INTERVIEW:
Josh Wheatley
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IN an age where we are provided too much…
choice in regards which artists we listen to: there is something instant and unflinching about Josh Wheatley. The twenty-one-year-old Nottingham-based artist cuts through the misty confusion and illuminates the path with a crystal voice and sumptuous warmth. I speak to Wheatley about his new single, Chemicals, and what inspired the song. He discusses Nottingham and what the music scene is like there; if more material is due – and how his family guided his love of music.
I ask him about touring and what dates he has coming up; the albums he holds dearest – and whether each single he released (Chemicals is his third) improves and evolves.
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Hi, Josh. How are you? How has your week been?
Hello. I’m good, thanks! Not too bad…
For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?
I’m Josh. I write Indie/Pop music – sometimes, with a brooding twist.
Chemicals is your new track. Can you give me some details about its creation and crystallisation?
Chemicals is a song I’ve had for a few years...
I’d already produced my own demos, and even worked with someone on it, but shelved the song because I was never happy with it. It was only going in to work with Al Groves, and he sat down and listened to a bunch of my demos, when he picked out Chemicals (out of twenty/thirty songs).
It frames your angelic and unique voice. How easy/hard was it getting your voice like that? Which singers did you look up to as a youngster?
Too kind, thank you!
Erm…for me, it just took practice. I remember hearing people like Justin Vernon sing for the first time and it absolutely blew my mind – but, in reality, for me; my voice broke quite late on in my teenage years.
Was your household, as a child, filled with great music? What sounds/albums were you exposed to?
Not to sound ungrateful to my parents, but it didn’t exactly shape my music taste.
My dad is a big fan of the band ABBA and Gospel music. The only thing I picked up from my mum was her like for James Morrison and Jamie Cullum. I remember hearing All at Sea - around the age of ten - marveling in the mellow quality of the record.
As a child, I was the least musical. My brother started playing guitar at age eight: I only discovered I could sing when I was forced to do so at school.
Chemicals is your third single. Are you noticing evolution and change with every new release?
Sort of…
I try not to think about that too much. I think each song speaks for itself - and that’s how I’d rather think about it. They’re each a different beast to me - and have all come from different places.
Will an E.P. or album be arriving next year, would you say?
Most definitely not an album, YET: maybe an E.P. - but I’ve already planned out the next single.
Nottingham is your base. What is the city like for new music and opportunities?
I’m not sure where I’d (necessarily) be if it weren’t for living in Nottingham.
The first show I went to see was Dry the River when I was fifteen (at Nottingham’s Rescue Rooms). D.I.D (formerly known as Dog Is Dead) played as a surprise support. I’d never heard of them before and their set was incredible! They opened my eyes to the music scene in Notts. and how much vibrancy there is.
Your music has been played by some great stations and sources. How does that make you feel? Is it important having the likes of Janice Long (BBC Radio 2) support your music?
It’s always nice to have the support of someone like that. It makes making music easier when you’re nervous - and you think there’s no-one out there listening.
If you could formulate your own festival and could choose three headline acts of the moment – which artists would you put at the top of the bill?
No doubt about it; it’s got to be:
The National
Ryan Adams
Death Cab for Cutie
IN THIS PHOTO: Anteros
Who are the new artists you suggest we check out?
Super-into Anteros at the moment. I had the insane opportunity to open for them the other week and they’re THE nicest people.
Only today found an awesome band called Now, Now. Their song, SGL, is massive!
Phoebe Bridgers’ new album is incredible.
IN THIS PHOTO: Phoebe Bridgers
If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?
This is a really difficult question…
The National - Sleep Well Beast
Recently, this album has been permanently wedged in my head. To me, this album proves the resilience and work-ethic of bands.
David Gray - White Ladder
It’s an album that opened my eyes to singer-songwriters who use electronic elements. I had the opportunity to see David play at Cadogan Hall in December last year - and he was in phenomenal form.
Dry the River - Shallow Bed
For me, this album started everything. I first heard Shaker Hymns and (just) had to buy the album.
What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?
Play as many shows as you can.
Christmas is approaching. Do you have plans already or will you be busy working?
I'm in the middle of arranging a show (to play) near Christmas, which will hopefully be announced soon. Also, I’m working on the next single (for next year).
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).
The National - Day I Die
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