INTERVIEW: Zoe Konez — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Zoe Konez

___________

THIS week starts off by me…

speaking with Zoe Konez about her latest track, The Sweetest Thing Is Love, and what inspired its creation. She discusses her musical influences and setting up Stop Look Listen (a regular gig night promoting and showcasing grassroots artists) and what she has planned for next year.

Konez selects a few albums that mean a lot to her and what advice she’d offer artists coming through; emerging musiciasns we need to get involved with and where we can catch her perform – Konez tells me what she hopes to achieve before the end of the year.

__________

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

I’m great, thanks! My week has been a little hectic. I’m moving my home studio to a new room so lots of sorting out where things go. I’m also rehearsing for my gig at Stop Look Listen in London on Tuesday (6th November) and trying to finish off recording my next single which will be out in the new year.

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

I’m a singer, songwriter and guitarist and I live in South London. I play live with my drummer Will and we run a monthly music night together in North London called Stop Look Listen.

The Sweetest Thing Is Love is your latest release. Can you talk about it and how it came together?

The Sweetest Thing Is Love is my first single since my E.P., Between Darkness and Day, released in 2016. That E.P. was produced three-quarters by the wonderful Rhiannon Mair and I produced one song. Since then, I got a real taste for exploring production techniques and The Sweetest Thing Is Love is the sound of me exploring being not only a songwriter and musician but also a producer. I wrote the song on piano and electric guitar and started to build the song in my home studio, then recorded the live instruments in a beautiful barn studio in Sussex; then developed the sound further back in London.

Lyrically, it’s documenting that amazing warm feeling when you just adore your special person and you can only see good things ahead. Really optimistic and passionate - something I was genuinely feeling when I wrote it, which helps of course!

Do you think there will be more material coming next year?

Yes. I’ve been recording more songs. I have a collaboration which will come out in the New Year and more songs to follow in 2019!

You are involved with Stop Look Listen. What was the reason for starting that up?

I moved to London eight years ago and the selection of gigs to play is great but they are extremely hit and miss in terms of how well you are treated and whether your music will be listened to or talked loudly over. Will and I decided that we would host our own night and do our best to ensure primarily that the setting is cosy and atmospheric; the audience is trained to listen (yes, audiences need training!) and that we as hosts treat the acts well, introduce them and just have an enjoyable evening together.

We run it on the first Tuesday of the month at The Finsbury in Manor House and, in the summer months, we host music on our local park bandstand on Sunday afternoons. It’s super-enjoyable and we’ve met and listened to some amazing musicians over the years.

How important is it providing that support at grassroots level? How does it feel to know an artist you have backed and featured is getting their music supported more?

I think it’s really easy as a musician to get dampened by the steep climb (it can feel) to get a buzz going about your music. There’s only so much you can do yourself, so it’s great to create networks of musicians; to keep talking to each other and support each other.

It’s exciting to watch musicians blossom and build on their momentum. Having a great gig with real music fans coming to see you and buy your merch can be the boost that gets you back writing and recording the next day. So, if we can be a small part of that special journey, then that’s amazing!

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

I’m so happy to have got this single released and to have had a great response (I was a little nervous considering I haven’t released music in a little while). I have a new single coming out with my other project CATBEAR later this month which I’m super-excited about – it’s more of a band/electronic style.

A couple of Stop Look Listen shows to host on 6th November and 4th December and other than that I’m finishing off tracks ready for release next year.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

More music-making for sure! Hopefully, some more live dates. Will and I have played four tours of Europe, including Germany, Belgium; Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg. They are wonderful countries to visit and play so perhaps we’ll return…but actually we haven’t toured our home country recently, so I don’t know if we should concentrate on that?!

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

My last launch show for the single, Bones; playing to a sold-out crowd and hearing them singing along to my songs. I invited three friends to write a song each with me in the run-up to the show and we performed them that night together. Collaborating with friends and connecting with a lovely audience…bliss!

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

Wow, big question! So difficult to pick only three!

Most recent album I adore is MUNA – About U

It’s so emotional - the vocals, the lyrics; the sounds, I just think it’s amazing.

Definitely Maybe by Oasis

It was the album I learnt to play guitar to, so though I can’t say it’s an album I’d put on, I could probably play all the songs from memory! I bought the album and the guitar tab book and learnt it cover to cover which gave me a great grounding before I headed off into my Emo/Metal-loving teenage years!

Now, Now – Threads

This is just an album I can put on anytime. I was lucky enough to support them a few years ago and was already in love with their album so that was amazing.

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

Let’s say PJ Harvey as she’s a bit of a legend.

As for a rider; anything that isn’t beige is always nice! It’s nice to be fed, though pre-gig food is often a bit stodgy. So, some veggies, fruit and a cheeky JD and coke, please!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Come at it with enthusiasm and determination; an open and strong heart. Work with other people, absorb influences and experiences but don’t let others change you from the personality and musical integrity true to yourself.

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

Stop Look Listen on 6th November at The Finsbury. Will and I usually host and play a couple of songs at the start but this month we’re playing a full set alongside awesome acts Rookes, Tiger Mimic and Anna Aarons.

We’re going to have a very intimate Christmas show in an unusual location in December - look out for details announced soon!