INTERVIEW: Lostchild — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Lostchild

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THERE are few out there like Lostchild…

I have been speaking with the unique artist about his track, Blacklist, and creating its extraordinary video. The young songwriter tells me how it feels knowing his E.P., Blacklist, has gathered big reviews; what his next steps are in terms of material and touring; what music means to him – he reveals the three albums that mean the most to him.

Lostchild tells me his ambitions for the rest of the year; why he takes influences from the '80s and '90s; which new artist we should check out; the advice he would give to fellow artists coming through – he ends the interview by selecting a very fine song.

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

Me and my week have been pretty good. A little hungover today...

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

I’m Lostchild. I grew up in a small town but finally moved to London; I write Electronic-Pop music songs about being an anxiety-ridden queer person. I love a big pop hook and the '80s.

What can you tell us about the new single, Blacklist? What inspired its creation?

Blacklist is about changing yourself to keep someone else interested. It’s about a particular relationship I had with a guy who was clearly uninterested, but I perceived him as so out of my league that I jumped through hoops to meet up with him.

I like the video a lot. Was it quite a good experience shooting it? Do you enjoy music videos?

I actually am more of a T.V. buff: I don’t watch a lot of music videos, so the ideas I have for videos are often influenced by things I’ve seen in T.V. shows. I like to tell a story. The Blacklist video was a magnificent experience; it was my first time and, hopefully not the last time, working with Gary Woods (@garyxwoods) - a really provocative director from Manchester.

He filmed me getting drunk in a hotel room; trying on all this beautiful fetish wear designed by The Freak Show (@thefreakshowuk). The end result is exactly what I wanted: a hazy memory of a hedonistic night. It’s way out of my comfort zone and I’m sure it will divide viewers, but it was so liberating.

Your E.P., Blacklist, has gathered great reviews. What themes and experiences compelled the music? How much of you is in the songs?

The E.P. is very much about how anxiety has affected my behaviour patterns…drink and drugs leading to casual sex and bad behaviour and the shame and regret that comes afterwards. Which, in itself, leads back to drink and drugs to cope. All of the songs are about vicious cycles that I know a lot of queer people go through to cope with their mental-health.

It seems like you have a love of '80s and '90s Pop. Which artists do you count as idols? Did music come into your life early?

The earliest musical obsessions I remember having was the Spice Girls and B*Witched, but my first love was Madonna. I was ten and I listened to my mum’s copy of her Ray of Light album. I’m not sure what drew me to her, but I became obsessed and would make my mum go into C.D. shops to buy her albums for me because I was too embarrassed. What I heard and saw of Madonna was a truly rebellious soul, something I always wished I could be, and I feel like she has inspired me to be unapologetically yourself, even if it ruffles some feathers.

There was a lot of other '80s and '90s artists such as Sade and George Michael, that my parents listened to a lot, which probably explains my affinity for ‘80s and ‘90s music as well.

What, to you, does music do? Is it a way of translating and expressing yourself in a unique and easy way?

Making music is a way for me to make sense of all the negative things in my life. If I didn’t make music, all the horrible things I feel, the stupid things I’ve done; they would just define me. Instead, I try to own my pain and mistakes, be honest about it all, and, hopefully, reach other people who feel like outsiders - and who frequently self-sabotage and doubt themselves.

Do you feel you’re a more confident and inventive artist since your earliest days?

More confident, certainly. More inventive…I dunno.

I made some pretty out-there music before settling on Pop. Making music people actually want to listen to in order for them to hear your message definitely requires you to be more business-savvy in your approach. So, I would say I make more accessible music than I used to but, luckily, I love a Pop hook; so, I’m simply getting better at making pop music and that makes me confident.

Do you have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading?

There are some gigs in the works for summer, but you’ll have to follow my socials (@lostchilduk) for announcements!

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I want to get out there and gig, meet people who recognise themselves in my music - and become a voice for the messed-up queer community!

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

Being on stage for the first time. Absolutely electrifying. The only time that my anxiety isn’t niggling at me is when I’m on stage performing. When I left the stage for the first time, I thought: ‘This is what I’m on this earth to do’.

If you could select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

Madonna - The Immaculate Collection

For being the (most) perfect collection of Pop songs ever…and Ray of Light for being the first album that made me realise I loved music.

Radiohead - Kid A

A bit out-there, I know, but this album is perfect for locking yourself away to and pretending the outside world doesn’t exist.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Work hard. Make music and videos often; don’t treat it like a hobby. Keep yourself busy and people take you seriously.

IN THIS PHOTO: Diamantina/PHOTO CREDIT: @kirangidda

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Diamantina. I worked with her a while back and she’s just the most inspiring and positive person you’ve ever met. Her singles, 90s Kid, Earn Me and, especially, her new single, Bandwagon, are all soulful, sassy Pop gems. Girl knows how to write a hook...

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

I binge-watch T.V. shows. I love a mix of stuff from The X-Files to Bob’s Burgers to Scandal.

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).

Satin Jackets (ft. Scavenger Hunt) - Feel Good