INTERVIEW: Charlie Melrose

INTERVIEW:

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Charlie Melrose

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MY final interview today...

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is with Brighton-based Charlie Melrose who talks to me about her single, The Original Ghost, and its background. I ask what it is like having famous musicians in the family and what she has planned going forward – Melrose talks about some rising artists we need to get behind.

I was curious to discover what her early life was like in terms of music exposure; whether there are plans in her mind for next year and which musical memory stands in the mind – she ends the interview by selecting a great song (or two)!

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

I’m good! Are you? My week has been manic but good. I’ve been prepping for the upcoming single launch; we’ve got a lot planned for this event!

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

I’m am Artpop/Neo-Soul artist brought up in Scotland/Cornwall and now based in Brighton.

The Original Ghost is your new single. Is there a story behind it?

Yeah, there is…

I suppose perhaps it comes across as a song written by a ghosted lover…but it’s not how it is. The song is about my biological father - he is the ‘original ghost’ in my life story; coming in and out of my life (mostly out) as he pleased and me spending most of my childhood and adult life not knowing his address or where he might be. Maybe some would shun a ‘father’ like that…unfortunately, for me, I just accepted it and got hurt and hurt over and over. It affected my relationships with men and I got into a vicious circle of going out with men who would treat me in a similar way to him; not taking any of my feelings into account. I didn't see myself as worthy deep down because the child in me thought ‘there must be something really bad about me that I’m not worth contacting or caring about’ - so I let it keep happening.

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But, one day (about this time last year actually), I stood up to my ghost. Through a lot of hard work, I have convinced myself that I am worthy of better treatment and…love. I agreed to meet him in Brighton (he was on tour with Hazel O’Connor - his sister and my aunt) and I was extremely brave. I stood up to him and told him that what he had done to me was wrong and that I was in charge now - and I told him I was never to hear from him again; he is not allowed to contact me ever again and he shan’t ever hear from me or follow me on social media. I took control of the situation and ghosted him back. Forever, done; capiche.

I walked away crying and laughing at the same time. It was the single most empowering and terrifying thing I have ever done. The Original Ghost embodies some of that empowerment and also tells of some of the story that I have been through with him and relationships.

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Might we see some more material coming next year?

Absolutely! This is just the beginning - I’m aiming to release an album; there may be some more singles first.

Hazel O’Connor is your aunt! How influential is she in regards your music?

She is! She’s not been massively influential on purpose. Weirdly, I got told something very strange when I performed in my first band at nineteen. It was a battle of the bands-type thing. The judge said “You probably don’t know who this is but you remind me of Hazel O’Connor”. I was astonished. My response was “Well, I don’t know her personally…but she is my auntie”.

The first time I met her I saw her at a gig and it was very emotional for me. She was fantastic. I felt so sad that I had missed out on having her in my life for my whole childhood. She seemed almost like a myth to me…but we really were related. Maybe she was another sort of ghost; someone I looked up to but never knew...

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Did you grow up in a musical family? Which artists did you discover at a young age?

My musical family are my ghosts - Hazel and Neil. My mum and my stepdad are not musical at all: my mum has always been really supportive but admits she didn’t particularly want me to sing because she knew how unreliable of a career path it was. But, it was impossible for me to not pursue music. It feels like it’s a huge part of what makes me who I am.

Artists I loved at a young age weren’t particularly good. Haha. My favourite singer was ‘Sporty Spice’ when I was a kid, no joke! I loved her. I used to dress like her and everything. In my teens I was into Emo and Punk (and Metal apparently but I was massively lying to myself on that one) and, in my late-teens, I loved Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black (and still do); Wallis Bird’s Spoons and Kate Nash’s Made of Bricks.

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What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

A successful launch of The Original Ghost and some festival slots booked for next year.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

Absolutely: write and record the album, tour and play festivals.

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

Yeah. I sure do. I used to front a Punk/Rock band and we opened the Main Stage for the Buzzcocks at Rebellion Festival (2012) to a huge crowd in a big ballroom (Blackpool Winter Gardens). The feeling on that stage was phenomenal.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Amy Winehouse - Back to Black

So beautifully written; so real, so heartbreaking; just incredible. Amy touches my soul.

For All We Know - Nao

Amazing music with pure passion and GROOVE. My favourite modern artist besides Christine and the Queens.

Spoons - Wallis Bird

Every song means something to me; it’s such a brilliant album. I think songs you really incredibly love as a teenager will always take you back to those moments that you identified so deeply with at the time. It’s very nostalgic for me.

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

Christine and the Queens, please! That would be so sick.

Ooooh; rider. Prosecco, grapes; loads of water (boring but essential. Haha), roasted vegetable wraps; roast potatoes (for afterwards, please); dairy-free chocolate milk and vanilla yoghurts.

Haha. I’m talking to you like you’re booking me.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

If you have a passion, drive and a plan you’re halfway there. Want it. Want it bad. But, don’t want it so much that you forget to enjoy the journey. There will be moments where you’ll tear your hair out and you’ll wonder what the point of it all is - and then you’ll play ‘that gig’ and that’ll remind you exactly why you’re doing it.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Yazmyn Hendrix

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yazmyn Hendrix is epic! Loop artist with all the vocal chops and a fantastic songwriter. Tasha Robertson is wonderful. I sang backing vocals for her for Sofar Sounds Chichester. She has a lovely, sweet voice and folky, poppy tunes. She’s like a sweeter more tuneful Kate Nash.

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

I love yoga and surfing. I love exploring and adventures. I really need an adventure every once in a while to chill my mind out. I’m quite a highly-strung anxious sort of person who needs to be reminded to have a day off. I love countryside missions and riding horses. I also love to DANCE.

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).

Christine and the Queens - Girlfriend

OR

Bad Blood - Nao

Both are wonderful

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INTERVIEW: Lost Cousins

INTERVIEW:

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Lost Cousins

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I have been speaking with Lost Cousins...

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about their new single, Stay, and how it came together. I was keen to know how the band found one another and what the story is; if there is going to be more material coming through and whether there are going to be some tour dates approaching.

The guys talks to me about some rising artists to watch and the advice they’d give to approaching musicians; how they chill away from music – they reveal which people they’d like as ‘lost cousins’ if they could choose anyone in the world.

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

Our week’s been great! It’s been a little hectic between preparing for some upcoming shows and being consumed by the process of releasing new music - and a few other cool things we’ve been cooking up - but we’re excited to share our new material.

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

Of course! We’re Lost Cousins; a four-piece Psych-Rock band from Toronto, Canada. People have described our sound as a mix between Tame Impala, Local Natives; Washed Out and My Morning Jacket. Lots of big ambient textures but with a big dynamic range and driving rhythms.

Stay is your new single. Is there a story behind it?

There is a subtle story behind Stay. It’s about moving away from somewhere that you love to a new, unfamiliar place. Our drummer and singer Cam moved across the country when he was a kid and our band moved to a new city right after school, so the song sort of touches on both of those experiences. The lyrics are about sitting in the backseat of a car and staring at the changing scenery that passes while awaiting a new beginning.

Might there be more material coming next year?

We have another new single coming out on November 23rd and our debut album, In Scenery, is scheduled for Feb. 1st release!

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I believe there is an interesting story behind the formation of Lost Cousins. Can you elaborate…?

Lost Cousins stemmed originally from the name of one of our songs. The group started as a project that gained and lost members through a ‘friend of a friend’-type system and was gaining new fans solely through playing shows. We had virtually no music online and so the band was facilitated entirely through friend groups. Due to the fact that the group started in university, each one of us had moved from a different city and ended up playing music together in another.

I think, because we all left friends and family in our respective homes, we felt a sense of new community, but also the loss of another. The name ‘Lost Cousins’ came from those feelings. People always say to us “Hey. I have some cousins I haven’t heard from in years” and that sort of explains what the band name means – feeling connected to people outside of your physical environment, who you might not have communicated with in a while. It’s that sense of community (whether near or far) that helped our group form initially.

Do you share similar tastes? Who are you inspired by?

We do have similar tastes; which is helpful when we are arranging our music, but naturally there will always be some differences in what we listen to and draw inspiration from. We tend to be most inspired by experimentation and uniqueness. Bands or artists that create sounds never heard before are huge inspirations for us and have shaped and directed our own ambitions in producing our music. We really admire and strive toward the intersection of enticing melodies or progressions that are supported by creative production ideas and innovative textures and sounds.

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What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

We hope that our longtime fans can enjoy and resonate with our new music and that we can connect with some new people by the end of 2018. Since our first ‘single’ and E.P. in 2015, we only released one song before Mindmaker came out this year. We’re unbelievably stoked to finally share what we’ve been working on.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

As mentioned, our debut album comes out in February. Other than that; we plan to hit the road, take to the air and never come back.

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

Cam: On a personal level; we played at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa earlier this year and the acoustics blew me away. Everyone was seated listening to us (which is often not the case) and were therefore really attention to what we were playing. The sound could not have been better in that room and I was extremely happy to share our live sound in that setting. I’m also from Ottawa originally so it was a special night for me. I think, as a band, one of our first festival performances sticks out for sure.

Also - we played at the inaugural Wayhome Music and Arts Festival, which has since fizzled out of existence but it was an extremely cool festival north of Toronto run by the same team that puts on Bonnaroo. That show sticks out because we played to about 1000 people and, before that, our biggest audience had probably been about 200.

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Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)?

We actually only have singles released before this, so our debut album will and does mean the most to us.

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

I think, if we could support any musician today, it would probably be either M83 or Local Natives – we’ve listened to those bands for ages now and would love the opportunity to play alongside them.

We’re not too picky with riders, but we do have this one thing going on where we ask for a Tide to Go Stick and then purposefully spill on ourselves before the set in order to make good use of it. Rituals.

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Given the band’s name; if you each found out you had a long-lost cousin, who would you want that to be and why?

Cam: I would have to say some iconic producer/artist like Brian Eno.

Lloyd: I tried to think of something hypothetical but all I could think of was a real story that just happened - I actually was recently fortunate enough to connect and meet up with a second-cousin who moved to Toronto in September. We had met once when we were five and seven-years-old or so but had never met or even had a conversion prior to a month ago. He also happens to be a great musician and has started his Master’s in Musicology at the very same school in which I’m doing my PhD in Music Education.

Thomas: The music nerd in me wants to say Dave Smith - an early innovator in synthesizer design and manufacturing. I spend a huge chunk of my time obsessing over my synth keyboard possessions, and to meet the man who created them in the first place would be a dream come true. But, if we took that a step further and he was actually my cousin...?! (Smiles).

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

We’re still in the middle of figuring all this stuff out too, but our advice would be to play lots of shows; meet as many new people as you can, and really try to connect with them. If you believe in your music, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and just go for it.

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

Within the next month we’re playing plenty in Canada - specifically in Montreal, Ottawa; Kingston and Toronto. We’ll be doing a lot more playing once the album has been unleashed on the world.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Close Talker/PHOTO CREDIT: Jono Bernstein

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

So many...

Here are a few we came up with:

Close Talker - we’ve toured with these guys and they are an insane live band. Their records are awesome and get better with each listen. Highly recommend this Canadian band!

Adrianne Lenker - not necessarily new because she also happens to be the lead singer of Big Thief but her solo record, abysskiss, is amazing and perfect for fall/winter vibes.

argonaut&wasp - great Dance-Rock duo from Brooklyn we’ve connected with a few times when we’ve been in N.Y.C.

The Brandy Alexanders - smalltown Canadian band with a big-time Psychedelic, Indie-Pop sound.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Adrianna Lenker

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

We do spend a lot of time together, but we all kind of have our own lives and ways to get away from the music outside of the band. We like to play Settlers of Catan a lot and going to see other artists is really cathartic for us. A few of us like to read and write which we find is a great way to remove yourself from the stresses of life.

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).

Cam: Letting Go by Wild Nothing

Lloyd: out of your mind by Adrianne Lenker

Thomas: Only a Shadow by The Cleaners From Venus

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INTERVIEW: Cavey

INTERVIEW:

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Cavey

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THANKS to Cavey for kicking this week off...

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by telling me about the latest single, About to Start, and how it came together. I discover how the band came together and what is coming up in terms of gigs and material; which musicians and sounds inspire what they do – they recommend a rising artist to look out for.

I ask whether there is a favourite career memory so far and what they want to achieve before the end of this year; the advice approaching songwriters should take to heart – the interview is completed with a rather good song choice.

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

Hello! We've had a busy one preparing for the single launch, celebrating too!

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

We are Cavey; a four-piece Alt-Rock band from London. We try to tastefully combine playing styles into our particular sound; the interplay between Jazz harmony, electric guitar and my songwriting. It’s just Alt-Rock, but that's a pretty broad umbrella. There's something different in us and it comes from the band's technicalities.

What is the tale behind your new single, About to Start? How did it come together?

I haven't asked, but I'm sure most musicians experience a sort of double-reality; one in which they are fulfilled by the joy of playing and connection with bandmates and the audience and another in which nothing they do is ever enough to satisfy the abstract idea of success portrayed in films and the media. One is always in danger of succumbing to the latter, which can include overworking yourself, neglecting others and feeling incomplete. About to Start is about the conflict of love and the belief that the only way to make it is to sacrifice everything. 

Was it cool having Blaenavon’s Frank Wright produce? What was that like?!

Frank and I have been friends for years, so it was very comfortable. Because we know each other so well it makes it easier to communicate musically. I feel like we both know we can criticise each other constructively without negative consequences - which is always good - because then we're serving the song and not somebody's ego. 

Might we see more material from you guys next year?

Absolutely!

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How did Cavey get together? Do you all share tastes in the same sort of music?

Cavey formed two years ago after Frank Wright (Blaenavon) introduced me to Adrian (drums) at a show in Kilburn. I had a couple of songs that weren't right for any of my current Country or Hard-Rock bands, because the songwriting was a little gentler and a little bleaker,  so I decided to form a new project. Adrian introduced me to a bunch of Jazz musicians at Guildhall and the songs I had written grew into a more cohesive sound that seemed like a good kind of different.

We played a few shows as a trio, with Alex (keys) doing the bass parts with his left hand, and had great feedback and support from the crowd so we decided to record a few tracks. We tracked them cheaply at a studio beneath Camden Roundhouse and they went on to become our first E.P., Night Time. We had Josh Eggerton of Social Contract play bass for a while, but he got too busy with his band, so Adrian suggested Refa playing double bass. She had all the songs down in like three days and smashed the E.P. launch so she was definitely in! That's still our current line-up.  

Refa, Alex and Adrian all studied Jazz music at Guildhall and they have their idols in that discipline, Sonny Clark, Tony Williams and Charlie Haden, as well as more contemporary Rock and Pop stuff. From Radiohead to ABBA, they really know their stuff! I learnt guitar with Classic-Rock and Blues. Classic stuff like AC/DC, Led Zeppelin and Sabbath on the Rock end and Howlin’ Wolf, T-Bone Walker and Freddie Kind on the Blues end. But, now I tend to gravitate towards the lyrically talented musicians - Leonard Cohen, Lou Reed and Joni Mitchell to name a few. So, we are quite a mixed bag but there are definitely cross over points.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

Now the single is out, we're gonna spend a while writing songs. I'm gonna try and have an album’s worth by Christmas.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

Hopefully, the recording and release of that album!

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

We played a show at Barrel Project in Bermondsey recently, but we weren't playing Cavey songs; it was mainly Jazz and Funk tunes. It was great to see Adrian Alex and Refa in their element and put myself out of my comfort zone too. In the end, we had such a great jam. It's sometimes more pressure playing originals so it was nice to blow off some musical steam like that!

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Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)? 

Adrian: Life to Everything by Phronesis

Because it’s really good.

Cavey: The Best Air Guitar Album in the World... Ever!

After listening to that a few times, I asked my dad for an electric guitar.

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

I'd support Ryley Walker. I’d ask have the promoters install a nacho cheese pump in the green room and serve us a sh*t-load of crisps and beer...and a million pounds.

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Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

29th November at The Old Queen's Head. Tickets are £4 here. 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Practicing and playing all the time are more important than a social media presence. Get your sh*t together before you start spreading stuff everywhere.

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IMAGE CREDIT: Dick Stusso

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I recommend Dick Stusso.

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

Yeah, but I normally feel guilty for not working hard enough, so it can be difficult. If I can remember to tell myself I'm working hard enough, I'll go out and blow off some steam. I like dancing and karaoke is always fun. 

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).

How Do You Think It Feels by Lou Reed

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INTERVIEW: Bryony Dunn

INTERVIEW:

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Bryony Dunn

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I am ending the weekend by speaking with Bryony Dunn...

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about her latest track, I Can’t Look Away. Her E.P., Full Bloom, came out on Friday so it is a busy time for the young songwriter. She tells me about her musical path and the albums that mean the most to her; what she has planned going forward and which rising artists we need to get behind.

I ask Dunn if she has a favourite memory from her time in music and what sort of sounds she grew up around; what she wants to achieve before the end of the year and whether we might see more material coming – she ends the interview by selecting a great track.

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

Hey! It’s not been bad at all, thank you. Started off with a gig at Cardiff University; popped into BBC Introducing Live and then a gig on Saturday at The Gladstone Arms in London – plus, my E.P., Full Bloom, came out. That’s pretty big I guess!

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

My name is Bryony Dunn. I’m a singer-songwriter based in the Surrey Hills and I make Pop music.

I Can’t Look Away is your new track. What is the story behind it?

It’s a song about feeling pretty low in terms of self-esteem and then having someone - a friend, lover or family member - coming and pushing you to accept yourself and be a better person.

Will there be a music video for I Can’t Look Away do you think?

Hopefully, in early-December. My friend Willow and I have been planning but she’s at university at the moment so I intend to film when she gets back, fingers crossed!

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Are you looking ahead to future material? Might we see more next year?

I’ve been writing so much over the past few years. I have a bunch of tracks that I absolutely love that aren’t quite ready yet. Depends what happens with the E.P.! 

Can you give me a sense of the artists you grew up around? When did music come into your life?

My parents always played so many different styles of music. The first gig I went to was Madness at the age of six and then the second was a Genesis reunion tour when I was about eleven (?). I also always listened to things like the Spice Girls and Britney Spears as well as Paul Simon and Fleetwood Mac, so it’s pretty eclectic - but I wouldn’t want it any other way.

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What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

A New Year’s Eve kiss. If you know anyone who’d be interested, direct them towards my D.M.s. Haha. But, if that’s not achievable then a whole bunch of streams on my E.P. would be really nice.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

Yep. I’m spending the first few months in the French Alps as a resident musician in a bar; then, hopefully, getting some more tunes out and doing some more gigs around the U.K.

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

I did something I’ve always wanted to do in my gig in Cardiff. Half way through my electronic set; I stepped out totally unplugged into the audience with just me and my guitar and everyone sang along! Insane. It’s my new favourite thing.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Gosh. This is far too difficult; there’s no way I can pick a top-three but I’ll give you three good albums and why I chose them:

Torches by Foster the People means a lot to me because I listened to it on-repeat age fourteen with my good pal Tilda on a family holiday in Provence. We had an earphone each from my little U.S.B. Sony MP3 player (to which I had downloaded the live versions from YouTube of the album because my parents didn’t want to buy them for me) in our little twin bedroom when we were meant to be sleeping. Listening back to it now it still sounds sick.

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Every Coldplay album has so much meaning for me and I adore the way that their albums flow from the first song to the last. But, Mylo Xyloto sticks out because, in our music class, three of my loveliest friends and I were allowed to go in a group for the Pop song project and we covered Paradise. We were then asked to perform it in the school concert which was a real beginning for me on the Pop music side of things.

Retrospectacle - The Supertramp Anthology. I remember singing in the back of the car on many long family journeys to Scotland to visit my grandparents. There was a song for every sort of feeling and they really moved me. I was lucky enough to get to see Roger Hodgson live at the Albert Hall once as well.

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

It would have to be Coldplay. Their show is always incredible and every support act I’ve seen of theirs has subsequently blown up. As for the rider - a nice bunch of flowers, hot water; honey and lemon; tea and all of the food ever would probably do just fine to be honest.

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What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I’m not sure I can really give advice at this stage, but I asked this same question in a Q&A with Christine and the Queens and she said “Only you know best I think. You can ask for advice if you want but only you know best”. I think that’s pretty good advice.

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

On the 25th November, I’m supporting Tom Williams in Guildford and on the 28th November I’ll be at Northern Guitars in Leeds. I’m also planning a bit of a party gig in Dorking on 17th December…so watch this space.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Chincilla

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

AMBR. She’s a legend. Bedroom / Boredom are super-cool. FOXE are doing great things and Chinchilla doesn’t have any music out yet but, if you can catch her at a gig, you will not regret it.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Bedroom / Boredom/PHOTO CREDIT: Adam Green/PHOTO EDIT: Jack Lynch

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

I think time to chill is so important for staying sane. I go out walking with my dog Jasper and I like to read - but there’s nothing quite like a cup of tea and a movie.

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

It’s got to be Crying Over You by HONNE. Can’t stop playing that at the minute!

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INTERVIEW: Tez Cadey

INTERVIEW:

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Tez Cadey

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THANKS to Tez Cadey...

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for talking about his start in music and the artists/albums that influence him. I ask about his new album, Lizard Days, and what themes inspire it; whether he has a standout track from the record and what the scene is like in France at the moment.

The Electronic artist tells me about what he hopes to achieve next year and whether there is anything to achieve before the end of this year; if he gets time to chill outside of music; which rising artist we should be aware of and whether there will be gigs coming up.

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

Amazing, thanks! We just released the album last week and so far the feedback has been great. I’m spending a lot of time looking at streaming stats, which isn’t necessarily a good thing, but I can’t help it.

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

I'm a twenty-five-year-old producer from France making Electronic music, Pop and House.

Lizard Days is your new album. Are there particular albums that inspired it? 

I was listening a lot to Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band during the making of this album, so it must have crept in somewhere - particularly in the song arrangements. There is actually one break in Your Way were a crescendo of orchestral nonsense takes place that was directly inspired by A Day in the Life. You can also hear it on the last part of the outro, Divine. I just love how the songs evolve on this record (The Beatles' one).

Is there a standout or personal favourite from the record would you say?

It changes from time to time but I'd say Logic is my personal favorite. I still don't get tired of it. I think it has a unique and timeless touch that keeps it fresh and interesting to listen to. And, most of all, it’s at the crossroad of my influences; between Pop, old-school House and Psychedelic-Rock.

Did you grow up around a lot of music? Which artists did you follow at a young age?

I grew up mainly listening to what my parents listened to, like many kids I guess! So, a lot of New Wave, Rock and a some House music; ranging from the Cure to New Order to A Guy Called Gerald. A lot of English music. Haha.

As a French producer; what is the music scene like in the country right now?

The scene here was great a few years back with a lot of newcomers trying out new things and great support from the public. Now, there's still interesting stuff going on but it's harder to break through. I feel there's so much content being released every day. People now have less time to give.

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What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

Well. It's coming up fast, so I just hope I'll see the album grow a little! 

Do you already have plans for 2019?

Yes. I've been in the studio since August now working on new material. I'd love to release it before next summer. It's going to be more Dance-oriented for sure; more like my older tracks.

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

There are so many to pick from so it's hard to choose! My best memories from my time in music has been the touring. I love spending time in the studio but it’s a rather lonely process. Going from place to place; discovering new cultures, new people and connecting through the music is, by far, the most gratifying experience.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

I'd say Tame Impala's Currents, Justice - Cross and Mac DeMarco - Salad Days

I don't really know why I like them that much. One of them I don't even play anymore but they were albums I used to listen to a lot during certain periods of my life. So, they have a strong nostalgic effect on me. Salad Days is also the most laid-back album of all times. I used to put in on a loop when I was living in Mexico. Just thinking of it brings back good memories.

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

You mean for the rider or the musician I would support? For the musician, as long as it’s coherent with my project I’m in. For the rider...surprise me!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

It’s going to sound generic but don't be too influenced by what is going on: try creating what feels right to you, what your guts want to hear. It can be tempting to make music that sounds like what’s going on right now and it can feel reassuring. But, here’s the thing; it’s already been done and the guys who did it first probably do it better!

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

Not that I'm aware of. I've been limiting the gigs during the winter time to work on the next singles. But, you can expect new tour dates starting next summer!

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Yarosslav/PHOTO CREDIT: Jean Marc Eloy 

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

My friends from Yarosslav are putting out some very cool songs at the moment. Check them out!

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

Being full-time in music is a relatively new experience for me. So, I'm still learning on how to take a step back from it from time to time. My best answer to this for now has been finding another hobby. Like painting or reading or programming or anything really! Just to take my mind off the music and off the pressure.

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INTERVIEW: Prins Obi

INTERVIEW:

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Prins Obi

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IT has been cool finding out about Prins Obi…

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and his project/band Prins Obi & the Dream Warriors. The lead talks about the video for Vortex and what we will get from the Prins Obi & the Dream Warriors album; the sort of music that is important to him and what the music scene is like in Greece right now.

Prins Obi reveals how he got started in music and whether there are plans for gigs; which three albums mean the most to him and how he unwinds outside of music; the advice he would give to artists coming through right now – he ends the interview with a great track choice.

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

Hello. I'm fine, thank you. Busy week, but I'm really excited that my album is coming out.

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

The name of the project is Prins Obi & the Dream Warriors. I am the vocalist and keyboardist; Pantelis Karasevdas is the drummer; Sergios Voudris is the bassist and the second vocalist; Kostas Stergiou is the percussionist and Chris Bekiris is the guitarist. We are a Freak-Rock band with pop sensibilities.

The video for Vortex is out. What is the inspiration behind the song and what was it like putting the video together?

I was really stoned in my cottage house one long summer night...I fell asleep and I dreamed of this song. It tells the story of an unfulfilled romance. The video was Vasilis Katsoupis' (A.K.A. ‘dipyadeep’) inspiration, the brilliant director who envisioned the whole thing. I had really great time working with such a talented dude.   

The Prins Obi & the Dream Warriors album is upcoming. Are there particular themes that inspired the record? How does it differ to your previous record?

I wanted to create something more coherent and raw than my previous album; to aim straight at the heart. It is an L.P. of songs and I think it is the first real ‘Rock album’ I've made thus far.

Partying, exorcising demons; recapturing romantic moments, exonerating miserable situations and laying emphasis on live energy were themes and goals that inspired us.

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When did you start out in music? Which artists inspired you?

I am a classically trained pianist and I started playing at the age of seven. I was a huge fan of the British Prog-Rock scene when I was in high-school and these bands and artists defined me to some extent.

Is there a big and productive music scene in Greece right now? Is it challenging getting exposure?

Where there is crisis, pain and suffering there is always a huge amount of good music. The problem is that the largest amount of the population is addicted to sub-culture trash.

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What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

To be healthy and in harmony with the people I love.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

To book some awesome gigs promoting the album and have really great time playing together. I have also formed a Hard-Rock band with my local pub friends (Electric Feat) and hopefully our debut album is coming out in 2019.

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

Recording the first Baby Guru album (my previous band) with my other two childhood friends. So much passion and innocence combined.

Which one album means the most to you would you say (and why)?

If I could choose one album right now, it would be Sam Cooke's Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963. This live album is unbelievable...the energy, the songs; the audience, that VOICE.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Be true to yourselves, fu*k trends; think out of the box and speak from the heart.

Do you have tour dates coming up?

Not yet, but we are rehearsing.

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Where can we catch you play?

When the gigs are planned, I will let you know.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Oh; the list is countless but, to tell you the truth, I am a little bit of a retrophiliac.

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

Actually, I am pharmacist during daytime. That's my day-job and music is my way of unwinding.

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).

Sam Cooke - Bring It on Home to Me (Live)

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INTERVIEW: Abel Miller

INTERVIEW:

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Abel Miller

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I have been catching up with Abel Miller…

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as he tells me about his track, Feel Good, and his upcoming E.P., Private Island. I ask which artists and albums are important to him and he reveals what is coming up in terms of music and gigs – Miller reveals some rising artists to get involved with.

I ask whether he has a favourite memory from music and what it is like getting support from some big radio stations; the advice he would offer artists coming through and whether he gets much time away from music to relax.

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

Hi. Yes, it’s been a great week. Had a few radio interviews and premiered the new single toom titled Ride for Me, with DJ Ace at BBC 1Xtra.

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

Yes, of course. My name is Abel Miller. I am an R&B artist from London, U.K. I would say I have been putting out music around nine years; however, I have been singing practically all my life. It’s been a grind! But, I love making music and I was featured on one of the early tracks from K Koke entitled Nobody But Us and this brought a buzz as he just signed with Roc Nation at the time. I then went on to putting out E.P.S. The first one was titled Make You Love Me and the track No Gentleman was playlisted on BBC Radio 1Xtra.

What can you tell me about your latest track, Feel Good?

Feel Good’s concept is actually different to the title - when you first see it you would think it’s an uplifting, positive ‘feelgood’ song (laughs). It’s more about a female going through things and not feeling too good and I’m explaining that throughout the verses. The instrumental has a tropical edge but, at the same time, R&B chords.

Private Island is your upcoming E.P. What sort of themes do you explore on it?

Yes. Private Island is the E.P. It’s got a lot of mid/up-tempo songs on there; a bit of Island and also an Afro-Swing feel to it. It’s a six-track E.P. and it starts with Feel Good - which is the slower track on the E.P. - and then picks up into tracks like Chasing Rain (ft. Sona) which is more on the up-tempo end.

Do you have particular music idols or artists you grew up around?

Growing up, I listened to a lot of Gospel in my mum’s home; artists like Fred Hammond and Yolanda Adams and so on...then I would stay at my dad’s and hear the latest tracks. Really, an album I won’t forget is Usher’s 8701. I had that on-repeat back in the day.

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What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

I just really hope this E.P. gets heard by as many people as I can reach as I believe it’s my best body of work and showcases different sides; so I’d say to get the E.P. buzzing!

Do you already have plans for 2019?

I have a few songs in the pipeline that I am planning on putting out, but I’m just taking it each day with this E.P. Definitely will be a headline show from me at some point too.

What has it been like getting support from the likes of BBC Asian Network?! How much of a boost does that give?

It’s been great as I haven’t really been on BBC Asian Network so it opens me up to a different audience. Also, the track Drop It Down by Nash (ft. myself) has done well there too so that support is good.

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

So far, I would have to say 25th June, 2017. This is when I put on my first show and I wasn’t sure how it was going to go. I had never done one so I was nervous; the turnout was amazing and the show was a success!

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Bob Marley – Exodus

This means the most as it’s my go-to-album for encouragement and uplifts people.

Usher – Confessions

To me, it is a solid R&B album so I will have to include this!

Marvin Gaye – Let’s Get It On

For the live instrumentation, I would say this album is up there.

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

I would definitely need my MacBook and may bring the mic too when I’m on the go. I’m not fussed about the rest. Sweets and drinks of different varieties and I’m good!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I’d say try keep that quality control over what you’re putting out try make the music mix-downs sound clean; get visuals looking epic as that counts a lot these days and be consistent also. It’s easier said than done as it costs a bit but, in the end, you have something you’re happy with and that means a lot.

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

Not at present, but I hope to get back to you with dates for 2019 (smiles).

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Daniel Caesar/PHOTO CREDIT: Roots Canada

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

You may already know of these two (laughs). I like Daniel Caesar’s album and also Ella Mai.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Ella Mai

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

Sometimes (laughs). My relaxation would be either going to an arcade with friends and family or simply looking after my little boy. These things take my mind off music.

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

Ok. Thanks for having me! Daniel Caesar – Get You

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INTERVIEW: Nick Ellis

INTERVIEW:

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Nick Ellis

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IT has been wonderful finding out more about Nick Ellis…

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and his new album, Speakers’ Corner. Ellis talks about the album’s themes and I ask what he thinks of our current government and what is happening in the country – he selects some albums that matter most to him and what sort of music he is inspired by.

Ellis reveals whether there will be gigs coming along and what he has planned for next year; what it is like getting plaudits from some big radio names; which rising artists we need to look out for and which musician he’d support live if given the chance – he ends the interview by selecting a great track.

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

I'm fine, thank you. So far, my week has been interesting, to say the least. 

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

Yes, sure. My name is Nick Ellis. I live and work in Liverpool. I am a writer/songwriter who transcends stories, narratives and characterizations through an acoustic guitar, mainly. I use a finger-picking style that incorporates a method of rhythm and melody. 

 

Speakers’ Corner is your new album. What are the themes that inspired it?

Speakers' Corner has three main themes: engagement, communication and expression.

The album's theme and title was inspired by a local writer called Andrew Lucas who introduced me to the work of Liverpool sculptor, Arthur Dooley. Lucas showed me an old picture of an iron 'speakers' corner' that was designed and made by Dooley (and an architect called Jim Hunter), situated in Liverpool's Pier Head area. I'd forgotten all about this red, industrious landmark-esque podium and realised it had been removed without any one really noticing way back in 1993/1994.

Its erection was funded by the Trade and General Workers’ Union, back in 1973, for public use as a place for people to gather and share their thoughts, views and ideals. I was astonished that this 'place of gathering' had not been resurrected by the local council (as it was paid for by people's money, not theirs) after the area’s development - and thought that I’d bring it to people's attention…

So, I made an album about it. 

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Do you take a lot of inspiration from modern politics and what is happening now? How do you see the state of politics in this country?!

I take inspiration from the reaction of people to modern politics, rather than the actual political options that are being presented. I find the processes, structures; approaches and choices that we are used to are no longer serving the needs of its people. It has been very inspiring to see the reaction of people, not just in this country but all over the world, to the changing tide of politics. It is no longer about what is blue or red, or right and left: it's about what is right and wrong.

The state of modern politics in this country has gone beyond satire. The people who are in government are extremely evil people, never mind incompetent - the way that the Grenfell Tower disaster was dealt with spelled this government's intentions out very clearly: 'We don't care'. And we are paying these people. It's obscene. But, what is worse is the fact that people vote for this kind of ideology. And that's just plain sadistic. 

Which artists did you grow up listening to? Was there one that compelled you to get into music?

Yes. Buddy Holly, Elvis and Pete Townshend. Their music, presence and energy made me want to do similar. On the writing side of things, I was moved by the work of Alan Bleasdale at a very early age. There was an emotional intensity that was threaded within his work, especially in Boys from the Blackstuff and G.B.H. 

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 PHOTO CREDIT: Robin Clewley

You have gained applause from the likes of Bob Harris (BBC Radio 2) and Lauren Laverne (BBC Radio 6 Music). How does that make you feel?!

I appreciate the support from anyone who takes the time out to enlighten people with my music. I certainly don't get any ego boosts from it, though. Radio should be playing grassroots music, more. Otherwise, one day, hey...we might not exist. Bob was really friendly and accessible.

I emailed him various questions about some Folk players, like Nick Drake and Nic Jones - and he took the time out to share his thoughts and memories on those cats and was very articulate and encouraging about what I was doing. As regards to Lauren; I met her years ago and she knew her stuff and was very amiable. I don't know her or anything, though.  

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What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

I hope to begin recording the next album. 

Do you already have plans for 2019?

Yes. We plan to tour this album throughout spring and release another album in the autumn. 

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

Yes. I was very fortunate to meet and play with Johnny Echols, from the band Love, back in the summer of 2016. Jon was one of the most inspiring, kind and friendly souls I ever met in the music game. He took time out to answer all our questions about Love and shared a few secrets with us - about that band and time - that I swore I'd never share.

They say you should never meet your heroes, but Jon was beyond that. He was the embodiment of 'love' - a beautiful soul, spirit and mind. I always knew that band and its music were special and I was right. 

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Love - Forever Changes

Because it does. There's nothing I’ve come across that says it all like that album. 

Jim Sullivan - U.F.O.

Because the mystery of that man's life is embedded in those songs. 

Davey Graham - Folk, Blues and Beyond

Because it combines mastery, mystery and folklore. What a combo, eh!  

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PHOTO CREDIT: Robin Clewley

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

Bob Dylan. And a rider that consisted of the finest, purest Peruvian flake cocaine. Me and Bob would be whoopin' like Ric Flair well into the night. 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?​

Get a decent job that pays well and gives you and your family security. There is no money in music...well, for those at the more challenging rung of the ladder, anyway. 

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Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

Next up is at The Harrison in London on Thursday, 29th November, 2018.  

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yes. Musicians Luca Nieri, R.W. Hedges and John Stammers from London. Writers Russ Litten (from Hull), Duncan Lyon and a spoken word artist called Roy (both Liverpool).

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PHOTO CREDIT: Robin Clewley

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

I go looking for trouble. 

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).

Luca Nieri - Hummingbird and R.W. Hedges - Signalman. Both are excellent.

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INTERVIEW: Brian Falduto

INTERVIEW:

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Brian Falduto

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THE amazing Brian Falduto…

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has been telling me about his new album, Stage Two, and its origins; what inspired the songs and what sort of music he is inspired by – Falduto talks about his work as an L.G.B.T.Q. Advocate and a Life Coach.  

I ask the American artist about his acting work in School of Rock and which albums are important to him; if there are any gigs coming up and which musician he’d support if he had a choice – he ends the interview by selecting a cool track.

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

Hey! My week has been fine. Thank you for asking. We released my album on Friday so it’s been a fun first few days having the project out there.

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

My name is Brian Falduto. I’m an artist; I seek connection and tell stories through songwriting and acting. I also share in the stories of other people through my work as both an L.G.B.T.Q. Advocate and a Life Coach.

 

I am interested in your single, Rainy Day. Is there a story behind it?

There’s definitely a story behind it, though, not one I’m very proud of. Without getting too specific, it’s about someone I was in involved with during my time in L.A. The song calls him out on a lot of what he was putting me through at the time: emotional abuse, infidelity and just a general degradation of my self-worth.

But, the song is less about him and more about what I allowed myself to get involved in. It’s me taking ownership of my role in creating that toxic situation. I had many chances to walk away but I chose to keep putting it off for a ‘Rainy Day’ – and, as we all know, it doesn’t rain often in L.A. It’s kind of like the gay version of Stay by Sugarland.

I believe your new album, Stage Two, has psychological derivations. Can you explain the concepts behind the record?

Situations like the story behind Rainy Day and other tracks on this album are very reflective of a time in the development of a gay man’s life that has been termed by psychologist Alan Downs as ‘Stage Two’ in his book, The Velvet Rage. I’ve named the record after his research in the hopes of directing people to his book as I feel it contains some essential findings on the self-esteem issues that gay men face following a life in the closet and how those issues manifest themselves in relationship decisions made after coming out.

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What was it like putting the album together? Did you learn a lot about yourself making it?

The album is something I’m proud of for the very simple fact that, by creating it, I’ve counteracted every habitual mentality that’s been forming inside my mind for my entire life. I double-majored in college because I was too afraid of failure - and being a Performance major was too risky a venture for me without a back-up plan. I convinced myself that I enjoyed a full-time job working in radio promotions (even though I was miserable) because I was afraid I wouldn’t be successful otherwise. I got really bad at ‘acting’ for a while because I put too much pressure on myself to be ‘good’ and I lost the enjoyment of working on my craft.

This project took a lot of time, effort and money. Once I started, I never looked back. I had to make a lot of creative decisions on the spot and I had to trust my gut. I had to believe in myself and know that I am good enough. I didn’t leave myself a back-up plan or a way out. I proved a lot to myself by completing this project and I can happily say I broke some habits and overcame some obstacles along the way. It was a growing experience for me.

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Did you grow up in a musical family? Which artists did you discover at a young age?

No one in my family is musical. Much like many young gay boys, I quickly fell in love with an array of female artists: Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion; Faith Hill, Michelle Branch; Hilary Duff...and eventually Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. My mom instilled a young love of Barry Manilow in me and my dad dropped some Goo Goo Dolls, James Taylor and Aerosmith into my life. My brother was a big fan of Alternative-Rock: Secondhand Serenade, All-American Rejects; The Last Goodnight.

I’ve been obsessed with musical theatre since seeing Wicked in 2003 and, in high-school; I discovered a love for Country music after hearing the song Chicken Fried by Zac Brown Band (which is still my ring-back tone, by the way). I’ve always been a bit all over the place and still am.

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How does your acting work, and your role in School of Rock, link with your music?

Well, as far as School of Rock goes, I’m honored to be circumstantially a part of a film that has not only inspired thousands of kids to pick up instruments and try their hand at musicianship but it’s also inspired a worldwide movement in the form of television shows, movies and even educational institutions dedicated to continually keeping the message of the movie alive: Stick it to the man. You are cool enough. Music’s not about being perfect: it’s about thinking outside the box. Follow your dreams.

I guess you could say that, with my album, I’ve finally caught a little bit of the inspirational impact I had a hand in creating fifteen years ago.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

I’m currently trying to mobilize myself back to L.A. for the winter so that I can do Pilot Season out there again. I’ll probably play a few more shows on the East Coast before I head out and, of course, finish up the album promotion.

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Do you already have plans for 2019?

Acting is a big goal for 2019. I truly feel like I’m at an incomparable point in my work and I want to bring myself to some roles in the New Year and tell stories that way again. 

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

The story that seems to come to mind involves my grandma. She’s always been my biggest fan and my best friend. She’d never missed a performance of mine for my entire life but, unfortunately, in her old age, dementia overtook her and she was forced to go into assisted living. Understandably, she couldn’t make it out to support me anymore and this was very sad for her. So, we brought the show to her! A few members of the band and I loaded our equipment and instruments out to New Jersey and performed for her entire facility.

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Seeing her face that day was my favorite memory of my time in music so far. Getting to give back like that to the only person who I can honestly say has never stopped believing in me is something I will treasure forever. She passed about a year ago and I perform at nursing homes as often as I can in her memory.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Stronger - Kelly Clarkson

You can laugh if you’d like but I really feel like she does a brilliant job at capturing a wide range of potential heartbreak scenarios and delivering them with a power and a punch that lets you know you’re going to be just fine. Every single track on this album has been an anthem for me through one break-up or another and I’m very grateful for it.

Live at The Troubadour - Carole King, James Taylor (live)

Carole King is the songwriting QUEEN, as far as I am concerned. She blends such universal truths into her melodies. I love this live album because it’s just her and James Taylor trading hits and sharing stories and just being so candid and honest. It’s a beautiful, relaxing listen.

Pioneer – The Band Perry

I think this album is a great example of the type of work I hope to be known for. It’s a collection of Pop-Country tracks with catchy melodies and crafty lyrics that all dramatize very relatable experiences. There’s a large variety of sounds and instrumentation on the record; I think it’s a great mix of strong musicality and strategic hit making.

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

Matt Alber. If you don’t know him, he’s amazing. He’s one of my favorite artists to just put on shuffle and never press pause or skip. And his work in the L.G.B.T.Q. community is very inspiring to me. I think I could learn a lot from him.

I always have a little bit of whiskey before I perform, so that would definitely be on my rider. Also; lots of water. I love water…but whiskey first. I don’t always eat a lot before I go on stage because I hate feeling bloated and tired up there, so maybe some French fries waiting for me when I get back to my dressing room?

I guess, if I ever got big enough to make diva requests, I’d request that all the weird, little things I carry in my bag every day be provided for me: a lint roller, a notepad; hand sanitizer, ChapStick; a highlighter, a pencil; Advil, gum; my phone charger and whatever book I’m reading.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

The filmmaker Roger Corman once said “Just be a craftsman”. Meaning: Just do the work. Just keep showing up and doing what you gotta do to improve and learn and grow. He continued: “...And every now and then, you might do something that is actually art”.

 You’re not an artist because you make something and then culture deems that thing artistic. Actually, what makes something artistic is when you’re able to see the world unlike how most of culture sees it. I often remind myself that Vincent Van Gogh never had a single buyer in his entire life; yet he created masterpiece after masterpiece. We can’t look to others to validate what we are doing. Find something that fulfills you and do it.

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

Currently planning some shows! Follow me on Instagram (@brianfalduto) for the deets!

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Elizabeth Wyld/PHOTO CREDIT: Rosie Cohe Photography 

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Elizabeth Wyld. She’s fantastic and I had the pleasure of collaborating with her recently. I dare you to not love her song Strange Love on Spotify.

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

I do! I’m a Life Coach and one of my primary goals is to encourage my clients to develop a healthy relationship with themselves. For me, chill time is essential for that - especially as an artist in New York City. Ninety-percent of your energy here goes into surviving and keeping any sense of mindfulness about you. We live in the busiest city in the world.

I treasure any down time that I am able to carve out for myself and be present with myself and my thoughts; the end goal being to set aside enough time to eventually get connected with my feelings enough to write some music.

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).

Currently, I’m listening to Miss Me More by Kelsea Ballerini a lot. I kinda wish I wrote it!

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Follow Brian Falduto

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INTERVIEW: Evan Myall

INTERVIEW:

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Evan Myall

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CHEERS to Evan Myall…

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for telling me about his new single, Frances, and what we can expect from his upcoming (out on 16th November) album, Basic Gardening. He reveals his musical tastes and some albums important to him; a few rising musicians we need to get behind and how life as a solo artist differs from his time in bands.

The songwriter discusses his plans and tells me what he does outside of music; whether he grew up around a lot of music and whether there are things he wants to achieve before the end of the year – he selects a great track to end the interview with.

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

I’m hangin’ tough! It’s been a mellow week (smiles).

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

I’m Evan. ‘Myall’ is my middle name. I’m a guitar player and songwriter from Northern California.

Frances is your new single. Is there a tale behind it?

Frances is a thinly-veiled love song. I wanted to stray away from lyrics that were too cryptic or mysterious. “I love you. We can do anything. This is why…”

It is from the upcoming E.P., Basic Gardening. What sort of stories and ideas influenced the songs?

Each song has its own tale. The lyrics document the human experience in the face of...desire, heartbreak; alienation and the feelings surrounding an impending doom. We’re all in this (life) together. Divisiveness isn’t helping anyone.

Is it just yourself on the songs or are you working with other musicians?

Bobby Renz produced the record and played all over it. Owen Kelley played bass, guitar and piano on a few tracks. Hannah Moriah sang on a couple tunes. Tyler Green played guitar on one song. Couldn’t have done it without these unbearably talented friends.

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I know you have worked in other projects/bands. How does life on your own differ in terms of discipline and the type of songs you are writing?

Yeah. For better or for worse, I’m writing all these songs from start to finish without any help. The collaboration part happens at the studio and within the production/recording process. But, I’m piecing the structure, melodies and lyrics together on my own. I don’t have anyone to lean on! It’s a challenge…in a good way.

Did you grow up around a lot of music? Which artists did you follow at a young age?

My first concert was at a stadium in Columbia, Maryland for Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill tour. That was awesome. I had so many different phases…both good and bad. Slash’s Snakepit. MxPx. Jay-Z. 311. The list is endless. It wasn’t until I was sixteen and bought a Velvet Underground C.D. that I felt like I had found my calling and was mostly on the right track.

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What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

Put out the Basic Gardening album digitally (it comes out 16th November).

Do you already have plans for 2019?

One of my oldest friends is helping me put out the record on vinyl which is so cool and nice of him! I hope people will buy some copies so I can pay him back. I’m going to play more solo Ev gigs with a band.

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

Playing Mexico in front of 10,000-plus kids with Sleepy Sun supporting Arctic Monkeys was a big one. I’m so grateful for all the musical experiences I’ve had. I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

The Velvet Underground – The Velvet Underground & Nico

Neil Young – Everybody Knows This is Nowhere

Evan Myall – Basic Gardening

V.U. and Neil because they’re my heroes and Basic Gardening because it’s my first solo record and I love it.

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

Nah. Walk w/Wendy (my dog).

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

Neil Young. Lots of water.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Have fun!

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Aerial East

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Aerial East; Spellling; Michael Nau and Cut Worms.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Michael Nau/PHOTO CREDIT: William Alexander Brown

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

I’m playing at Café Du Nord in San Francisco on December 22nd to celebrate this release.

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).

Power Trip - Soul Sacrifice

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Follow Evan Myall

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INTERVIEW: Lucy Whittaker

INTERVIEW:

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Lucy Whittaker

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WITH her single, Curious, out today…

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I have been talking with Lucy Whittaker about the song and its inspirations; what is coming up for her in terms of gigs and material and what sort of music she responds to – including a few albums that are important to her.

Whittaker discusses her goals and how important it is being on stage; what her objectives are for next year and how she spends her time away from music – she chooses a great song to end the interview with.

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

I’m great, thank you! I’m having a good week – finalising release plans for Curious and finishing off the video. It’s an exciting time!

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

I’m Lucy Whittaker; a Pop artist from London. All you need to know about me is that I live with a dog with one eye.

Tell me about the single, Curious. What is the story behind the song?

To put it bluntly, the track is about stealing a girl off a boy - I’ll let you imagine how it all went down!

How do you think it differs to something like Who’s Gonna Know?

Curious is more lighthearted than Who’s Gonna Know. It still packs a punch, but I wanted to write something that felt more playful and cheeky. The track is fun but it has a deeper message - be true to who you are and enjoy it. 

Might we see more material next year? How far ahead are you looking?

Yes! I’m in the studio right now putting the finishing touches to my next two singles and there might be an E.P. on the way…

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Do you recall your earliest musical memory? Which artist or song first struck your mind?

I have a vague memory of hitting pots and pans with wooden spoons when I was really young. I can't remember what I was jamming along to, but knowing my parents it was probably some Reggae or The Rolling Stones!

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

By the end of 2018, I want to have reached new people with my music. I’m really hoping that Curious will help me to build on the progress I’ve already made and push me a little bit further along in my career. I’m also planning on releasing some of my favourite covers on Spotify so people can hear something a bit different from me.

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

For me, it’s probably when I supported Craig David last Christmas. The event sold out and there were 15,000 people there. The atmosphere was like nothing I’ve ever experienced and to get up there and do my thing was the most amazing feeling.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

This is such a tough question! I honestly can’t pick a definitive three - but some of the albums that spring to mind are:

Michael Jackson – Bad

Lady Gaga – The Fame Monster

Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d city

I really got into Michael Jackson’s music when I was twelve and it opened me up to music in a way I didn’t think was possible. To me, everything about his music is perfect and Bad is packed full of bangers. Lady Gaga played a big part in me accepting who I am. I have always loved how confident she is in her identity and how she portrays it through her music and The Fame Monster was released at a time when I needed it the most. good kid, m.A.Ad city is just banger after banger.

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

Lady Gaga. Her shows are mind-blowing and to be a part of that would be a dream come true. In terms of my rider, as long as I’ve got a plate of Caribbean food in front of me, I’m happy!

Might there be some gigs coming up this/next year?

There are some really exciting shows on the horizon in 2019, so keep your eyes peeled.

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What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Remember why you started making music and how it makes you feel. When things get tough, try and maintain a positive mindset and hold on to that feeling. Also, my number-one tip is to have good people around you who have your best interests at heart - they are the people who will cheer you on in your best moments and keep you going in the difficult ones. 

How important is it being on the stage and playing your music to the people?

So important! Playing live gives me a chance to connect with my fans and make some magic. No two shows are ever the same, so it’s always special to play live and share that experience with people. I feel like playing with my band really takes the tracks to a new level and gives people a new way of hearing my music.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Heir/PHOTO CREDIT: Portia Hunt

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Heir and SaNTINO. They’re both from Leeds and great guys. Heir’s melody lines are amazing and SaNTINO’s music is the coolest around.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: SaNTINO

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

Food! Cooking really chills me out.

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

Emily Burns – Cheat

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Follow Lucy Whittaker

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INTERVIEW: Daniel Isaiah

INTERVIEW:

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Daniel Isaiah

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MY final interview of the day…

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is with Daniel Isaiah who has been discussing his latest track, Javelin Fade, and what we can expect from his upcoming album, Only One Left. He discusses the personal highs and lows that influenced the songs and whether there are plans for gigs going forward.

I ask Isaiah what sort of music he is influenced by and which albums are important to him; whether there is an upcoming artist to watch and if he gets time to unwind outside of music – he selects a cool track to end the interview with.

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

My week has been good so far. I have a couple of shows coming up and I’ve been trying to figure out how to play the new songs live.

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

I’m a songwriter and filmmaker and occasional English teacher - and I spend most of my time in a little room in my apartment in Montreal playing guitar and piano, composing songs and writing screenplays. I’m about to release my third record as a ‘solo artist’.

Javelin Fade is your latest track. What is the story behind the track?

I found the chords in one sitting and recorded a demo right away. I didn’t have any lyrics though, so I just ad-libbed the vocal; words like “Rising in the fallout” rolled off the tongue. And so I imagined that I was traveling over the Earth and ‘the fallout’ was nuclear fallout - and I was witnessing the aftermath of total collapse - but it was over and there was nothing to worry about anymore.

I believe the album, Only One Left, was book-ended by the saddest and happiest days of your life. Was it a difficult period of your life to get through? How did they influence the music on the album?!

Well. My mother was sick when I started writing the new batch of songs. I wrote Till the Pictures Stop when she was in palliative care and it’s a depressing song, but it’s probably my favourite one on the album. About a month after my mom passed away, I started dating the woman who just recently became my wife. So, there was some light at the end of the tunnel. But there will be more tunnels! Maybe I’m better prepared for the next one.

You travelled extensively between those book-ended times. How important was it to get out into the world and away from home?

Travel is important to me. You travel and you see more. And the things you see become a part of you. I always have the impression when I’m traveling that time slows down. Whereas in Montreal, when I’m just doing my routine, the weeks pass by in a flash.

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Did you grow up around a lot of music? Which artists did you follow at a young age?

When I was seven or eight, I would go to my dad’s house on the weekends and copy his C.D.s onto blank cassettes. One album that I liked a lot was The Beatles’ Please Please Me. My sister and I would put that one on and spin around in circles - which were as close to getting high as we could get in those days. There was another cassette I copied with ‘Fil Collins’ written on one side and Jennifer Warnes’ Famous Blue Raincoat written on the other. That was my introduction to the songs of Leonard Cohen. I loved them.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

I want to finish a screenplay that I’m writing called Pink Lake.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

I’m hoping to shoot Pink Lake in March with a group of friends.

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

When I was twenty-years-old and living in Edinburgh, Scotland; a stranger in a park taught me how to Travis pick (fingerpicking technique). That was the best guitar lesson I ever had, on a sunny day, in the grass and I remember it fondly.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Something Else by The Kinks

It’s a beautiful album. There’s nothing else in the world like it.

Decade by Neil Young

It’s a long sprawling record with lots of great songs. It has kept me company for years.

Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison

I don’t know who the musicians are on that album but they’re the best.

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What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Learn how to record your own stuff. Try not to depend too much on other people.

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

Nov 21 at The Burdock (Toronto, ON) with Blunt Chunks

Nov 28 at Casa del Popolo (Montreal, QC) with Parker Shper

Feb 15 (2019) at Chasse Galerie (Lavaltrie, QC) with Thus Owls

That’s it for now!

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PHOTO CREDIT: Year of Glad

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Year of Glad from Montreal is quite good.

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

I read a lot. I like reading novels and history. Right now, I’m reading The Jewish War by Josephus. It’s a bit of a slog but I’m gonna stick with it.

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).

Let’s hear Deseret by Cass McCombs

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Follow Daniel Isaiah

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INTERVIEW: Shoji

INTERVIEW:

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Shoji

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THANKS to Shoji…

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for telling me about their new single, Bliss, and how it came together. I was interested to know what sort of music drives them and whether there is more material coming next year; if they have plans before the end of the year and which one album is most important to each of them.

Josh and Alex talk about the music they grew up around and tell me how Shoji came together; if there are any rising artists we need to check out; how they chill away from music – they each select a great song to end the interview with.

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

Good, thanks. Our week has been busy; we’ve been locked away in the studio writing new music.

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

We are a duo called Shoji (Alex and Josh).

How did Shoji get together? When did you meet?

We actually originally met at school but only started working together around three years ago. Shoji was formed last year but we have worked on projects together before then.

Bliss is your new track. Is there a story behind it?

The lyric, “Devil's acre”, is a metaphor for being stuck in a claustrophobic head space. The line came from a poetry book that Josh read and it immediately struck a chord. The contrast of the last line "I know I’ll stay as long as I feel bliss" plays with the idea of addiction and using vices to self-remedy. The track title, Bliss; we wanted to use as a contrast for the meaning of the lyrics to symbolise being in a dream state

Is there going to be more material coming next year do you think?

Absolutely. We are working towards an E.P. for early-2019!

Did you grow up around a lot of music as children? Which artists struck your ears?

Yes. We both grew up in musical families but in different ways.

Josh: I was always around music. My parents didn’t play instruments (my mum dabbled in piano); however, there was always music on around the house when I was growing up. I was brought up on The Beach Boys and Van Morrison.

Alex: My parents are both Classical musicians so I picked up the piano from an early age. Fleetwood Mac and Queen were also always on around the house.  

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What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

We are looking in to booking some shows so it would be nice to have some in place for 2019. 

In that same vein; do you have plans for 2019 in terms of what you want to accomplish? 

We are working towards releasing an E.P. and it would be great to play the festival circuit. 

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

Josh: The feeling when I finished my first album...

Alex: Playing Glastonbury.

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

We would love to support Mount Kimbie. We both have a pretty sweet tooth so our rider would probably just be sweet (only the blue M&Ms, please).

Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)? 

Josh: The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds

The sounds and songwriting on this album are incredible. I saw Brian Wilson play it in full; it was my first gig and it was what got me in to music properly. 

Alex:  Burial – Untrue

This album got me in to Electronic music in a massive way.

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Can we see you on the road this year at all?

Not this year, but hopefully next! We are working on it.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Don’t take yourself too seriously. Try not to compare yourself to others and KEEP GOING!

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Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Bruno Major, joan; Khruangbin and Hatchie are all on our playlists at the moment.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Hatchie/PHOTO CREDIT: Sylvia Austin for Pitchfork

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

We both work full-time in music so it’s all we really do but when we unwind a good book or a walk never goes a miss.

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).

Alex: Frank Ocean - White Ferrari

Josh: Noname - Diddy Bop

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Follow Shoji

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INTERVIEW: Foreign Affairs

INTERVIEW:

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Foreign Affairs

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BROTHERS Adam and Lawrence Purnell form Foreign Affairs…

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and they have been talking with me about their new single, Faded, and what it is all about. I ask them what they have coming up and how their music has changed since the start; which rising artists we need to get behind – they each select an album that is important to them.

I was keen to learn whether there are plans for next year and if they are touring soon; if they share the same musical tastes and what advice they would give to musicians emerging – they each pick a song to end the album with.

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

Great, thanks! Looking forward to the release of our new single on Friday!

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

We’re brothers Adam and Lawrence Purnell from Bristol. We’ve come together to form our Americana/Indie duo, ‘Foreign Affairs’.

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

Faded felt like an ‘end of the world’-type song for us; it's one of reflection and writing about something bigger than day to day life - "I ain't been everywhere my friend/but I’ve seen the leaves fall of the trees, they grow back again". We wanted the opening line to suggest a growth and maturity of the band, like we'd been away for a while.

Might we see more material coming next year?

Faded is the first single from our forthcoming record, The Old Fire Station, which will be released on 30th November. We have already started writing/demoing songs for a full album release next year.

Do you share musical tastes? Which artists are important?

We definitely do. We were brought up listening to artists like Rodney Crowell, Divine Comedy and Richard Hawley; all of which are amazing songwriters. In recent years, we have aspired to the songwriting of Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton but also a lot of artists outside of that scene, such as Leon Bridges, Nick Mulvey and Nathaniel Rateliff.

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How do you think Foreign Affairs has evolved and changed since the start?

Our songwriting and sound has matured over time and, through touring extensively, we’ve had the time to explore and find the exact sound that we want to transfer onto our records. Both Adam and I now have a clear vision of exactly where we want to take our music which we think can only be achieved through trial and exploration.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

By the end of 2018, we will have released our new record, The Old Fire Station. We are just so excited for our fans to finally have new music from us; that will be a great feeling. We have also been nominated as Duo of the Year by the British Country Music Association so we might have attained that accolade by then, who knows?

Do you already have plans for 2019?

We will be touring throughout the year along with a string of festival appearances in the summer; we have also already started writing/demoing songs for a full album release.

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

The first time we performed at Glastonbury is definitely a special moment that will stay with both of us. It felt like such a huge achievement to be stood on one of the stages at such a prestigious festival. Also, our first national radio play on BBC R2 was a proud moment.

Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)?

Lawrence: Neil Young - Harvest Moon

It’s an album that I have been listening to for as long as I can remember. I always come back around to it regardless of how long it’s been. Never fails to take me away to another planet.

Adam: Rodney Crowell - The Houston Kid

The first record that my dad gave to me in my early teenage years; the songwriting and guitar tones were just stand out. A genre that I had previously not had any experience in; it had such an effect that I was later smuggled into the Bristol Bierkeller under-age to see Rodney play the record.

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

We would love to tour with Jackson Browne - that is someone that we could watch night after night and never get tired of his songs. We’d definitely pair that tour with some Brooklyn beer and gin and tonic (little slice of cucumber).

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Do whatever comes naturally and don’t force anything; it will always come through if the music is coming straight from the heart. Never give up and always remember to sort your parking permits! (Learn from us).

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

26th November - The Social (London)

We will be announcing our own headline tour shortly to coincide with the record release. (All details will be on our social media).

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Jade Bird

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Jade Bird, Ruston Kelly and Dermot Kennedy have been on-repeat for us, so we’ll go with those three!

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Rushton Kelly

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

Adam goes and watches our local football team (Bristol Rovers) which seems to do it for him! (Each to their own).

I love going for breakfasts and coffee (best meal of the day). It’s the simple things!

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).

Lawrence: Neil Young - Unknown Legend

Adam: Guy Clark - Rain in Durango

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Follow Foreign Affairs

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INTERVIEW: Bizou

INTERVIEW:

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Bizou

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THE brilliant Bizou…

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have been telling me about their recent track, Superstition, and what its story is; how the band got together and whether we might see more material coming along next year – they each select an album that means a lot to them.

I ask if they have similar music tastes and whether there are any gigs coming up; how they chill away from music and which rising musicians we need to get behind – the band members each select a song to end the interview with.

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

Mina: We're good! We're in the studio listening to Nicole lay down some sexy bass riffs.

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

We're Nicki, Nicole; Mina, Erin and Josiah. We're a five-piece Post-Punk band based in L.A. We're ‘Bizou’.

Superstition is your new single. Is there a story behind it? 

One night; me and Josiah were digging through demos trying to find something we hadn't worked on yet and he pulled up a file called Black as My Soul. I had no idea what to do with it vocally for a long time - in fact - and it totally bombed the first time we tried to put vocals on it. I had to lock myself in my room for a couple days with it. The lyrics are about anxiety - the way it makes you paranoid and unreliable, especially to yourself. It all sort of spewed out of me suddenly, like a real panic attack. You know, light fun stuff! 

Do you think there will be an album later this year?

We have two E.P.s we're planning to release consecutively beginning early next year. Most likely one in the spring and one in the fall. 

How did Bizou meet? When did you get together? 

Erin, Nicki; Josiah and Nicole have all been friends, playing together in various projects for years. I met everyone through a mutual close friend of myself and Erin. After I left Wax Idols, I was eager to get back to work and hopefully avoid what I thought was likely to be a six-month long post-band spiral. We started jamming together on some demos Josiah had sent me and we have kept working together ever since.

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You all hail from different U.S. states. Do you all have different music taste as well?

I think we all agree on The Cure, Siouxsie; Joy Division, New Order and Wire. Outside of that, I think our tastes really range. Nicole and I love teeny-bop divas from the early-'80s, Erin loves Steely Dan; Nicki hates Duran Duran etc.. etc. I think there's a decent interplay between our shared likes and dislikes - to create some artistic frisson. 

Do you already have plans for 2019? 

Josiah: Two E.P.S chock-full of amazing sounds and songs to rock your bowels!!

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

Nicole: Playing drums in front of 10,000 people. I don't really play drums but I LOVE to play drums! I was convinced (very reluctantly) to play them for one song with the Pumpkins at one of our shows; it was an easy enough song but I was scared sh*tless! I had to sing background vocals too AND I was in high heel boots.

But, it was one of those moments I'll never forget because it was a ‘walking through fear and coming out the other end relatively unscathed’ kind of moment. You don't forget those! Also; my dad was a drummer so I felt him there with me in that moment and I know he was loving every second! 

Josiah: The one that sticks in the mind?  Similar to alcohol. There have been times when I get goosebumps playing music. That’s what I strive for when I create or play music. 

Erin: Two! One was when I played the Music Hall of Willamsburg and realized that two of my heroes (Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore) were in the audience and dug my drumming. The second is getting to go to Nashville and play with Bones from Midnight Oil in a band out there. It was just tons of fun and he's a badass bass player.

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Mina: I feel like Josiah a bit - it's not a specific memory that I love so much but rather a feelingthat I'm trying to get from playing music and to stay in that moment as long as possible. When it's going really right, you just feel free.

Nicki: The one that sticks in the mind? Josiah and I were in a band called Light FM and we opened a show for Jesus & Mary Chain. I needn’t say more!

Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)?

Josiah: Tears for Fears - The Hurting; Grandaddy - The Sophtware Slump.

Erin: ELO - Out of the Blue. My folks introduced me to them when I was a little kid and I have a lot fond memories of travelling and listening to that record with them. 

Mina: Tori Amos - Boys for Pele. I can't even explain how formative that record is for me. It's like trying to describe something preverbal. That and Siamese Dream. 

Nicole: The Cure – Disintegration.

Nicki: Sonic Youth - Goo was one of my first albums and made a huge impression on me. Still does. 

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

If we could do a support tour with anybody, it would have to be Garbage. That with some coconut water and hummus and, honestly, we'd be set. 

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What advice would you give to new artists coming through? 

Mina: Play a lot. Take everything about it seriously except for yourself. 

Josiah: Don't be a dickhead!

What do you hope to accomplish by the end of 2018?

We’re excited to finish all the tracking for our two forthcoming E.P.s by end of year. That and play a ton of shows; hopefully in a hometown near you.

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

No upcoming tours planned - hopefully in the spring 2019! 

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IN THIS PHOTO: DRÆMINGS

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out? 

Josiah: DRÆMINGS, Livermore; MAWD, Shunkan; Nightmare Air and Sprain!

Erin: Erika Wennerstrom, Tempers and Lawrence Rothman.

Mina: This new Moonface record is fuc*ing me UP. 

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IN THIS PHOTO: MAWD/PHOTO CREDIT: Ben Thomas

Do you get much time to chill away from music?

Josiah: I don’t get a second away from music. I record bands for a living. When I’m not working on music, I’m zen-ing the fu*k out on a yoga mat. 

Nicki: I’m usually either working my day job or playing music and, in between, I try to find time for hiking or other outdoor adventures. 

Nicole: Outside of music, I like to chill with my animals, do yoga; hike and sit in my hot tub with a glass of rosé. 

Erin: Most of my time outside is spent loving on my Fur Babies; cooking and spending time in nature. 

Mina: I second Nicole on the bath wine! Music is my main outlet. Just listening to it really. Apart from that, I like to read and write a lot. 

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).

Nicki: It's Obvious - Au Pairs

Nicole: Prison Girls - Neko Case

Josiah: Our Girl - Our Girl

Erin: Wolves Still Cry - Lawrence Rothman 

Mina: Dreamsong – Moonface

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Follow Bizou

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INTERVIEW: Sorsari

INTERVIEW:

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Sorsari

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THANKS to Sorsari for telling me about…

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his single, Monster, and the E.P., Patterns. I ask about the inspirations behind the E.P. and what sort of music he is inspired by; the albums that are important to him and where he is heading as we look forward to 2019.

I ask whether there will be gigs coming up and which rising artists we need to get behind; if he gets time to chill away from music and which artist he’d support if he could choose anyone – Sorsari picks a great song to end the interview with.

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

My week has been really good so far!

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

My name is Alex Jensen and I'm a twenty-eight-year-old from Edmonton, AB (in Canada). I've been making music under Sorsari since 2015 but I've been picking away at computer music for about ten years now.

Monster is your new single. Is there a tale behind it at all?

Nothing in particular. I was playing around with this Rihanna vocal and I managed to get some cool chops out of it and, when I heard the 'monster' vocal; I knew I could turn it into a higher energy type of track.

Your E.P., Patterns, is out. Are there particular themes and ideas that inspired it?

I wouldn't say there are any particular themes; I felt that 'Patterns' was an appropriate name since I was stuck in this pattern of producing that involved my transition to making music at 140 B.P.M. from 120 so I kind of just slapped the name on it as the E.P.

Is it true you recorded to 8-track? What was the reason for that?

No? Not sure where that came from.

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Do you have particular music idols or artists you grew up around?

I would say my friends inspired me the most as artists since I grew up with a lot of different musicians and a lot of producers within my city. I always surrounded myself with creative people because I felt like I had a community of people who shared the same passion and desires to do something more than ourselves. Jake Robertz is one of my best friends as well as my biggest rival in the friendliest way. He always keeps my head straight with music.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

I just hope I keep the flame alive and continue to grow and evolve with my music. I don't have any particular deadlines or timelines for when I want to achieve certain things with music but I want to keep the ball rolling and continue to break my own boundaries.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

I've recently been picking up some analog gear so I'm probably going to be making more music with more hardware involved into the tracks. I want to make an E.P. or an album or something with the new toys but, ultimately, I would like to make an album for Terrorhythm.

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

My favourite memory would be playing at Borealis Music Festival back in September. It was a brand-new festival that my friends put together - and it was nothing but fire from our local scene in Alberta playing all types of Dance music. I felt like I was at home when I was performing there and I was surrounded by nothing but love and the best people I've ever met.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?  

Kuedo - Severant

Burial – Untrue

Om Unit - Self

I think these three albums mean the most to me because they make me feel like I'm spiritually elevating and they're also the most interesting to me in terms of how they're composed.  

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

I would want to be direct support for Plastician. As for my rider; enough Clamato juice and hot sauces for Caesars all night.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Be open in taking your time with learning how to use your DAW; how to synthesize your own sounds and how to create your own sound within your genre. Learn how to take criticism and realize that everybody has their own paces. I know a lot of people (including myself) who get frustrated at being slow but there's nothing wrong with that. As long as you're involving yourself with your art and spending any amount of time on it, you're constantly moving in the right direction. 

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

Nothing at the moment. I might plan on doing something within the western parts of Canada in 2019 but I really just want to focus on making more music since I feel like I have to improve much more before I do anything serious in terms of playing out. I'm honestly bored of a lot of my music. Haha.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: MRKRYL

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

MRKRYL, Jake Robertz; Giant ibis, Yedgar and Zeal.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Yedgar

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

A lot of time. I work full-time but I still have room for whatever. I usually just game if I'm not making music.

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).

Jake Robertz - Forest Spirit

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Follow Sorsari

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INTERVIEW: Humans

INTERVIEW:

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Humans

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MY first piece of the day is a chat with Humans…

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who have been telling me about their latest track, Still About You, and what its story is. I ask what is coming next and what sort of music they are inspired by; what plans are ahead in terms of gigs and whether there is a favourite music memory.

I ask whether there are any rising artists to look out for and what advice upcoming musicians should take to heart; how the music of Humans has evolved since the start and whether there are any things to get done before the end of this year.

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

Busy. We both work like ten jobs so we’re pretty much slammed all the time. It’s great because we’re also both nihilists and it's making our lives go by really quickly!

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

We met at Ayden Gallery for Peter’s art show in 2008. I was a folky bicycling, missing-toothed poet and ol’ Petey was a Montreal-transplanted visual artist and aspiring Electronic performer. We joined forces and made some very rough around the edges but well-intentioned music that has subsequently been known as ‘dashumans’.

Still About You is your new track. What is the story behind it?

We wrote it in a shimmer of Los Angeles autumn. We partied so, so hard every night and worked all day everyday with our friend and colleague Carlos de la Garza. We also met a young chap named Ryan Daley who helped us out with everything plucked and plonked (A.K.A., he’s a really solid musician). We banged it out, writing about feeling like sh*t on airplanes, feeling lost and emotional while on tour; losing my girlfriend at the time and just pouring it all out on the page.

Might we see more material coming next year do you reckon?

Duh.

How did Humans get together and find one another?

I think I covered that already pretty thoroughly…

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In terms of music; what did you both grow up around and idolise when young?

Robbie really liked Michael Jackson, The Beatles; Annie Lennox, The Police; Sting and Talking Heads. Peter liked some weird French music where they wear huge pants and Weird Al Yankovic. When Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit L.P. came out, Weird Al had the same single and an album with the same cover so I thought ‘Wow! The same whole album but all with dumb jokes; count me in!’ It didn’t turn out like that but I became a fan either way. I loved The Beach Boys, Genesis; Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins; M.J., Georges Brassen; you know, the usual kid sh*t.

How do you think you have developed and evolved since the start of your career?

We’ve really melded our styles together into this smooth concoction of the things we really like about each other.

Given your name; which song with the name ‘human’ in it would you select as the very best?

The score to/title track of The Human Centipede. 

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What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

Robbie: I’m building a Donald Judd bed-frame but having doubts about my ability to move it out of my shop and into my apartment. So, that is a huge concern and something I really want to figure out A.S.A.P.

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

I really liked playing Coachella. I felt like a really special person that day. It made me really happy.

Which one album means the most to you would you say (and why)?

Nirvana Smells like Teen Spirit. I eventually bought it and it really inspired me: it was the first time I saw a band that looked and sounded normal to me; not pre-fabricated like everything I had seen till then.

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

Zeustate; she's rad. 

My rider has Kombucha, cigarettes; meal tickets; booze for our friends.

Can we see you on the road this year at all?

Not 2018…well maybe but I don't know. Not an answer, I know. 2019 for sure.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Do your own shows, book your own parties and the rest will come.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Art d’Ecco/PHOTO CREDIT: @dailycitytrain

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Art d'Ecco is a Vancouver band that caught me by surprise. You know when your friends tell you to check out their band and you do and you're like “OK, cool". This one I was like "Oh, sh*t". 

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

Yeah; too much time but it's healthy because once you get back into it you feel fresh and inspired.

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

Mam Yinne Wa - Alogte Oho & His Sounds of Joy

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Follow Humans

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INTERVIEW: Matt Mays

INTERVIEW:

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Matt Mays

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I have been speaking with Matt Mays…

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about his latest single, Station Out of Range, and his new album, Twice Upon a Hell of a Time… He reveals the inspirations behind the album and which artists he responds to; when music came into his life and the three albums that mean the most to him.

The Canadian artist looks ahead regarding plans for 2019 and reveals some rising musicians we need to follow; whether he gets time to chill away from music and if he is coming to the U.K. to play – he ends the interview by selecting a classic cut.

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

I’m well, bud! It’s been a great week. Still on the sunny side of the grass! 

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

Hello. I’m Matt. 

Can you tell me about the track, Station Out of Range. Is there a story behind that?

It’s a song about giving up trying to make things in a relationship. The words are about the bummer part of it and the music is about the relief in the freedom you get when life starts again. 

Twice Upon a Hell of a Time… is your album. What themes inspired it and what is the tale behind the title? 

It’s an album about the loss of love and, at the same time, was a grieving process to help deal with the loss of two very close friends. The title comes from the first electric version of this record called Once Upon a Hell of a Time…. I like the idea of ‘hell of a time’ maybe being a good time or a bad time. 

How did music come into your life? What sort of sounds did you grow up around?

I was really lucky to be raised around a great record collection. Everything was very ‘great song’-based. Dylan etc...

Do you already have plans for 2019?

A lot more touring with a mellower acoustic set up. It’ll be nice to put the blazing electrics down for a bit. And always a ton of songwriting and recording. 

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

Levon Helm once invited me to come and play at his house for a midnight ramble in Woodstock. He called me up on stage to rip a guitar solo. He stared me down hard the entire solo smiling and screaming at me the whole time to keep taking it higher. It was nuts. He invited us back to his kitchen table after we smoked 6 joints while he gave us advice and told us some killer stories. 

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Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)? 

The answer to that question changes daily. Today’s picks are...

Zuma - Neil Young and Crazy Horse

It’s a perfect album because the human element is the backbone of the record. Like most of Neil’s albums. 

Natty Dread - Bob Marley

I stumbled upon this album when I was in junior high school. Bought it because the cover looked cool. The journey it took me on is beyond words. Still takes me there today. 

Songs from Northern Britain - Teenage Fanclub

Getting to hear that kind of guitar power behind such sensitive songs blew my mind to pieces. 

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

Social Distortion and Lucky Charms. 

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What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

If you start thinking; play until you stop thinking THEN hit the record button. 

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

Keep playing, make more music! 

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Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

Playing a little winter tour in the new year to support Twice Upon a Hell of a Time… and hopefully coming back over to the motherland to play soon! 

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

No plans but hoping for more in 2019!

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Adam Baldwin/PHOTO CREDIT: Michelle Balderson

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Adam Baldwin. His songs make me cry and dance all at the same time. 

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

Surfing is my first love. I grew up on the briny coast of Nova Scotia so there were lots of waves to ride. It’s taken me around the world to lots of beautiful places over the years. 

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 Keeps Me Up by Museum Pieces

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Follow Matt Mays

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INTERVIEW: Favours

INTERVIEW:

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Favours

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THE splendid Favours…

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have been discussing their new single, Stowaway, and revealing its themes; what it was like filming the video and how they all got together – I ask whether there are any tour dates coming up and if there are some rising artists we need to get behind.

I discover which artists and sounds are important to the band and how they got together; whether there are plans ahead for 2019 and what advice they would give artists emerging – they reveal which artist they’d support on tour if they had the opportunity.

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

We are splendid and enjoying the extra hour we got back on the weekend. We’re spending it writing lots of new dreamy tunes.

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

We are an Indi, Synth-Rock four-piece from Toronto, Canada. We take influence from '80s and '90s Brit-Rock and the Indie we grew up on. We’re your best friends always there to lend a hand, in exchange for some Favours in return.

Stowaway is your latest track. What is the story behind it?

The song is about a love affair and the lyrics urge the listener to move past tired narratives and into a blissful escape. Stowaway was written during a road trip from the gloomy cold Canadian climate while driving south to the enchanted Muscle Shoals.

The video looks like it was great to film. How did the concept come about?

We love making videos and we used Stowaway as a chance to make our own technicolour dream. We wanted to recreate some our favourite moments from the movie Blow Up, as well as add some of our on flavour.

Do you think there will be more material coming along?

You should definitely be expecting more music very soon! We are in the process of writing and recording the rest of our first E.P., which we are hoping to release in February 2019.

How did Favours meet? When did you get together?

Favours banded together after some of the members had taken a hiatus from playing music with other bands. We couldn’t help it and it dragged us back in with a face.

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What sort of music/styles is the band inspired by? Are you all bonded by similar tastes?

We all enjoy the same music but most of all we’re very open-minded and love all arts. We love everything from Brit-Rock to R&B.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

By the end of 2018, we will have released our first two singles and played as many shows as we could squeeze in. Lots more to come!

Do you already have plans for 2019? -

BIG plans for 2019. Look out for lots of music to be released and some big tours if all goes well.

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

As Favours, one of our favourite moments has to be playing with The Zolas for one of our first shows. They selected us to open for their sold out show over Instagram. Amazing musicians and even better people.

Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)? 

Album: You Forgot It in People - Broken Social Scene

Solidified my high-school foray into Indie and probably the reason I came to Toronto.

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

Maybe New Order or The Stone Roses. Both legends; both have had a large effect on our sound in one way or another.

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What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

As a new artist ourselves, we’re still trying to figure it out! Send advice our way; we need it!

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

We have many shows in Canada planned for this month.

London, Ontario: Nov. 15

Ottawa, Ontario: Nov. 22

Montreal, Quebec: Nov. 23

Toronto, Ontario: Nov. 30

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 IN THIS PHOTO: The Marias

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

We all really like The Marias. Their sound seems timeless, as well as Men I Trust. Love both those groups. 

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Men I Trust

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

We all have our own side-passions and love affairs but typically I unwind by going for hikes and enjoying nature. Maybe taking some photographs along the way.

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).

Broken Social Scene - Lover’s Spit 

The Marias - Cariño

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Follow Favours

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INTERVIEW: Libby Whitehouse

INTERVIEW:

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Libby Whitehouse

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I am starting off the day by speaking with Libby Whitehouse…

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who has been telling me about her single, New Boy, and its inspiration. I ask her whether there is more material coming and what sort of music compels her; what Brighton is like as a base and the rising artists we need to get involved with.

Whitehouse tells me about her music idols and albums that mean the most to her; if there are gigs coming up and whether she draws a lot from personal stories/moments for music – she provides some useful advice for songwriters coming through.

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

Hey! Very good, thank you. How’s yours been?

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

Sure! Hi. I’m Libby Whitehouse. I’m an eighteen-year-old singer songwriter from Brighton and my music is a mix of Pop, R&B and Dance music. I like to think of my music as empowering to girls all across the world (smiles).

New Boy is your new single. What is the story behind the song?

I wrote New Boy based on one of my friends getting treated badly by a boy and, like all boys do, he came running back. It’s a message stating girls won’t wait around forever and she’s much happier now.

Do you draw a lot from your personal experiences when it comes to music?

Yes, definitely, but also my friend’s experiences - and I like to put myself in other people’s shoes too!

Might we see more material next year? How far ahead are you looking?

Yes, definitely! We’ve already had talks about releases, shows; E.P.s and videos for next year so you’ll have to wait and see.

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Being based in Brighton; what is it like there in terms of music? Is it a great place to create and think?

Brighton is an amazing place to live but also a really nice place to write and create music. I love London as it’s so fast-paced and motivating, whereas Brighton is buzzy but is a bit more relaxed. Writing music in the summer is so easy living in Brighton as we’re right by the sea.

Do you have particular music idols or artists you grew up around?

I have lots of artists I look up to, one being Alicia Keys (ever since I was little). Right now, I really look up to Raye and Ella Mai.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

By the end of 2018, I hope people are just excited about my music as I am! Especially for 2019!

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Do you already have plans for 2019?

Yes. Lots of plans for 2019!

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

Yes, definitely, there’s a few. one being the music video; one being the video featured on Clash and the others basically being anytime I get to perform! Sorry, I couldn’t pick one!

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Nothing Was the Same by Drake (it brings backs so many memories from growing up and was the first album I ever got into); Purpose by Justin Bieber (lots of memories too and was one of the first albums that I would listen to when I started writing music to get influence). I love Rihanna’s ANTI album and Frank Ocean’s Blond album (sorry, I over picked again. Haha). They’re my favourite!

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Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

I don’t have any tour dates at the moment actually but that’s something I would love! (Smiles). You can catch me on 13th November at The Haunt in Brighton for my E.P. launch party.

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

Ooo, good question! I would love to support Khalid, Raye or Dua Lipa as I love them all as artists and their audiences are similar to the audience listening to my music I think (smiles). I wouldn’t ask for much - just for lots of sweets and a personal photographer.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

My advice to any artist starting off would be to never compare your journey to anyone else’s and always remember exactly the type of music you want to do and the artist you want to become. Don’t let anyone change that; also that it’s not going to always be easy but that’s how you pick yourself back up!

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Grace Carter/PHOTO CREDIT: SHOT BY PHOX

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yes. I’m loving Imani and Grace Carter at the moment. Grace is also from Brighton so have to share the love.

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

Even when I have days off, I’m still coming up with ideas. I usually see my friends and boyfriend but spend most of the time with my dog. He’s my real best friend.

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).

Oh, perfect! I love Better by Khalid or Happier by Marshmello and Bastille, so whichever one you prefer out of them (smiles).

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Follow Libby Whitehouse

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