INTERVIEW:
Hero Fisher
_______
A new track from Hero Fisher is always…
reason for interest and celebration. The London-based songwriter talks about Lonely and whether there will be more material. I ask her how her music has changed and whether she has stepped up her game; whether, she feels, the stage is somewhere she feels free and connected; if we can see her tour this year – what sort of music she was raised on.
Fisher reveals what it is like getting acclaim from big names (including Blur’s Dave Rowntree) and what she hopes to achieve this year; how she spends any free time away from music; a favourite memory from her time in music – she ends the interview with a rather cracking song selection.
______
Hi, Hero. How are you? How has your week been?
Hi! I’m good, thanks. I’ve been walking around snowy London. It’s looking magical out there!
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
My name is Hero Fisher. I grew up in France with Australian parents and am now living in London. I’ll be releasing my second album, Glue Moon, before the summer. I’m really proud of it and can’t wait to share it with you!
Lonely is your new track. Can you talk about the story and inspiration for it?
I think the song is about warped perceptions - and how our individual perceptions are the only reality we actually have.
Do you think they’ll be a video for the song? You create great and unique videos! Do you have an idea in mind for Lonely?
Thank you! I have made a video for this one. I, visually, wanted something meditative rather than narrative (for Lonely). The viewer just follows me along a drive; seemingly never-ending. It looks a bit like dream and is entirely open to interpretation:
Will there be more material this year? What are you working on?
Yes! We will be releasing a new single soon called Life Through Closed Eyes - along with a video directed by the wonderful Julian Broad.
Last year was a busy one for you. It seems like Lonely brings in new shades and ideas. Was it a conscious decision - to change things up a bit?
I initially wrote it as a kind of songwriting exercise - thinking someone other than me would sing it. But, it sort of just got darker and darker and it ended up fitting nicely in the album. I like to let songs happen organically: songs tend to take a shape of their own. I suppose I consciously make the decision to let the song lead the way.
I just decide whether to release it or not!
It seems you and music and perfect partners. What was the reason for taking up music? Did you feel like it was the best way to express yourself – in a way you couldn’t have done otherwise?
Thank you. Yes, I definitely feel like that! I struggle to talk about my music because I make music to describe what feels indescribable.
Which artists do you count as idols? Did you grow up around a lot of different music?
Yes. My folks played all sorts of sounds around the house as I was growing up. I fell hard for Bob Dylan pretty young - and Leonard Cohen, Billie Holiday; PJ Harvey, Radiohead; Edith Piaf, Nick Cave...
You have courted some praise from some big names. Blur’s Dave Rowntree has expressed his fondness! Is it encouraging realising receiving applause from high-profile names/sources?
Yes. It’s a wonderful thing to be appreciated by artists I admire so much. I work hard to make the best music I can - so it’s always good to get the nod from anyone really!
Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up?
We’ll be playing new songs from the upcoming album on the 15th March at St. Pancras Old Church and at The Great Escape on the 19th May. I hope we see you there!
PHOTO CREDIT: Brett Walker
I have seen you perform and can attest to your skills on stage. Is it somewhere you feel able to communicate fully and honestly with your listeners?
Thank you for coming to a show! I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get stage fright. It’s a real challenge for me - which is why I do it, I think! I’m still learning how to perform and probably always will be. But, when you’ve managed to channel what you’d hoped to and hold an audience’s attention…and made them feel something strong; it’s a magical moment.
I don’t know any other feeling like it.
What do you hope to achieve, personally, in 2018?
I very much hope the album will be loved - and that we’ll be able to tour Glue Moon for a while.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?
I would say recording the album in Monnow Valley Studio is a really happy time in my mind. It’s in the middle of nowhere with nothing but lambs and chickens; fields and trees, a little river running by. The night was so quiet and the air felt so clean.
I love the recording process. When we’ve brought together a solid and inspiring team of people and once we’re on a roll; it feels like a real achievement to have made it to that point!
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
I would say don’t try to be anyone else. What will make you stand out is only you; your perception and the way you describe it. Don’t do anything you don’t want to do. Be flexible. Be kind. Be ruthless…
Don’t smash a burger just before a show or you’ll get sleepy.
PHOTO CREDIT: @sonyajasinskiphotograph
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
I don’t really listen to music all that much: I like the quiet. I love to read. I’m really into Shirley Jackson’s writing at the moment. I recommend We Have Always Lived in the Castle.
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).
Joan As Police Woman – Warning Bell
_______
Follow Hero Fisher
