INTERVIEW: Cocoa Futures — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Cocoa FUtures

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THERE are musicians I always look to feature…

more than once because, every time I include them, there is a new angle or interesting revelation. I have been speaking with Cocoa Futures (Greg) about the hot new single, Sink in the Water, and its backstory. He looks ahead and reveals plans to release more material; why he and his band went on a brief hiatus – he tells me whether there are any dates in the diary.

I ask Greg what music he is influenced by and the new acts we need to keep an eye out for; if he has a favourite memory from his time in music; how he spends his relaxation time – he ends the interview with a rather good song choice!

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Hi, Cocoa Futures. How are you? How has your week been?

Good, thanks. Watched a bit of the Commonwealth Games. That was weird. Had a trip to Brixton. That was nice. Made a Gousto box. That kind of thing…

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

I’m Greg. I make music under the name ‘Cocoa Futures’ with my friends, Dave and Nick. We put out a debut E.P. in late-2016 and we’re following it up this year.

Sink in the Water is your latest track. What is the tale behind that one?

It’s about getting older and thinking about whether you’re growing or not. Not in a physical way: it’s not a song about getting taller...

You hooked up with producer Brendan Williams. What did he bring to the recording, do you think? Was it a good experience working at Manchester’s Low Four Studios?

Brendan and his studio are both great. It’s a pleasure to work with him.

What did he bring? I think you can think too deeply about why good producers are good producers. I think it, basically, comes down to the fact he’s really bloody good at music - and that he shares a vision of where things could go.

He’s also not afraid to bring out the bongos.

The new track comes after a bit of a hiatus. Do you feel recharged and repurposed as a band?

Things feel pretty good at the moment; it’s nice to be popping songs out and playing shows. Things have also really livened up with a fancy new shirt that I bought.

I believe five other songs will be released this year! Can you reveal which song comes next?

Sorry. I’m not actually sure yet (smiles).

PHOTO CREDIT: Rou Gilissen

It seems Sink in the Water is a new direction for the band. The songwriting takes from new areas. Were particular artists in mind when writing the song?

I’ve been listening to loads of Prefab Sprout and The Blue Nile. I love how the songs are sung - and that’s definitely an influence.

The mood seems pretty good in the camp. Is this, do you think, the best time for Cocoa Futures?!

I think it’s a good time; I feel quite nice. It’s good to have six songs that I believe in coming out this year.

I’ve also given up vaping, which I think has made my voice better. Life is good.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I’d love to play some more shows outside of London. Also; to be proud of the music that we’ve put out.

If you each had to choose the album that means the most; which would they be and why?

I’ll be a dictator and pick for everyone: In Rainbows (Radiohead). Cos it’s great.

Can we catch you perform anytime soon? What dates do you have coming up?

Yep. We’re playing our first full band show of the year on Friday, 11th May at Paper Dress Vintage in London.

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

Playing The Great Escape last year was really, really fun. A lovely, attentive crowd - and all done in time for tea.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Don’t think too much...

IN THIS PHOTO: Kylypso

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Kylypso’s last tune was a banger; Coby Sey keeps putting out amazing music; Hejira are incredible; Koalas from Manchester – played with these lot recently. Great!