker; whether there is an E.P./more material coming along – they tell me what it feels like getting backing from the BBC.

I ask them what sort of music influenced them growing up and the new artists we need to check out; if they feel they are hitting a creative peak right now; what advice they’d give upcoming artists – the chaps talk with me about their upcoming gigs.

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

Rob: Yeah, really good. We’ve just come back from the Isle of Wight Festival so we’re both a little tired. But, it’s been really good...

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

We are Connor Daniel and Rob Jones; we go by the name ‘UHURU’ and we’re an Electronic duo based in Southampton!

How did UHURU get together? Is there a meaning behind the name?

We met at college in Southampton. We were on a Music Technology course and we got talking. Connor had been making music for a while and wanted to start a band, so that’s what we went about doing. There have been a few different line-ups over the years but it’s been us two for almost three years now.

Connor: UHURU means ‘freedom’ in Swahili. I’m half-Kenyan and moved to England when I was six, so that’s the connection. It’s turned out to be a pretty fitting name as we’ve flirted with a lot of genres through the years.

Can you tell me how Thirsty came to be? Was it a quick song to record?

Thirsty is about a situation I’m sure a lot of people find themselves in. For me, personally, it’s about that girl who can treat you however she likes…yet, you’ll still run back to her no matter what. The recording process can vary: I write and produce all our songs in my home studio and once there’s a decent quality demo ready, we then take it to our pals at Numen Studios to wrap up the single in terms of a re-vocal, mix and master.

You seem like you’re hitting a creative peak at the moment! Where do you get the energy and inspiration from?!

I’m in my studio pretty much every day producing beats. A lot of the time a vocal melody will hit me in the middle of the process and straight away I’ll be humming away into my phone’s ‘Voice Notes’ app. I also have like a million song concept ideas on my phone so, if I’m ever struggling for lyric ideas, I can start from there.

Is an E.P. or album on the cards later this year?

Rob: We’re currently wrapping up our E.P. We’ve got a few more tracks to (just) record Connor’s vocals and mix and then we’re ready to go with that. We’re both super-excited for everyone to hear what we’ve been working on. We still need to figure out a title for the E.P., though. It always takes us ages with that sort of thing. 

Connor: We’d love an album in the next few years, for sure. We’ve finally released new music after two years and plan on releasing more frequently from now on. Yes, it has taken a while but I’m now super-proud of the material I’ve written and produced (that’ll be hitting your ears very soon).

UHURU have gained focus from the likes of BBC Introducing. Is that sort of support and faith important to you?

Rob: It’s everything to us. We’ve always wanted to hear our tracks on the radio, so to have that support from BBC Introducing is really important to us.

Connor: You never quite get used to hearing yourself on the radio! When Thirsty was given ‘Record of the Week’ by BBC Introducing that really meant a lot.

What sort of music did you all grow up around? Do you share tastes?

I was raised on Michael Jackson, Earth Wind & Fire and Chic. As soon as I was old enough to consciously choose what music I listened to, it was all Hip-Hop - and I’ve been listening to Kanye West for as long as I can remember.

Rob: Our musical backgrounds are pretty different, actually. I was raised on a lot more guitar music: The Killers, Arctic Monkeys; that kind of thing. When I started to discover my own music, though, I was listening to Nile Rodgers and Parliament - some more funky stuff.

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

We’re playing in Oxford next month which is new for us, so we’re excited for that. Then, after that, our agent at UTA has a few exciting options for us that we’re looking into - so, you guys will hear more towards the end of the year. Touring is pretty much all I think about and all I talk about; it’s the big one for me.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Connor: Is world domination too much to ask?

Rob: Agreed. But, if that’s slightly ambitious, a tour would be amazing - and our first Radio 1 play would be a real achievement for us.

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

I think when we played at a Holi One Colour Festival at Wembley Park (London) to around 17,000 people. It was a ridiculously big show, the biggest we’ve played by far, and it was just a really good day.

Connor: That was the only show I’ve gotten hideously nervous for…I’m normally pretty calm before gigs but that one got me.

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

Kendrick Lamar for me…I saw him live at the O2 a couple of months back and he had James Blake supporting him. Kendrick’s live show blew me away and the crowd's energy was mental.

The rider would entail champagne and lobster (the champs for after our set of course!). 

Rob: Jungle for me. I’ve never seen them live but I’ve watched hours of live performances from them and they just look incredible on stage.

A rider is not normally a luxury we get but, if we could have one, I think I’d have to go for a bit of gin and tonic for after and maybe a doner kebab for before - just because they’re Heaven on Earth.   

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Rob: Just keep going. I think that’s what we’ve learnt, I think. We’ve been going for a few years now and it’s had ups and downs but, yeah; just keep going and you can’t really go wrong.

Connor: Practice your craft, whatever it is: singing, songwriting; producing, guitar or triangle...whatever it is, practice really hard.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Zach Said

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I’m a huge fan of Zach Said’s music at the moment. I feel like he’s way too underrated and needs to be madly famous A.S.A.P. I love his writing style: it’s super-blunt and honest and his producers are ridiculously good.

Rob: There's this guy from Tame Impala, Jay Watson. He's got a side project called GUM I'm really into that at the moment. Just really big-synth-'80s vibes.

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

I work as well so I don’t get that much free time but, when I do, I like to spend it with family and friends. I spend a lot of time in New Forest, which is a lovely place, but music always seems to creep in. I’ve always got my acoustic guitar with me.

Connor: My parents mean the world to me and will genuinely complain if they can’t hear music blaring out my studio so, sometimes, I have to fight them to turn the volume down and unwind! I have a great squad of mates too that I’ve known since secondary school. None of them are in the same industry as me so it’s really refreshing after a busy week to go to the pub and not talk music for a couple of hours…

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).

Since it’s the day after we played Isle of Wight Festival, I’m feeling pretty lethargic and chilled. So, I’m going to say Daniel Caesar (ft. H.E.R.) – Best Part. The guy has got the most incredible tone and the songwriting is phenomenal

Rob: I think, following the Isle of Wight theme (I think) I might have to go with The Man by The Killers. They headlined and were incredible last night - and this track is a solid-gold tune

_____________

Follow UHURU

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/UhuruMusicUK

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Uhuru/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/uhuru/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/uhurumusic

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC3_QLX2C1cd7CBrfoMTKVQ

INTERVIEW: Barbudo

INTERVIEW:

Barbudo

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THERE are few who can resist…

a good bit of Funk – just as well Barbudo are here to provide a perfect weekend gem in the form of Secret Admirer! I ask how the band got together and what the story behind their latest song is; whether there is a good music scene where they are in Havant – I ask what it feels like being celebrated by some big sources.

I discover what sort of artists they grew up around and what comes next; if there are any gigs booked in the diary; what advice they would offer new artists – the guys reveal what ambitions they have left to fulfil this year.

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

Our weeks have been great. We released our new music vid on the 8th and we’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback from it!

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

Barbudo is a Nu-Eyed Funk project consisting of songwriter brothers Harry and Ben Stanworth and best friend Elliott Salter. We write fun easy-going Funk music with a modern twist. 

How did Barbudo get together? Is there a story behind that name?

It started as a working title for the band when it was just Ben in the band and we decided to keep it as it had a certain ring to it. It is a translation of 'beard one' in Spanish but we are also big fans of Twin Peaks and owls too. There is an owl called a beard screen owl (autillo barbudo in Spanish) 

Secret Admirer is your new cut. How did that song come to life? What inspired its birth?

The song has gone through many incarnations - but the one we settled on was when we were listening to a lot of Michael Jackson and late-seventies Funk and Disco.

You guys are based out of Havant. Is there an active music scene down there? 

There’s a bit of a music scene in Portsmouth but Havant is fairly quiet. There is only one other band in Havant (to my knowledge) who are called Flowvers. It’s great to hear a group of young people from Havant making good music! 

Your last E.P., Pleasures, gained a big reaction. How do you think you have developed since then?

Pleasures was our first endeavour into a Funk and Soul kinda vibe so we were just working out exactly how we wanted to sound. Since then, we’ve perfected our sound a bit more and have more direction to the sound.

A lot of big sources have picked up and celebrated your music. Does it give you a confidence boost knowing sources like The Line of Best Fit are reacting to what you are putting out?!

Yeah, definitely. It’s really hard to get your music out there and get noticed - and publications like The Line of Best Fit writing about you really help with that exposure!

I hear Funk and Soul in your sounds. Which artists did you all grow up around?

We grew up surrounded by all kind of music from our parents. Both our mum and dad were really into the Disco scene and would play those records a lot. They both have an amazing taste in music and still buy records today! Chic, Bee Gees and Prince are just a few of the classics I can remember hearing as a kid.

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

We currently don’t have any shows booked but we might be playing at the Shacklewell Arms on 3rd July. We should have more shows/maybe even a tour booked in the next month or so! 

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

We’ve got our vinyl coming out at the beginning of 2019, so we’ll be working towards that but we are planning on releasing a new track in the meantime.

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

Our first ever gig was in a dingy old pub in a Portsmouth. Halfway through our set, a lady who was fairly inebriated came and stole our microphones and was wailing some random words into the mics. We were fairly young at the time and didn’t really know what to do!

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

It would be a tossup between Anderson. Paak and Parliament-Funkadelic. Anderson is making great music and he’s a really talented musician. P-Funk is such a prestigious group that changed Funk music; it would be an honour to play with them. 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Keep on working at it; never let anyone put you down and believe in yourself.

IN THIS PHOTO: La-Z-Eye

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Our brother has a cool project everyone should check out called La-Z-Eye. Kinda similar to us in a way but he is more Electro and he looks amazing on stage! Another person you should check out is Ellie Bleach. She’s a great songwriter and has a beautiful voice

IN THIS PHOTO: Ellie Bleach

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

We spend most of our time making music if we’re honest…we love it that much. Aside from that, we spend time with friends and hanging at the beach when it’s nice weather!

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).

Holger Czukay - Cool in the Pool

Prefab Sprout - Wild Horses

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Follow Barbudo

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/barbudoband

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/barbudoband/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/barbudoband

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWMOqGpNtBgO3CXGJsYKXxg

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/autillobarbudo

Bandcamp:

https://autillobarbudo.bandcamp.com/releases

INTERVIEW: Courtney Cooper

INTERVIEW:

Courtney Cooper

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IT has been amazing speaking with Courtney Cooper…

as she prepares to launch her album, W A V E S, on 24th August. I ask about the new single, Damn, and whether there is a story behind it; what we can expect going forward; what sort of records she bought when she was younger – Cooper talks about the Berklee College of Music and what she learnt there.

I ask whether there are gigs booked and which newer acts we need to back; some albums that mean a lot to her; what she gets up to away from music – she ends the interview by selecting a rather awesome song.

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

I'm great! Thanks so much for the opportunity to talk about my new music!

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

Hey. I’m Courtney Cooper! I’m a Soul-infused Indie-Pop artist from Brooklyn, N.Y. with a new album called W A V E S releasing on August 24th!

How did your new single, Damn, come about? What inspired this song?

Damn is my personal favorite on the album. The song plays on the similarities between our emotions, relationships and the ocean. Even in the opening line, you get a sense of this: “Emotional undertow – it’s got a hold and I can’t control my feelings”.

It’s kind of playing on the idea of being caught in an undertow, being pulled under and drowning in your own emotions, if that makes sense. I’m also completely in awe of the ocean and it’s beauty…it’s so breathtaking, sometimes you can’t help but stare in awe and think: ‘Damn…that’s incredible’ which, of course, also happens in relationships.

What can you tell me about the single, Vibes? Is there a story behind it?

Vibes is a super-chill summery song. When I was writing it, I just envisioned it was a perfect summer day - and I think you hear that when you listen to it...

The album, W A V E S, is out soon. What sort of themes and ideas compelled the songwriting?

I’ve always been extremely drawn to the ocean. There’s something so magical about the rise and fall of the tide - and the mystery of the unknown beneath the surface. All of the songs from the album are, in a way, inspired by the ocean and its beauty. I wrote the album during a really brutal winter in Brooklyn, N.Y. where I live on the waterfront.

As I was writing the album, staring out my window looking at snow, I daydreamed of tropical paradise; those reveries became the songs that make up the album. The title is also a play-on-words as well - as audio ‘waves’ are the vibrations of sound that are heard as music.

How important was attending Berklee College of Music at the age of seventeen? Did you learn a lot whilst there?

My time at Berklee was incredible. I was so young; I really grew up with my fellow classmates. Being constantly surrounded by some of the most amazingly talented teachers and students was magical. I learned so much, musically, it built such an incredible drive and fire within me. It was definitely not your ‘typical’ college experience but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

If we imagined your childhood record collection; what might we discover in there?

You would find stacks of cassettes! Does anyone remember those?! As a child, I had tons of Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson; Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men; Green Day, No Doubt…

More into my teens (and C.D.s), I got really into Aaliyah, Missy Elliott; Timbaland and Lauryn Hill.

How important are Brooklyn and its people regarding your sound? What is it like recording there?

I’ve lived in New York for over a decade but a few years ago, I took a break and moved to L.A. for three years. L.A. is, essentially, the polar opposite of N.Y.C. in every way: the lifestyle, pace; weather, people…

When I moved back to N.Y., it never occurred to me I would have any sort of culture shock since I’d lived in N.Y.C. for many years prior - but I couldn’t have been more wrong. My first winter back was really difficult adjusting to the negative energy that N.Y.C. sometimes holds. I felt such a longing for what I left behind and, basically, created my own mini-universe when I was writing the album and got lost in my own daydreams.

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

Yes, absolutely! I will be kicking off with my first show in Brooklyn to support the release and traveling from there. You can follow me on Instagram to keep up with future tour dates.

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

Nothing lined up quite yet but I would love to come to the U.K. and play!

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

Ha – sooo many! I’m one of those people who set the bar of goals really high each year and I am constantly reaching trying to accomplish new things. Major performances and festivals are high up on the list.

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

One of my funniest memories looking back, when I was really young, I lived with my grandma for a few years when my parents were divorcing. My grandma was the most amazing woman but she was also very strict and we didn’t have much money. I was completely obsessed with all things Michael Jackson but I didn’t have any money to buy his records back then.

I used to wake up in the middle of the night, sneak into the living room and sit in front of the T.V. watching MTV (I wasn’t allowed to watch MTV) when they used to play Michael Jackson music video marathons - with my two–tape-deck boom-box and record the sound (remember when you had to press play and record together?!).

For years, I would play those awfully-sonically-recorded tapes back in my room but I loved Michael Jackson so much it didn’t even matter. Another funny one looking back is when I was in fourth-grade; I had my first solo in the school choir. When the concert rolled around I was on crutches from an injury and had to limp out to the front of the stage to where the microphone was. I was SO mortified! All the kids in school called me ‘gimpy’ after that.

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

Michael Jackson- Dangerous; Fiona Apple – Tidal and Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Always stay true to yourself! I struggled with this for many years as industry executives would tell me what I should look or sound like. Looking back, I wish I would never have listened to them and just created the music I felt inside myself.

IN THIS PHOTO: Sinead Harnett

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

So many! I’m currently listening to a lot of SG Lewis, H.E.R.; Gallant, BANKS, Sinead Harnett; Bishop Briggs, Michl; Leo Kalyan, RY X; Alina Baraz, Jessie Ware and Charlotte OC.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Bishop Briggs

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

I try and find a nice balance but, to be honest, my favorite way to unwind is working on music. I’m also a big fan of super low-key Netflix nights with wine and popcorn. I do a lot of yoga to center myself, too.

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).

Gallant – Weight in Gold

_____________

Follow Courtney Cooper

Official:

https://www.courtneycoopermusic.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CourtneyCooperMusic/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/courtney_cooper/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5xA4nu3XMPlIdbbSyuQ6yu

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/courtneycoopermusic

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/courtneycooper/

INTERVIEW: Matilda Eyre

INTERVIEW:

Matilda Eyre

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I am starting my Friday…

PHOTO CREDIT: Lindsay Melbourne

introducing you to Matilda Eyre. She has been telling me about her debut single, FYA, and what its story is. I ask how songs come together and whether we will see new material coming later this year – Eyre discusses moving from Germany to London and what gigs are coming up.

I was eager to know which albums are important to her and which artists she responds to her; what advice she would give to new artists – she ends the interview by selecting an amazing song.

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

Great, thank you! Lots of writing and recording.

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

Hi, I'm Matilda Eyre. I'm into Indie-Pop, Electronica and eerie vocals. I love intricate stories of fall and rise.

FYA is your debut song. What is the story behind it?

FYA is a really personal song. It's about self-worth and, with the title, FYA - For Your Approval - it is sharing my own story and reflecting on the deceiving illusion of external validation. It's an intimate song about childhood and the stories we make up about ourselves early on.

Do you think there will be other material coming later in the year?

FYA is leading as the debut because it's about my heritage and about where I started out from. There are more singles coming up.

How do songs come together for you? Do they sort of layer themselves or will you attack a track all at once?

Mostly, they come when it's just me and the piano; playing chords and humming melodies. But, sometimes, a beat really grabs me and the song unfolds from there. At any given time, I work on a few different songs on rotation.

You work with soundscapes and create drama and atmosphere. Is music, to you, an extension of yourself and a way of conveying your inner emotions?

Music and stories have always been an outlet for me - feeling an emotion or working through a challenging situation and turning that into an atmosphere framed by lyrics and hooks. It started early on at school where I would sneak into our empty auditorium to play songs on the grand piano.

You started life in Germany but are based in London. Is London somewhere you feel settled and inspired by?

I love London. It has given me so much; pulling me from being a singer-songwriter into the eerie Electronica spectrum. It all started out because of a conversation I had with Daughter after a concert in Frankfurt (she was supporting Ben Howard) which inspired me to fly out to London the following week. That was 2012.

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

Ben Howard, Florence Welch; Sylvan Esso - but also poets and writers such as Kahlil Gibran, Paulo Coelho and Elizabeth Gilbert.

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

Absolutely. There will be a couple of shows announced soon.

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

Finishing my first E.P. I’m in the process spending as much time as possible by the ocean.

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

My favourite memory so far was being out in L.A.; constantly writing, filming; making music with friends and playing a show out there with everyone dancing to my beats.

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

Ben Howard – Every Kingdom

Just because I love his music more than anything I'll add I Forget Where We Were, too.

Florence and the Machine - Lungs

Sylvan Esso – Sylvan Esso

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Go, make your music. Don't hold out for perfection, especially not other people's perception of perfection. Don't let it delay you.

 IN THIS PHOTO: sir Was

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I'm obsessed with sir Was; especially his debut E.P., Says Hi. It caught me completely off guard. I haven't been able to stop listening to it: in the shower, in the car; any place, you name it.

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

Time seems to be running so fast these days. Any moment I get I'm in the studio. Right now, I love crafting and embroidery though; it keeps me calm.

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).  

sir Was – Falcon

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Follow Matilda Eyre

Official:

https://www.matildaeyre.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/matildaeyre

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/matildaeyre/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/matildaeyre/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChZBv7Rjn4ZoEt2YOfki2Nw

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/matildaeyre

INTERVIEW: Northern Quarter

INTERVIEW:

Northern Quarter

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A cracking band based out of the Rocky Mountains…

is not something you hear a lot of people say! That all changes when you encounter Northern Quarter and dig deep into their music. I have been speaking with the guys about their latest E.P., Cold Dark Night, and the kind of themes that influenced it – they select their favourite cuts.

I discover how the band got together and whether there are any tour dates booked in the diary; if there might be further material this year; what their favourite memories from music are – the guys each select a song to end the interview with.

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Hi, Northern Quarter. How are you? How has your week been?

We’ve had an amazing week! The band has only just started to dip its toes into the wonderful world of original music after playing mostly covers for about a year. It is opening doors for us that we didn’t even dream of, like radio sessions and newspaper interviews; plus, the E.P. is going to be launched on Friday and we couldn’t be more excited or proud!

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

We’re a one-year-old half-Canadian, half-British band based in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta in a gorgeous town called Canmore. It’s probably one of the most beautiful places on Earth and we are lucky enough to call it home. There are four of us: Kerry Hunter on vocals, Carlos Nadeau on guitar; Wendy Crewe on bass and Dave Crewe on drums and samples. Dave is also the producer of the E.P. and manager of the band.

Cold Dark Night is your E.P. What sort of themes and stories inspired the songwriting?

Two of the songs (Fort Mac Anthem and Boomtown Blues) are written about Kerry’s hometown, Fort McMurray in Northern Alberta…basically, the lyrics are about growing up in a boomtown and having little to do but drink, laugh and sing with friends.

There’s also the usual themes of love lost (particularly in Dave’s songs, Here We Go and Don’t Leave My Side) but, also, there are bright spots of optimism about travel (Searching for Freedom) and making life-changing decisions (Every Second Counts).

Is there a cut from the E.P. you would select as a highlight?

Searching for Freedom is likely the band favourite. It was the first song that Kerry ever wrote and was a straightforward acoustic song but ended up totally transformed into an altogether different beast by the band.

How did Northern Quarter get together? As a half-British, half-Canadian band; are there a lot of cultural differences in the ranks?

Dave, Carlos and Wendy had already been in cover bands together for about three years. In the search for a new singer, they spotted Kerry at an open mic and, by happy chance, got an excellent songwriter and vocalist wrapped up in one. Culturally, things are interesting but the Brits have been in Canada for nine years now so they’re pretty much Canadian - apart from the accents.

They go back every year, though, because there’s still a love for the homeland. The biggest thing that looks like a cultural clash is when the Brits suggest a song to the Canucks who are all like: ‘Over and Over?! Hot Chip?! What the hell is this?!’ We cover it, anyway.

Will there be more music from you guys down the line?

Definitely! We’ve already got another three or four songs ready to play live and we are writing new ones all the time.

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

We’re mostly spending the summer moving around the Rocky Mountains of Alberta and British Columbia (tough life, eh?). Expect to see us in Panorama, Revelstoke; Waterton, Banff and, of course, Canmore.

Are British dates a possibility at all? Can we see you over here?

We’d love that! We’d need a lot more money than we have now though…I wouldn’t rule it out, but we haven’t planned anything yet.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Write more songs, play live more - because that is the BEST thing – and, hopefully, get as many people to hear us as possible. We’ve got a supremely unique gig coming up playing the top deck of a converted London bus on Canada Day, so we’re extremely excited about that.

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

Dave: For me, it was Kerry’s face lighting up the first time all of us played one of her songs. She’d never been in a band before and had only played her own songs on an acoustic guitar, so seeing her experience that was heart-warming.

Kerry: We played a venue called The Drake a couple months ago…the dancefloor was totally full and everyone was singing along the with last few songs looking incredibly stoked!

Carlos: About two years ago, I played at the Bighorn Symposium right here in Canmore…it was a stunning sunny day; we were on the wonderful Stan Rodgers Stage; my family and all my friends were there…it was just the best time.

Wendy: In a former band, our saxophonist punched a member of the audience for (accidentally) knocking a microphone stand into his sax. Good times.

As you are half-Canadian and half-British; if you could create a mythical beast of a celebrity, half-British and half-Canadian; who would be part of it (you can choose politicians and literary figures, too)?

Probably Michael Buble/Shaun Ryder. I have no idea why but it sounds like an amazing gig.

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

Fleetwood Mac. We’d want Perrier water with all the bubbles taken out.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Never stop. Never stop writing, never stop gigging; never stop making your sound and presentation the best it can possibly be.

 IMAGE CREDIT: St. Paul and The Broken Bones

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

We’re loving St. Paul and The Broken Bones at the moment as well as a French band called Teacup Monster whose singer is just fantastic. Also, The Teskey Brothers…

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

None of us is full-time at music (yet) so most time is spent working, unfortunately. Dave and Carlos are gamers; Kerry likes growing things. All of us are snowboarders in the winter: it’s virtually compulsory here.

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).

Kerry: Pain and Misery by The Teskey Brothers

Dave: Great Expectations by Elbow

Carlos: Riviera Paradise by Stevie Ray Vaughan

Wendy: I Wanna Be Adored by The Stone Roses

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Follow Northern Quarter

Official:

http://www.northernquarterband.ca/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/NrthernQuarter

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/northernquarterband/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/northernquartercanada/

YouTube:

https://www.instagram.com/northernquartercanada/

INTERVIEW: Stray Monroe

INTERVIEW:

Stray Monroe

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THE cool and charming chaps of Stray Monroe…

have been spending time with me and discussing the video for their single, Seaside. The band tell me how they came together and what the vibe is like in San Diego – they recommend some new artists to check out.

I ask them whether they’ll come to the U.K. and play; whether they all share musical tastes; what plans they have for the rest of the year; their favourite memories from music – they end the interview by selecting some excellent tunes.

___________

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

Hey. It’s been a busy week! We just got done playing a packed show at the House of Blues Anaheim with Weathers. Our singer, Blake, had a really bad case of laryngitis so we had to do some very last-minute adjustments to the set to the set. The show was killer, though, and the crowd was phenomenal. We love Orange County; it’s like our home away from home. We can’t wait to come back soon.

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

Sure. Blake Imperl (Vocals/Guitar), Brett Kelly (Bass) and Colin Croft (Drums).

The video for Seaside is out. Can you talk about the song and how it came together?

Seaside was actually one of the easiest writing processes we’ve been through. The song started as a demo on Blake’s iPhone before he brought it to the rest of the band. Once we started playing it as a band, the song came together in only a few hours. We wanted to make a song that was upbeat and that people could dance to. We weren’t sure if it was going to make the cut for our E.P., Momentary Vertigo.

It was only after playing it at a house-party and seeing the crowd’s reaction that we decided it was worth including on the E.P. We like the song because it has a relatable message and reminds us of our home in San Diego.

What was it like putting the video together? Will there be more material coming soon?

The process was really fun for all of us. We filmed it with Nolan Woodward and Keeyan Irvjie, two up-and-coming college film directors. They pitched us the idea for a V.H.S.-style video and we immediately loved the direction they wanted to take it. We filmed it over the course of three days around various locations in San Diego. It was a very fun environment in which we were able to showcase our personalities. We wanted to make a video that was unique and that you wanted to watch over and over again.

Yes, there will be new material out within the next few months. We’re always writing and are excited to get back into the studio shortly.

How did Stray Monroe find one another? When did you all meet?

We all met at San Diego State University. Colin and Blake had been in a previous band before but it wasn’t until Brett came into the picture that we started Stray Monroe.

San Diego is your base. What sort of music vibe and scene is there?

San Diego has a lot of people who are supportive of the local music scene. That being said, there are many small music niches within San Diego that make it tough to have one unified scene. We’ve always felt like we never fit into any niche which caused us to develop a chip on our shoulder and aspire to more than just ‘San Diego-famous’. We love San Diego but always had our sights on hitting the road and playing in as many cities as we can.

Do you all share musical tastes? Did you all grow up around a lot of music?

We all share common threads in our musical tastes. One of our favorite things to do is to introduce each other to new artists/songs. It’s sort of like a game of one-upping each other by seeing who can discover the coolest songs. That’s how a lot of our influences for new songs start. We all grew up around music in different facets but it was only in our teens that we discovered music as more than just a hobby.

PHOTO CREDIT: Rick Perez

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

We just got back from Mexico a few weeks ago and have been busy promoting the E.P. here in Southern California. Right now, we’re focusing on making a name in the L.A. music scene. The second we get the chance, we plan to tour the United States, U.K. and anywhere else that will have us. We have a big fan base in Brazil and would love the opportunity to go play there.

Do you think you’ll come to the U.K. and gig here?

Absolutely. A lot of our favorite artists are from the U.K. and we’ve always believed that our music would be well-received there.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

We hope to get our new E.P. into as many ears as possible. We think we put out a great record and we’re excited to continue to share our music around the world. We’re also continuing to write new music and play shows. Our ultimate goal is to find the right record label and then get back in the studio and make an even better follow-up to Momentary Vertigo.

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

Blake: I think my favorite moment was when we got played on local radio for the first time. If you were to tell my younger self that one day I’d hear a song we wrote played on the radio, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. We all sat in my car and waited for the song to come on. It was a pretty special moment that we’ll never forget. 

Brett: My favorite moment was writing our song Hold the Line. At the time, we were all going through rough patches in our lives and used this song as an outlet to release our frustrations. Our goal was to write a song that was unlike anything we had ever done before and challenged us as musicians. We utilized a variety of new instruments such as the glockenspiel and the Mellotron in an effort to be like The Beatles. I’m not lying when I say that hearing the end product made each of us tear up!

Colin: My favorite moment was when we played our first show in Mexico. The venue was packed; it felt like the whole town came out. The craziest thing was that very few people spoke English, but our music served as a medium to communicate and bond over. We love Mexico and it’ll always hold a special place in our hearts.

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

We’re all huge fans of Portugal. the Man and take a lot of influence from their live show; so that’d be a dream come true.

Our rider would consist of sushi platters, blue Jolly Ranchers and a personal masseuse...AND tequila!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Keep on doing what you’re doing; don’t compare yourselves to other artists who are having success. Be involved in your community, respect and give back to your fans and never stop writing and practising. Success doesn’t happen overnight but through persistence and hard work.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Twin Peaks

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

We love Twin Peaks and The Academic. We think they’re probably the best young bands around. We opened up for the Academic in March and they were some of the most genuine guys we’ve ever had the pleasure of playing with.

IN THIS PHOTO: The Academic

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

Our lives pretty much revolve around music. There’s always something we’re working on so, on the rare chance we do get breaks, we always try to enjoy those moments. We like trying new restaurants, exploring San Diego and watching sports.

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).

Blake: I Am the Resurrection - The Stone Roses

Brett: Band on the Run - Paul McCartney & Wings

Colin: Houdini - Foster the People

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Follow Stray Monroe

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/straymonroe

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/straymonroe

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/straymonroe/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0pfz6hvgWeXZcLBmjIqaDP

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/straymonroe

INTERVIEW: Natalie Holmes

INTERVIEW:

Natalie Holmes

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IT has been exciting speaking with…

the Bristol-based songwriter Natalie Holmes about her latest single, Hideout. She reveals its background and reveals where she gets the energy to keep putting out material – she has released four successful E.P.s and shows no signs of slowing!

Holmes chats about Bristol and which musicians she is influenced by; what is coming up in terms of gigs; which upcoming artists we need to look out for; the advice she would give to musicians emerging – she ends the interview by selecting a rather underrated gem.

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

Hey! It’s been a bit of a mad one, actually. I’ve been working on a few top lines for some D.J.s; trying to get them all finished, recorded and sent over from the ‘studio’ (bedroom) whilst having a messy insomnia stint and working at the coffee job! But, the plan was to get it all out of the way and allow headspace for the release this week; so, mission accomplished!

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

Of course! My name is Natalie Holmes; I live in Bristol (U.K.) and am a singer/songwriter/musician/food nerd.

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

Hideout represents quite a small window in my life. I was battling with a relationship trying to make it work on and off for over a year. There was always something that pulled us together despite all the things that were clearly very wrong and I felt like my true self had to hide away.  On one of the occasions, when we started over, I had an overwhelming sensation that everything was OK now and I wanted to combine this with my increased detachment with material objects.

So, Hideout is about realising you don’t need any of the temporary things you think make you happy. At that moment, all you need is the universe and the person that makes you happiest. You lose the walls around you.

Might we see more new material a bit later in the year?

Definitely. I have a feeling Hideout is just the beginning of a new wave of love for what I do and the boundaries I can push with it! There’s so much more to come.

IN THIS IMAGE: Natalie Holmes' E.P., Calm Places, was released last year

You have already released four successful E.P.s. Where do you get the energy to keep putting out amazing material?!

Well, ‘amazing’ is a generous word to label everything I’ve released, but thank you! I’ll be honest: I can’t reign in the amount I write; I’d have twenty E.P.s out if it was that easy! But, I suppose, as a songwriter, you really want to get your best songs heard so releasing anything and everything would drown them out. It took a long time to pin down the songs that ended up on my E.P.s, but I don’t regret any of them. I think energy is something that comes instinctively with a song you’ve written and love - you can feel when it’s right...and the excitement and adrenaline push you through everything that comes with it.

 PHOTO CREDIT: Matt Greenwell Media

How do songs come to you? Will you sit and write or let inspiration strike?

Inspiration, nearly always.

It doesn’t take much for something to hit me hard and I’ll be scribbling down words and phrases or singing into my phone wherever I am. However, on the occasion that I’ve had a quiet few weeks in my head, I’ll just sit and play the piano and see what comes. Sometimes, that’s inspiration enough! If I had a real acoustic piano, I swear I would write two songs a day - the feel and sound of it make my whole being melt.

Which musicians did you tune into from a young age? Was there a single artist/moment that inspired you to get into music?

This question always makes me nervous as I don’t have the typical answer of being inspired by ‘classics’ that I was brought up on as a baby. My family aren’t particularly musical at all, but I am so grateful they put me in piano lessons when I was tiny. But, yes, I’m afraid to say I definitely grew up on S Club 7, Paramore and Avril Lavigne and only found out who Joni Mitchell was when I was in my twenties. It’s shameful. I was simply inspired by snippets of everything. I still listen to Let Go by Avril Lavigne now and am like: ‘Damn; these are great songs!’ The first couple of artists I began to idolise were Sara Bareilles, Ellie Goulding (first album) and Bon Iver.

However, in the last two years, I’ve been hit with a wave of artists that have really touched and inspired me on a whole new level; notably, Laura Mvula, whose music I fell in love with just before I wrote Hideout.

How important are Bristol and its people regarding your music?

I’ve never thought about that! I’m determined to stay in this absolutely glorious city for its positive, creative and earthy vibe. I feel grounded here, despite having moved house three times in the past year. However; I like to focus on the feeling that I could be OK anywhere, that my happiness isn’t because of the place I exist; or else I’d be leaving it behind extremely often! I feel lucky to have this beautiful place around me but feel like it’s more for the non-musician in me: it’s my escape when I need to get out and breathe, see friends; eat amazing food and visit all the wonderful independent business owners. It’s an unusually magical city community that I avoid tying in too much with work.

Saying that; I have incredible support here from friends and family as well as from the local radio and BBC Introducing. I never fully realise how many people in this city are supporting my music.

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

We are booking a band tour for the end of October! Dates aren’t set in stone yet but I know we are; starting at The Globe in Hay-on-Wye on 19th October, followed by dates in Bristol, Winchester; Birmingham, London; Leeds and more.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I’d love for Hideout to be the song that really gets out there and is heard. It feels like the right time and the right song as I’m so happy with the balance of commercial and musical traits in it. It would be so amazing to tour in October and sell out some venues: I really can’t wait for the day I can play a gig and feel a room completely full of people who are there fully to support me! There’s nothing quite like that chemistry.

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

There are so many! The one that is going to stick with me forever is getting the opportunity to tour with Above & Beyond, as their vocalist, on their world tour. It was singing in front of a sold-out Hollywood Bowl and Royal Albert Hall that showed me the enormity of what you can feel on stage; when there are THAT many beaming smiles in the audience and everyone is so together.

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

I would LOVE to tour with Sara Bareilles, Laura Mvula; Aurora...all artists that I truly believe in and admire. I imagine these girls are all insanely wonderful human beings too.

My rider would have to include some kind of creative salad box buffet and healthy sweet treats to get me through like banana bread, dried fruit and nuts. OH…and always, always Lindt Excellence 90%. The odd bottle of high-quality Italian red would also be on the cards…

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

This takes time. I started uploading videos of me singing on YouTube in 2010. It’s taken me eight years to get to this point and I still haven’t ‘made it’. It’s really tough seeing other artists around you get their lucky break and you feel like you must be doing something wrong or you’re not good enough.

But; the way I think of it is the longer it takes, the longer you’ve got to grow in your own person and really appreciate being young whilst carving your music into something you’re truly proud of.  Then, when the world finally hears you, you know you did your best and you can be truly proud.

IN THIS PHOTO: LP/PHOTO CREDIT: British Vogue

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I’m not sure about ‘new’ in the general sense, but artists that I’ve been really into lately that are slightly less in the limelight would be: Francis and the Lights, LP; Martin Luke Brown and Balmorhea.

IN THIS PHOTO: Martin Luke Brown

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

Time for other things has become increasingly less since I moved out of my parents and have been tackling the R-word. However, I make sure I always make time for myself as it’s just so crucial. I love food, a lot, so either cooking or exploring the Bristol food and drink scene! Lately, I’ve been really struggling with insomnia and time away from music has been diminished as I’m finding less and less time where I’m actually functioning to get things done. I can’t count the days of no sleep as healthy downtime as it’s the one thing in my life that my brain can’t battle and it definitely isn’t refuelling.

Then, when I have a night of sleep, I’m like: ‘I must get everything done today whilst I have the mental capacity, just in case!’ But, on a whole, mental and physical wellbeing is hugely important to me and I make sure I get out and about on my bike whenever I can to break up the hours spent inside recording, writing or doing admin.

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).

Ooh, yay! As I mentioned her before; can you play Tokyo Sunrise by LP? Thank you!

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Follow Natalie Holmes

PHOTO CREDIT: Rob Potter Creative 

Official:

https://natalieholmesmusic.tumblr.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/_natalieholmes

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/natalieholmesmusic

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/_natalieholmes/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuA8thhuxHBCzbgXaMK0M9g

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/31dQ6lbXKJp9yLgUhb8qkJ?si=vLc2im5vQTqc-N3TTcTjFw

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/natalieholmesmusic