INTERVIEW: Bay Ledges

INTERVIEW:

Bay Ledges

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IT has been interesting speaking with Zach of Bay Ledges...

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about the band’s latest track, I Wonder, and whether there will be a follow-up to that song at all. I was curious regarding the band’s origins and what it is like taking to the road; the albums that mean the most to Zach and whether there will be tour dates.

He discusses what it is like being based in Los Angeles and whether the band all share musical tastes; the artist he’d support if he could choose anyone and what he does when he gets some free time – Zach selects a top song to end the interview with.  

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

It’s been a good week so far. Been working on some new music, which always feels good.

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

My name is Zach Hurd and I have a band called Bay Ledges.

I Wonder is out now. What is the story behind the song?

I went in and worked with writer/producer Christian Medice on this song. We’d never worked together before and we’re drawn to different production styles so it was cool to talk about where I wanted the song to go, sonically. When you’re making music on your own, you don’t really stop to think about why you’re making certain choices.

I wanted the song to feel like tape from a cassette, kind of wobbly; so we messed around with some synth sounds to find those textures. Lyrically, I had recently gone through a breakup so those feelings just ended up becoming the theme.

Might there be more material coming down the line?

Yes. There’s definitely more material coming...I’m not totally sure about a release date yet but it’s on the way!

How did Bay Ledges come together and what were the early sessions like?

I started Bay Ledges about four years ago when I moved to Los Angeles from New York City. I got a job at a restaurant and started recording songs in my bedroom. At the time, I was feeling pretty lost and working on this music became something I could really throw myself into, even though I didn’t really know where it was going. Working on B.L. reopened a creative freedom I hadn’t really felt since I was a kid. I was just having a lot of fun with it.

The sessions consisted of me sitting at my desk for hours. I’d record my acoustic guitar and chop it up to see if I could make it sound different. I’d record my sister singing and then play around with her vocals too. It was basically me coming up with a song idea, recording it and then seeing how I could mess it all up in a way that sounded more interesting to me.

Do you all share the same music tastes in the band?

We don’t all listen to the same stuff - but there’s always some overlap which is good for long van rides (smiles).

Being based in L.A., how important is the scene and people there regarding your sound?

L.A. feels like a great place to be for making music right now. I lived on the West Side of town for my first couple years, right next to the beach (which was amazing). I think that drastic contrast of environment, coming from NYC, was really helpful for me at the time and I’m sure it seeped into the music. Now, I live on the East Side which is closer to a lot of venues and other musicians I collaborate with. I feel a little more accessible to what’s going on, musically.

I’m not sure if Bay Ledges would’ve happened if I hadn’t moved to Los Angeles. There were so many things that clicked for me when I got here. Both of my sisters were living here too - having that support really helped me feel a sense of ease and confidence.

Do you have a standout memory from your time in music so far?

A big one was going on tour this past fall and getting to meet fans. We live in a time where it’s easier than ever to release your music into the world but actually connecting with the people who are listening seems a bit rarer...especially for smaller artists like me. I was so humbled by how honest some people were about certain songs helping them through some really dark times. That kind of honesty inspires me to do the same in my life and in my music.

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

Ugh. There are so many but, if I have to narrow it down:

Odelay by Beck

This album got me thinking about songwriting in a new way. Realizing you don’t always have to write a specific story with your lyrics; that you can create a musical/lyrical collage that’s equally as meaningful. The Dust Brothers worked on this one too and all the different sampling going on is so amazing.

Thriller by Michael Jackson

It’s hard to think about MJ’s music the same way after everything that’s come out recently. That being said, Thriller was the first album I ever got...my aunt gave it to me for my fifth birthday. I was obsessed with it: the songs, his dancing…all of it. That album had a big impact on me.

The Last Waltz by The Band

This used to play in our house all the time growing up. My dad loved The Band. He was a teacher and used to have his classes come over to our house every year to watch the film by Martin Scorsese.

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco

Jeff Tweedy writes beautiful songs and Jay Bennett’s instrumental contributions gave the album so much more depth. I was a little late to this album but listened to it nonstop when I got it. It sounds like they gave themselves freedom to try anything in the studio but were also able to stay true to the songs. It’s got Pop elements, Rock and Americana...it’s so many things blended together.

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

I’d love to open for Kendrick Lamar - that guy is incredible. For a rider, I would just want a tour of how his show is put together; it’s such a huge undertaking. I’d love to see what goes into putting on a show like that.

Are you planning any gigs in the coming months?

We’re working on some tour dates for May/June. Still in the works but we’ll have the dates up on bayledges.com soon.

Might we see you in the U.K. in 2019?

I really hope so!

How important is performing? Do you prefer it to life in the studio?

Performing is really important to me. It allows me to connect with an audience in a different way. In my experience, music has so much more of an impact when it’s happening right in front of you. Having the opportunity to express yourself on stage is a chance to show part of who you are as an artist. I love performing and working in the studio...both things satisfy different parts of me.

What is life like on the road with the band and touring? Are there lots of highs regarding touring?

I really love touring. It’s a funny existence. You spend most of your time in a van just waiting to get to the next town but the high from a great show makes you want to keep doing it. As a band, you become a little family because you’re spending so much time together.

Last tour, we got stuck in a four-hour traffic jam and decided to make up a ghost story together...it was a terrible story and so hilarious. You end up going home with all these little jokes and realize they don’t really make sense to anyone else.

IN THIS PHOTO: Mk.gee/PHOTO CREDIT: Erica Hernandez

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

A few I’ve been loving lately are: Mk.gee, Still Woozy; Neil Frances and MorMor.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Still Woozy/PHOTO CREDIT: Palmer Morse

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

When your work is something you love it’s easy to never step away from it, so I’m trying to get better about taking breaks. I love meeting up with friends, hitting up a good coffee shop; going surfing or just being at the beach. I also really like taking trips out to the desert.

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).

Thanks for having me! Can you play Goodie Bag by Still Woozy. That song makes you feel good

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INTERVIEW: Tommy Ashby

INTERVIEW:

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Tommy Ashby

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I am starting off the week...

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 PHOTO CREDIT: Fraser Taylor

by speaking with the Scottish songwriter Tommy Ashby about the track, Cocoon, and its origins. Although he has released another track in the time between the interview being conducted and published, I wanted to know what we can expect from the upcoming E.P., Golden Arrow.

Ashby discusses albums important to him and whether there are tour dates coming up; when he began writing music and which artists inspired him growing up; how he relaxes and unwinds away from music – he picks a cool song to end the interview with.

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

Hi. My week has been a bit mental. I was up in Scotland shooting a music video and supporting a lovely band called Skinny Living; then I hightailed it down to Cornwall for rehearsals and photos. To shoot the music video, we hiked twenty kilometers up to an abandoned reservoir in the snow and up the side of a waterfall in the hail, all carrying our equipment. I felt very sorry for the cameraman. Yesterday, I was in Oxfordshire recording a session doing a few songs for Bob Harris. I was very excited about that. Bob is a legend! So, it has been some week…

Also, lots of hours spent eating biscuits in my car.

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

Ehh, hello everyone. I’m Tommy. I am a songwriter from Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders. I came down South to do a PhD in Acoustics and ended up playing a session guitar for a few artists and staying here for a bit. I’ve recorded a couple of E.P.s down in Cornwall with Sam Okell.

What is the story behind the single, Cocoon?

I wrote Cocoon in a beautiful little studio called La Frette just outside Paris having been on the road for two months straight. I was there to record guitar for another artist but, while they recorded drums, I snuck upstairs to one of the bedrooms and started tinkering on the grand piano in the corner. This was apparently the room where Nick Cave stays on his trips to the studio and I like to think some of his inspiration rubbed off because the song just fell out in one go.

I ran downstairs and grabbed a mic and started recording it on the spot. A lot of it was also recorded using my laptop microphone, super lo-fi! You can hear the birds singing outside and Olivier, the studio owner, pouring the dish water out of the window toward the end. We tried to re-record the vocals and piano but the atmosphere just wasn’t there, so the birds and splashes stayed. I think this song captures a wee moment in time, which I think is pretty cool.

It is from the E.P., Golden Arrow. What sort of themes go into the E.P. would you say?

I think the general theme is the disconnection a lot of people feel in modern society. I was definitely feeling disconnected as a result of being on tour for such a long time. I think it is a thank you to the people who make you feel needed.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Fraser Taylor

Can you tell me what sort of sounds you grew up around as a child?

My dad is a musician so we were all immersed from a young age. We had jam sessions every few nights in the house, I played guitar for my sister at various musical events around the villages and our area is a bit of a bluegrass/country music enclave, so there was lots of general pub jams too. In terms of music, mum and dad always had music on, Neil Young, Simon and Garfunkel, Dixie Chicks, John Martyn, Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings and Jeff Buckley to name a few.

When did you begin writing? Was there a reason for stepping into music?

I have played music for as long as I can remember so I can’t really imagine not doing that. As for writing, having played for other people for a while, I began to feel like there was some stuff I wanted to say.

Your songs have been used in some pretty big T.V. shows. What does it feel like hearing one of your songs on the screen?!

To be honest, it still feels pretty weird. You know all the little quirks in the track, how some of it was recorded in your bedroom; some in a little box-room in deepest darkest Cornwall, sounds recorded by stamping on a cardboard box or just generally wailing into a microphone. So, to see it shown in a super-polished, amazing T.V. programme is quite a contrast. Who am I kidding, though. It feels amazing as well!

PHOTO CREDIT: Fraser Taylor

How does your music come together? Do you experiment on the laptop and gradually work on it - or does it depend on the song?

I think I come from a more songwriter-style approach: I try to get my song in shape with just a guitar before approaching the computer. It just means I know it hangs together as a song. I can get very excited about silly sounds and production but, if the song isn’t there, then it ain’t worth much! I try to record as much as possible before heading down to Cornwall with Sam to add all the extras. That is a fun experience; tinkering with sounds, having as many gadgets linked up as we can.

Do you have a standout memory from your time in music so far?

My first night supporting Rhodes in Utrecht a couple of years ago. It was my first gig outside of the U.K. and the audience was just incredible. It was the moment where I thought that maybe I could do this music malarkey.

I played four nights at Wembley Stadium last year as a session guitarist. That wasn’t playing my own stuff but it did feel pretty mind-blowing. Though a week later, we played the Stade de France in Paris just after they had won the semi-final of the World Cup and the atmosphere was electric. I remember glancing across at the drummer to see him crying with happiness. That sticks in my brain too.

PHOTO CREDIT: Fraser Taylor

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

Revival - Gillian Welch

My sister and dad do a duet on Annabelle – track-two on this album - so it always shoots my straight back to sitting in the living-room as kids singing around the fire. It’s a heartbreaking song; the whole album rings with the excitement of a first record too.

This first lines of Barroom Girls floored me when I heard them:

“Oh the night came undone like a party dress/and fell at her feet in a beautiful mess/The smoke and the whiskey came home in her curls/and they crept through the dreams of the barroom girls”.

It’s just so full of images….

Also, Jason Isbell, another artist I am a huge fan of, tweeted reviews of this album when it first came out and they were pretty bad - which is inspirational as it leaves you thinking that, if this album can get a bad review, then any album can. Pretty questionable reasoning from me but there you go.

Graceland - Paul Simon

This is just a joyous album for me. It reminds me of uni. I don’t know why I wasn’t listening to The Killers or Kings of Leon or the Arctic Monkeys like everyone else. Lyrically, he is a bloody genius.

Grace - Jeff Buckley

Ahh, Jeff. I am aware that most male singer-songwriters cite him but it would be false if I were not to include him. When I first heard Hallelujah I was transfixed. I can remember getting ribbed in school for listening to a religious song while everyone else was listening to Kanye West. Then, my player kept going and I discovered Lover, You Should’ve Come Over and I learned to love that even more. Grace, Last Goodbye and So Real: harmonically, he created a whole new palette of colours which people have been stealing from ever since. And the whole thing is just raw and beautiful!

Jeez, I need to get a bit more modern but there you go!

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

I think I would want to support Jason Isbell. He seems like a stand-up guy. His songs are brilliant and he is an amazing guitarist, so I dream that we might have a jam onstage one night!

Rider: I once got a one-pack of fig rolls for my birthday and I think that might be my ideal rider.

PHOTO CREDIT: Fraser Taylor

Are you planning any gigs in the coming months?

I have my own headline show in London on 10th April at The Slaughtered Lamb. In the lead up, I’m supporting Luke Sital-Singh in Southampton (6th), Cardiff (7th); London (8th) and Manchester (9th).

How important is performing? Do you prefer it to life in the studio?

When performing on-stage is going well, it is the best. It’s just that those moments are rare and they can disappear in seconds and I think that why people often prefer the studio. I love both. You can lose yourself in the studio for hours and hours without thinking about food or the outside world but the high you get during and after a good gig is like nothing else. Plus, things happen in the moment when playing with other musicians that you can’t replicate with overdubs in the studio. That is why I am all for live studio recordings as much as possible!

 IN THIS PHOTO: Eliza Shaddad/PHOTO CREDIT: Melanie Tjoeng

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Eliza Shaddad, Tusks; RHODES, Phoebe Bridgers, Isaac Gracie; Bad Honey and Tom Speight.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Phoebe Bridgers

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

I run a lot. When I was a teenager, I thought I would make a career out of athletics but injuries scuppered that. I can just concentrate on something basic like doing 400m laps in a set time. It quietens my mind. It’s not always easy, though, as people who always find exercise easy are either mental or not trying hard enough!

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).

Dylan Thomas - Better Oblivion Community Centre

It’s been my driving bop this week (smiles).

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INTERVIEW: Lady Jane’s Revenge

INTERVIEW:

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Lady Jane’s Revenge

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IN a change of sonic direction...

the raw and heavy Lady Jane’s Revenge have been talking about their new cut, Pure, and what it concerns. I ask how the band formed and the music that inspires them – I discover whether there are tour dates coming and where we can catch them.

I was curious to know whether the guys had favourite albums and if they have time to chill; who they’d support on tour if they could and whether there is more material coming along later in the year – they each select a great song to end the interview with.

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

Hello! We have been very well; very busy too as the new video for our single, Pure, just released last night so we have had messages and emails galore in return (which is very exciting).

The band, work; uni and children keep us very tired indeed. Haha. Shout-out to our loving partners who are the real superheroes to us!

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

We are a Rock/Alternative band from South-West U.K. For fans of The Used, Incubus; Faith No More. We feel we are unique and refreshing for our genre because we incorporate each of our different favoured styles and create something unexpected with each song. Our vocalist has an unusual voice for Rock due to growing up in inner-city London surrounded by many wonderful cultures. If you want motivation and a real look at the world then check us out on your fave music platforms.

Pure is your new single. Can you reveal the story behind it?

The message is one that tries to invoke the memory into the listener, of a time when they were young; free of judgement and behaviours against ‘different’; therefore reminding them also with the chorus, that we have opinions and views forced upon us by elders in our lives and mass media propaganda. We just wanna help keep pushing an open-minded and morally-good existence which, fortunately, in recent times has grown magnificently towards gender, race; species and beyond.

You know...”Unite! Not separate”.

In terms of artists, do you take inspiration from particular bands/corners?

Oh. We are an amalgamation of various inspirations. Haha. Vocally, Billy grew up on Motown, Soul; ’60s/’70s and Country music before discovering Michael Jackson - so a lot of his melodies come from those wonderful catchy, poppy vocal runs and harmonies that really delivered songs from that era. Sam, our guitarist, is absolutely mad for the true six-string icons: your usual Clapton, Page; Slash and Tremonti types, whereas our bassist James also takes influences from the technique of the Sabbaths and other originals...but he finger-picks with an added bounce and energy that the good feels of R.H.C.P. (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Blink-182 do simply with an extra big smile on their face.

We are still learning about Adam, our new second guitarist, and our drummer, Ash, is a heavy hitter emulating the groove and power of Vinnie Paul and the amazing groove bands that followed: Pantera, Korn; Limp Bizkit etc...

How did Lady Jane’s Revenge form and find one another?

We first connected via an advert post Ash (drums) created on a musicians’ website (joinmyband.co.uk) at the very tail-end of 2014. Billy (vocals) had been tracking the opportunities on there while working solo on YouTube covers and he approached him. The two hit it off very well over the phone and continued to do so upon meeting up in person.

They then sought out a guitarist and recruited an online friend, Lorna, to be the focal main vocalist and keyboard player. Within two weeks, Sam had contacted the three and they all arranged a jam practice mid-February 2015.

Things were going well but, unfortunately, coinciding with the time James had arrived to join on bass in April; we had to make the sad decision to let Lorna go due to other instances. We then adjusted our sound and proceeded to record as a four-piece. That is until Adam added to our line-up in mid-2018: he originally was a fan of the band and we had spoken with him at shows or bumped into him occasionally due to mutual friends. We always got on well with him so, naturally, he was our first port-of-call before auditions.

Thankfully, it worked out nicely.

 Might there be more material coming later in the year?

Yes. Our intention is to release three singles in 2019! Pure is the first - and we have a few demos in our back pocket that need to be recorded properly. In which order we will release, we are still unsure. We plan to record them A.S.A.P. and we have been jamming fantastic new ideas too. We just struggle to find the time to do it all quicker - perhaps a record label can help us go full-time? Wink, wink. Hahaha.

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

Hahaha. We have memories for everything in the past four years!

A favourite would have to be when we played Fuel in Cardiff (2017). We were unable to park the van near the venue after load-in. It was a busy Bank Holiday, so we had to put the van into a car park which stated a closing time that would be after our set...so the plan was for Sam to jump off stage after our set and go get the van out the car park. He really needed to change his contact lenses as his eyes were sore. Also, we thought nothing of it and mingled with the guests...until he returned, panicked that the car park was locked until 7 a.m. the next morning! We began to fret because we slept in the van and it had our belongings and we would need to load out all our backline of gear onto the street shortly, with nowhere to put it.

Massively, the venue was kind enough to arrange for us to pick up our gear the next afternoon when they reopened. Some friends of ours that had come to the show allowed us to stay at their house for the night. But they lived in The Valleys, fifty miles from the city, and we had ten minutes to reach the last train in time; so having to leave early and miss the headliners we were touring with...we bolted to Cardiff station and got our tickets as the train arrived. Fortunately, we made it on with just what we were wearing and travelled to Bargoed and spent the night.

Sam was fretting that he would receive a massive parking fine from the car park and ensured we left at the crack of dawn to get the first train back and remove the van before it got ticketed. We arrived at 7:20 a.m.; no ticket, luckily, and had do sit around the city until 2 p.m. when we could load up our gear from the venue and then race it in time for the next stop on the tour! Hahaha.

Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)?

Adam: Holding on When Moving on - Dependence

Because it helped me release negative emotions after coming out of a long-term relationship.

James: Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath

Due to discovering them (and all of their wizardry) when a young teen learning the bass guitar.

Billy: Hybrid Theory - Linkin Park

I stumbled onto their song, Crawling, by accident while watching MTV and somehow was mesmerised by this style I had never heard before. I waited four hours for it to be shown again to see the name of the song and band as I’d missed reading it the first time. The next day, I had my friends sit and wait for it to show and we were all won over instantly; walked down to Virgin Megastore and bought the album immediately. I began my life in the Alternative scene from that day.

Ash: By the Way - Red Hot Chili Peppers

That entire album was pretty much my childhood on a C.D. I listened to it every day!

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As you are Lady Jane’s Revenge, if you could choose a Jane to seek vengeance on someone, who would the Jane be and who would she be hunting down?

As we have used her name as a metaphor for our band name, it would have to be Lady Jane Grey and her revenge on King Edward VI and Lord Guildford Dudley for setting her up against her will; in a weird loophole that intentionally made her Queen in order to continue Edward’s religious theme of Catholicism in the U.K. and cut out his next-of-kin, Mary, a devout protestant. This treacherous fraud of law that Jane was forced into led to her being imprisoned and eventually beheaded as a pawn of the ‘system’.

It just seems fitting. Haha.

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

James: I would support Rise Against or Volbeat and my rider would be two pint-jugs of beer and a cigarette Cheech & Chong would be proud of, if you catch my drift. Hahaha.

Adam: Don Broco for me, with a bottle of single-barrel J.D. and a bag of large ice cubes!

Ash: I’ve been waiting for COLD to comeback and I’d love to support them! A jug of beer and chips on the side for me please.

Billy: I’d reckon Panic! at the Disco for me. To be able to be as huge as they are right now and still, technically, Alternative is a huge achievement. To play a show with them would be phenomenal. I like a good curry personally and I can’t operate without a proper cup of tea.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Save, save and save up your money before starting a project and, of course, naturally during the band’s life. The expenses are huge! Rehearsals, travel to and from them; travels to shows (you don’t always get paid or earn enough), instruments and their upgrades over time.

Then, if you move onto in-ear monitoring and wireless packs, demoing; recording producer/studio, graphic designers and onto social media marketing; P.R. companies for exposure and booking agents. Quality over quantity with what you put out...and a desire to read as many blogs about managing a band as possible.

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

Plymouth: Fri, 19th April @ The Hub/Dbs

Glastonbury: Sun, 28th April @ XPO South-West

Bridgwater: Fri, 17th May @ The Cobblestones

Yeovil: Sat, 22nd June @ The Royal Marine

Northampton: Sat, 29th June @ Hop Fest

Bristol: Sat, 10th August @ The Stag & Hounds

Manchester: Sun, 11th August @ Jimmy’s Bar

Royal Cornwall Showground: Sat, 31st August @ Cornwall Tattoo Convention

St. Ives: Sun, 29th September @ The Guildhall

With more being confirmed, follow our events via Facebook or Bandsintown.

If we came to one of your live shows, what might we expect?

You would be greeted by lots of beards, dreads and long hair (laughs). We are all very sociable and approachable and we like to get the energy high once on stage. We pride ourselves on breaking the barrier between artist and audience, by getting into the crowd where we can in our set and bonding - usually Billy can be found climbing or jumping off something when in the moment. Haha.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Bathub Sailors/PHOTO CREDIT: Youthscreams

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Bathtub Sailors for fans of Sublime. They have new music imminent. Follow them guys for sure. A New Hope from Newbury have something very special to release soon. They have music up right now for Pop-Punk lovers and so will our buddies in Fear the Atlantic. Punk Rock Black Anchors are taking over the South-West at the moment and for good reasons...alongside our mates in Last One Home. There’s a brilliant female-fronted Australian band in the vein of Paramore; pulling up roots big time named Yours Truly.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Yours Truly/PHOTO CREDIT: Brooke Harley

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

Hmm. Not a lot really. Every day there are more things to work on or plan; responding to messages and emails, putting up post updates or trying to book shows. It is seriously full-on and extremely draining most of the time to be honest, especially added on top of our parental duties or regular jobs.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

James: Black Sabbath by the band...you’ve guessed it, Black Sabbath!

Ash: Hell Is Home by our friend and the headliner of that tour we had the parking mishap; ex-Judas Priest and Iced Earth vocalist, Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens from the Judas Priest (Demolition) album

Adam: Never in the Cards by Dependence

Billy: Forever Stuck in Our Youth by Set It Off

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INTERVIEW: Mesadorm

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Cresswell 

Mesadorm

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THE fantastic Daisy Palmer and Blythe Pepino of Mesadorm...

have been telling me about their new track, When She’s in That Mood, and what it concerns. I ask what we can expect from the upcoming album, Epicadus, and what the scene is like where they are in Bristol – Palmer and Pepino recommends some rising artists to look out for.

I ask if there are tour dates approaching and the sort of music they (Palmer and Pepino) grew up around; who they’d support on the road if they could and how they unwind away from music – they each select a great track to finish the interview with.

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

Daisy Palmer: A good week so far - we’ve just been at our stylist’s house who has been finding us a new look for our acoustic tour. She made us a pie: highlight of the week. We are also starting to promote our new single and tour documentary directed by the legend that is Tom Jacob.

Blythe Pepino: My week has been spent mainly doing interviews on morning television representing the movement Birthstrike. My life is now split between working on Mesadorm and working as an activist within Extinction Rebellion.

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

Daisy: We are a genre-bending Alternative band from Bristol probably to be found occupying the ethereal space between Kate Bush, Björk and Sylvan Esso. Blythe used to front Art-Pop trio Vaults and I’m Paloma Faith’s drummer. Jo (cello) has played with Frank Turner and The Unthanks and David (bass) and Aaron (production/guitars/synth) are ridiculously talented musicians in their own right.

Blythe: Mesadorm is a project based on the true expression of art, an old-fashioned regard for a great melody and the solid bonds of friendship.

When She’s in That Mood is your latest single. How did it come together?

Blythe: When I was living in Bridport, Dorset during early-2017, I fell head over heels in love with my now-boyfriend, Joshua. At the time, I was also having an intense relationship with a woman, a dancer and musician who I found incredibly inspiring. Lost in the heady atmosphere of love and the epic English coastline at Bridport, I mused on the idea of losing yourself in another and of the beauty and free-ness within that.

Daisy: It’s a beautiful thing.

It is from the forthcoming Epicadus L.P. What was it like recording the songs and being in Eype Church?

Blythe: Eype Church has a wonderful acoustic and its dramatic setting on the Dorset cliffs is totally awe-inspiring.

Daisy: The place just has an incredible magic about it. We have performed there many times as Blythe used to be local to the area and, when the idea of recording an acoustic album came about, we all agreed that it had to be at Eype. We worked up some alternate arrangements of the existing songs from Heterogaster within the space. We then recorded the songs live with expert engineer Tim Allen. It was truly a breath of fresh air.

Do you recall when Mesadorm got together and started playing?

Daisy: Blythe, Jo and I began playing some of Blythe’s songs as an acoustic trio around 2015. At that time, Aaron was also working on the electronic production for the songs which we slowly built into the live set, with help from David on bass.

Blythe: It was a gradual and organic process achieved in our down-time which enabled us to spend time focusing on how we wanted to sound. All five of us had played together in many different combinations over the years, so we trust each other’s taste implicitly.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Cresswell 

What sort of music did you all grow up on?

Daisy: Mainly Steely Dan, David Bowie & Stevie Wonder.

Blythe: Everything! But Mum was always playing the BIG vocalists, so mainly Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin but also The Beach Boys, Labi Siffre and lots of Classical music.

How inspiring is the Bristol music scene right now?

Daisy: Bristol has always had an ace scene for left-field musicians and bands. But now there seems to be more industry infrastructure that wasn’t there when we starting playing together on the scene.  IDLES and their team are an excellent example of just that: supportive musicians with an excellent manager (big up, Mark Bent!) all based in Bristol.

Blythe: The scene has come on massively and I’m so pleased there’s a hub for the industry outside of London now.

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

Blythe: We’ve been having some magic times in the studio recently jamming for our next album which has made me very happy!

Daisy: ...And performing together at Maida Vale for BBC Introducing in January was insane! I’ve recorded in M.V. three many times but never with a project of my own - so it was life-affirming, truly.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Cresswell 

Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)?

Blythe: Bette Midler - Bed of Roses

Because she kicks ass!

Daisy: Duet - Doris Day and André Previn

It’s just so atmospheric and I’m a massive Doris Day fan.

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

Both: Björk - with a rider of cheesy chips.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Cresswell 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Daisy: Work really hard.

Blythe: Don’t do it for the money.

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

Blythe: We are touring Epicadus from 24th April - 26th May. Here are the dates:

24th April - The Forge, Bristol

25th April - The Barrelhouse, Totnes

26th April - The Rose Hill, Brighton

27th April - St Mary’s Music Hall, London

28th April - Cobalt Studios, Newcastle

29th April - Hug & Pint, Glasgow

30th April - Secret Location, Edinburgh

1st May - Burton Arms, Manchester

11th May - Rodborough Church, Stroud

25th May - Kino, St Leonards, Hastings

26th May - Poltimore Festival, Exeter

If we came to one of your live shows, what might we expect?

Blythe: Laughing whilst crying.

Daisy: Acoustic wonderment/‘Melt your face off Phatty Bom Batty’-bass.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Laura Groves/PHOTO CREDIT: Suzie Howell

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Daisy: Laura Groves.

Blythe: BAS JAN.

 IN THIS PHOTO: BAS JAN/PHOTO CREDIT: Kuba Ryniewicz

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

Blythe: I find meditation extremely useful in order to deal with my neurosis and anxiety. A healthy balance of work and time off is good and you need to make sure you are laughing enough.

Daisy: Laughing is the key to life.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Blythe: Grizzly Bear - Mourning Sound

Daisy: Mighty Sparrow - Music & Rhythm

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INTERVIEW: Katmaz

INTERVIEW:

Katmaz

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I have been speaking with Katmaz...

about his recent track, I’m Done, and how it began life. I ask the Brooklyn-based artist what the scene is like there; whether producing for other musicians helps elevate his own sounds and creativity – he selects a few albums that mean a lot to him.

I ask whether there are tour dates coming up and which approaching artists we need to watch; how he relaxes away from music and whether there is a standout memory that springs to mind – Katmaz selects a cool song to end the interview with.

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

Hello. The week has been great! There’s always a weight that is lifted when you release music.

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

My name is Matt Kaz. I go by Katmaz and I make all sorts of music for myself and others. 

Can you tell me about I’m Done and how the track came to you?

The song comes from frustration and letting go of that frustration. I wrote the music for I’m Done almost three years ago but it sat on the shelf until I faced a new challenge; then the lyrics just spilled out.

Is there going to be more coming, do you think, down the line?

Plenty more. I can’t release the details yet, but yes.

You have worked and produced for other artists. Do you feel that experience has made your own material stronger?

Absolutely. I learn something new from each artist I work with. I try to work with every genre of music and all types of artists. As Quincy (Jones) says: “There are only two kinds of music: good music and bad music”. 

When did music hit you growing up? Were you always exposed to a range of sounds?

Almost as soon as I can remember. I was five-years-old when I begged my parents to play an instrument. They presented me with drums or piano. I’m sure they were happy I chose piano. I was fortunate to grow up with music loving parents. My mom would be blasting some Whitney Houston while my father jammed out to Stevie Ray Vaughan.

You are based in Brooklyn. What is the music scene like there right now? Has it changed a lot through the years?

I love Brooklyn. I think the music scene is great and only getting better. I live in a house of music producers we call the WaveCave Studios. I’m trying to bridge some gaps and start throwing backyard concerts called WaveCave Concerts where we feature our artists and the artists we love of every genre. 

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Do you have a standout memory from your time in music so far?

We performed at venue in Brooklyn called Elsewhere this past summer. I had a few of the artists/incredible singers I produce (and some I don’t) including Rasha Jay, Tan Brown; Griffin Garnett and Terrelle Tipton on stage with me. They sang my music and we covered Prince’s I Would Die 4 U. It was very powerful and awesome time! 

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

That’s a tough question but, off of the top of my head:

Radiohead - In Rainbows

This is my favorite album of all time. It’s perfect. I get excited about music when I can’t be sure what the artist is doing…and Radiohead always keeps you guessing.

Neil Young – Live Rust

Neil Young is one of my favorites and the rawness of his live show is incredibly inspiring.

Blind Melon – Soup

One of the first bands I fell in love with as a kid. This album doesn’t have any hits on it, but songs like Mouthful of Cavities and The Duke shaped me. They were extremely underrated and Shannon Hoon was a genius. R.I.P.

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

Right now, I think Foals are on top of the Alt-Rock game; I’d love to open for them. Their show is so energetic and fun. Beck is another one that I think I would fit as support very well.

As far as a rider...at least five puppies to roll around with before the show; twenty honey garlic Cajun BBQ chicken wings flown in from Bar-Bill Tavern in Buffalo, N.Y. - and a framed photo of Bill Murray.

Are you planning any gigs in the coming months?

Working on some local gigs at the moment.   

Might we see you in the U.K. in 2019?

I wish! Soon, though.

How important is performing? Do you prefer it to life in the studio?

I prefer performing to everything. There is nothing more fun than being on stage…except maybe being in the studio and coming up with something great collaboratively…yea…

 IN THIS PHOTO: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets/PHOTO CREDIT: Nici Eberl

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

If you haven’t heard of LP, go check out her music now. Her voice is UNDENIABLE. I’m into Foals’ new record and Psychedelic Porn Crumpets rock my world. And then, of course, artists I am producing. Rasha Jay has a single called Red Coats that rocks. On the radar we have Chelsie Denise who is an incredible R&B singer that reminds me of Whitney Houston (the music industry needs Chelsie). For dance we have FAB and on the Hip-Hop side check out Jimi Tents and 718 Spank.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Chelsie Denise

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

Not much time to get away, but I love films and the occasional video game.

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).

Psychedelic Porn Crumpets – Denmark / Van Gogh & Gone

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INTERVIEW: lennixx

INTERVIEW:

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lennixx

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THE epic lennixx have been talking to me...

about their new single, Bad Bird, and how it started life. I was eager to know how they formed and how the music comes together – the duo tell me what lies ahead and reveal some albums/artists who mean a lot to them.

I ask the Swedish-based duo what the scene is like for them and whether there will be tour dates; if they have a favourite memory from their career so far; which artist they’d support if they had the time and what advice they’d give to musicians coming through – lennixx pick a great track to end things on.

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

Hi, guys! We are feeling great at the moment. We have been in the studio working on new music this week, so that is always fun. The week gets better straight away.

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

We are a duo called lennixx and we released our debut mix-tape last autumn called hapap. Now, we most-recently released our new single, Bad Bird. We love to play around with our voices and try out different harmonies in different ways. We are very unrestricted when it comes to genres and what our music sounds like - and we like to try different things and see what works for us.

What is your new song, Bad Bird, about? How did it come together?

Bad Bird is about a toxic relationship that has come to an end when the person in question tries to ruin things for you because they are overwhelmed by bitterness. Instead of dealing with it in a healthy way, they just try to turn everyone against you and make up dishonest rumors and talk badly about you. In the song, we reply with “I have my real friends who will always have my back/and I couldn’t care less what you have to say about me”. It was written when we just wanted to express our feelings about a certain situation in the studio.

How do songs come to you? Do you set time aside to write or is there a structure to your writing process?

We write both lyrics and melodies both in sessions and outside of sessions. Usually, the song comes together in the studio, though. The writing process can, at times, be that you start on your own on something – like an idea – and then it all comes together when we work at it in the studio. It’s usually easier to capture feelings in action, like if you think about something – it could be on a plane or the Tube or whatever you just write it down.

How did lennixx form and what was it that attracted you to one another?

We fit really well together, both personally and musically. We formed our sound together. So, it wasn’t like we were aiming to sound like a specific genre or anything – we just worked until we found what we wanted to sound like. We complete each other very well both with our voices, in songwriting and our artistry.

Do you think your music and style has changed a lot since the start?

Yeah. We think that it has changed a lot since we first started. We released our first song in 2016 and we didn’t really have a clue about what we wanted to do. It became more natural once we had more involvement in the songwriting process. You also grow up and you get new perspectives about yourself and your artist career so of course the music changes with that.

Being based in Sweden, how strong is the music coming from there right now?

Sweden has always been one of the major actors in music exports and still is today. However, we aren’t really a part of that genre or style that Sweden is mostly known for. It could be negative for us, like people assume that we are two typical Scandi-Pop girls just because we are from Sweden. But, it could also be positive for us since we do something complete different from what most Swedish music usually sounds like.

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

Our favourite memory was when we wrote one of our songs on our first mixtape called HER. It was the first time we felt: this is us. This is our vibe. Then we really found something that was special for us.

Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)?

Andrea: SZA – Ctrl

Because you can listen to the album back-to-back and all the songs are great. You don’t skip any of them.

Hanna: Amy Winehouse - Back to Black

All the songs work in every situation - and whatever you are feeling. 

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

It would definitely be Frank Ocean and our rider could perhaps contain a bed, a masseur and a juicer. That would be cool!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

To stay true to yourself and continue do what you really believe in. Your gut is ALWAYS right and, if you like it, someone else will too. 

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

Yeah. We are playing different shows all over Sweden this year. You can catch our tour dates on our social media!

Will you be coming to the U.K. at any point?

Yes. We are coming to the U.K. to play in the fall - and hopefully during the summer too!

 IN THIS PHOTO: Summer Walker

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Summer Walker, Little Simz and Ama Lou are all amazing.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Little Simz

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

We don’t really like to chill that much right now because we enjoy working a lot. But, when we do, we like to hang out with friends, watch series and sleep.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Hanna: I Want You Around – Snoh Aalegra

Andrea: Tried Up – Ama Lou

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INTERVIEW: Luxley

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Ollie Alexander  

Luxley

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MY first interview of the week is...

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with the fantastic Luxley. He talks about his new E.P., Chromatics, and a rare condition called chromasthesia; what the music scene is like in New Orleans and the artists/sounds that inspire him – he tells me who he’d support on tour and what his rider would be.

I ask which three albums are most important to him and what he wants people to get from his E.P.’s messages; whether he will come to the U.K. at all and which rising artists we should follow – he selects a great track to end things with.

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

It’s been a great week so far - despite the lack of sleep. I’ve been finishing a record, full-time bartending to support myself and promoting my recent record, Chromatics.   

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

My name is Ryan Gray. Some people just call me Luxley. I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. My artist name, Luxley, comes from the word, lux, which means light in Latin. I live with a condition called chromasthesia - where I see music in color. It’s also how I write my music.

PHOTO CREDIT: Joseph Frierson

I started Luxley when I left medical school in 2012. I had been producing music as a creative outlet while studying medicine at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. I wrote my first record E.P., Spirit, while bartending full-time. It was co-produced by Ayad Al-Adhamy (ex-member of Passion Pit, Team Spirit) and engineer/mixer Justin Gerrish (Vampire Weekend, The Strokes). I had the amazing opportunity to have the E.P. featured in NYLON magazine, among other online blogs like EARMILK, The Huffington Post and Interview Magazine (founded by Andy Warhol).

Chromatics is your new E.P. What inspired its creation and what was it like putting it together?

Chromatics is an expression of my chromasthesia - a condition where I see sound as color. I discovered it when I got into a car accident when I was younger. I didn’t know how to describe the experience until I went to medical school and found literature describing it. This record is much different from my last. Chromatics is a departure from the traditional studio model of working with an outside producer.

After spending a lot of time experimenting on synths, electronics and getting to know myself more as an artist, I realized that I was passionately building a vast library of colorful sounds, textures and Pop-centric melodies that would eventually become the virtual worlds found on the record. The songs are arranged by the colors that I see and the track artwork corresponds to the colors that I see when hearing the songs. The biggest driving force for this new record is having people see the colors that I see and have them experience the feelings created by the color spectrum of the record.

Is there a song from the set that you would consider a favourite?

Near Me tends to be my favorite. I always recommend people spinning the Chromatics record while exercising or doing activities that force you to use ear buds. Immersive listening really enhances your experience with the colors of the record.

The tracks are arranged in order of colour - and it is clear the E.P. is very personal. What do you want people to take away from Chromatics?

I want people to take away the colors from the record and have the opportunity to listen to music differently by visualizing colorscapes and experiencing the unique feelings painted by them. I don’t believe you have to have chromasthesia to perceive music this way: it’s something more than that because it’s found in the universal element which I playfully denote as ‘Lx’. Lx is the element that relates to the act or quality of seeing music in color and it’s found outside ourselves. It’s free for all of us who really want it. 

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PHOTO CREDIT: Justine Bird

How did you get into music? Was it something you were passionate about from a young age?

When my parents got divorced at a young age, I found solace by teaching myself music by ear. I really couldn’t find happiness outside of music because of the family strife. I taught myself how to play piano when they bought me one before the separation. I immediately became passionate about learning other instruments like guitar, bass; audio electronic devices and vocals. I quickly moved to writing my first songs on guitar and eventually on synthesizers.

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Being based in New Orleans, how important is the music of the city and the people regarding your work?

The influence of New Orleans has really grounded me on organic instrumentation because live music is a foundation of the culture. New Orleans’ influence has become more evident in my latest record, Chromatics, as well as my next one (currently untitled). Reggae, Jazz; Blues and Funk are popular genres in the New Orleans music culture and they seep into tracks like Near Me (Reggae), No. 4 (Blues) and Take a Chance (Funk). The next record incorporates more Jazz and brass-band instrumentation, which are both staples of the New Orleans music culture.

Do you have a standout memory from your time in music so far?

930 Club in Washington, D.C. on October 20th, 2014. I played to a sold-out crowd on my birthday with Bombay Bicycle Club and Milo Greene.  I never mentioned it to the crowd that night, but I will never forget the celebration that ensued afterwards with Bombay Bicycle Club and Milo Greene in the basement of the 930 Club.

It makes me tear up when I think about that night.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ollie Alexander

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

Friendly Fires – Pala (a band based out of St. Albans, England)

This record re-instilled my passion for music and how I see it in color. I could literally describe all of the colors of this record in real-time if we did a listening party.

311 – From Chaos (a band based out of Omaha, Nebraska)

This record taught me so much about how to be confident and believe in yourself as an artist. This is one of the bands playing when I got into the car accident when I was younger. 

Jimmy Eat World – Futures (a band based out of Arizona)

This record taught me how to tell emotional stories through music and how to express yourself with it in a beautifully raw (Rock) manner.

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

Luxley, Tycho; Pretty Lights, Angele or ZHU.

Rider:

Craft cocktail mini-bar: I’d like to bartend for all of artists on the bill; stage and production crew and media personnel after the show. They would need to try the You Got the Lux? cocktail.

The bar would need to be stocked so that I could serve my old-fashioned riff:

§  Toasted sesame-infused rye whiskey

§  Banana

§  Rhubarb.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Joseph Frierson

o   Additional bar stock: wine selections of old and new world wines (white and red), a few bottles of Dom Perignon and Monkey 47 Gin.

·         A small D.J. booth so that a local artist or musician fan could be featured.

·         Colored lighting.

·         Personal chef who bakes amazing breads.

·         Hummus, charcuterie boards and fine cheese selections.

·         A closet or safe place to store all of my colored jump-suits.

Are you planning any gigs in the coming months?

No.

How important is performing? Do you prefer it to life in the studio?

In the long-term, I prefer the process of writing more than anything but the momentary experiences of performing live are unparalleled. I have big plans for a really vivid and unique live show in the future.

Will you come to the U.K. during 2019?

Unfortunately I won’t be, but I’ve heard from many people that I should get my music represented more in the U.K. because my style would be most receptive there.

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Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Angèle, Chris Malinchak; Poolside and Weval.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Chris Malinchak

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

I get very little time to step away from music because I currently work as a full-time bartender to support myself and the Luxley project. When I’m not bartending, I’m writing and promoting music. If I step away from everything to get fresh air, I go for a bike ride; swim, box or indulge in the exquisite food and cocktail culture of New Orleans. From time to time, I’ll try and catch Electronica shows at the Techno Club or Republic in New Orleans.

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).

Angèle – Flou

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INTERVIEW: Mason Ashley

INTERVIEW:

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PHOTO CREDIT: Allie Leith

Mason Ashley

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I am ending the week of interviews...

 SINGLE ART: Sophie Mazzaro

by speaking with Mason Ashley about her recent track, Ever Had You, and whether there will be more coming. She reveals whether music provides catharsis and when she decided to follow music; which artists she grew up around and which rising artists are worth exploring.

I ask when the U.S. artist will come to the U.K. and whether she gets time to chill away from music; if she has a standout memory from her career so far – Mason Ashley selects a classic gem to end things with.

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Hi, Mason Ashley. How are you? How has your week been?

Hi! I’ve had a great week. I got to do some snow skiing in Utah, so I’m happy. 

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

I’m Mason Ashley. I’m twenty-years-old and I’ve been writing songs and playing for half my life now. 

Ever Had You is your new track. Is there a story behind it?

I wrote Ever Had You in a matter of minutes after realizing I was in a toxic relationship. There’s a long, dramatic story behind the song...but let’s just say that the song came right as a realized that I had given out my last, last straw to this person. 

Might there be some more material later in the year?

I am currently back in the studio working on new music right now. You’ll definitely be hearing more from me later in the year and I can’t wait!

Is music a good way of getting out emotions and feelings in a healthy way? How important is music in that respect?

I have always used music as a form of therapy. Even as a kid, I found writing as a way to sort through my emotions and figure myself out in a sense. I think music is a great outlet for getting those feelings out. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Allie Leith

Can you tell me what sort of sounds you grew up around as a child?

I grew up on all kinds of music. I basically listened to whatever my parents were listening to. I loved early John Mayer, Van Morrison and Matchbox Twenty. I really just enjoyed music as a kid. I discovered Bob Dylan when I was twelve or thirteen and I think he heavily influenced my writing for years after that.  

When did you realise you wanted to pursue music? Was it quite an easy process going from there to where you are now?

I honestly think I knew from around the age of twelve. I started recording demos and performing by the time I turned thirteen and then really started taking that passion seriously. It’s definitely been a long road of trial-and-error since then. Trying to make a career in music is by no means easy. There are no certain steps you can follow or things you can do to guarantee success. It’s a lot of just putting yourself out there and hoping that the right person, or people, will hear what you have to say and appreciate it. We can’t all have the Justin Bieber story. 

Do you have a standout memory from your time in music so far?

I have a few big milestones so far: over one-million views on YouTube; someone using one of my tracks in their wedding and attending my first award show. I think my favorite story, so far, is the first time I heard myself on the radio. I was sixteen and had just released my debut E.P. I wrote more Folk/Americana music at the time.

My family and I were in Dallas, Texas at a lake house for a min-summer vacation and I remember getting a tweet from a radio D.J. - IN DALLAS of all places - saying that they would be featuring one my songs the next morning at seven. We all woke up early the next day to listen and I remember feeling so overwhelmed and proud. It was one of the most memorable and monumental moments so far.  

PHOTO CREDIT: Allie Leith

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

Bob Dylan - Bringing It All Back Home 

The first Dylan album I ever listened to from start to finish. My thirteen-year-old self sat there on my bedroom floor listening to She Belongs to Me and Mr. Tambourine Man wondering how anyone could ever want to be anything other than a songwriter. 

The 1975 – The 1975

Shortly after my Bob Dylan movement, I started broadening my musical horizon. I fell in love with all kinds of music and loved listening to anything I could find. The 1975 released their debut, self-titled album and I was hooked. Thoughtful lyrics with Brit-Rock vibes and electric guitar...the album had me listening on-repeat so I could hear all the little aspects in the production that gave it its sound. Robbers is still one of my favorite songs. 

La La Land Soundtrack 

Because...if you haven’t listened to it, you are missing out. Just the most beautifully poetic and bitter sweet soundtrack I’ve heard. If it doesn’t evoke some kind of emotion inside of you, you might be heartless. 

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

Wallows or The 1975. French press coffee and/or chai tea. Just tons of caffeine. I can out-drink anyone when it comes to coffee.  

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PHOTO CREDIT: @TheMasonAshley

Are you planning any gigs in the coming months?

I don’t have any shows on the books at the moment. I’ve mainly been focusing on getting more songs done in the studio, but definitely stay tuned because I plan to start playing live later in the year.  

How important is performing? Do you prefer it to life in the studio?

I think performing is so important. It helps solidify who you are as an artist and overall just get more comfortable with your music. I love creating and hearing a song or project come together. I absolutely love being in the studio, but I started on stage at a young age and have a very special place in my heart for performing. I love both for different reasons. 

Will you come to the U.K and play at some point?

I would love to come to the U.K. and play someday! I’ve never been and that would be a dream. 

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Wallows

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

One of my favorite bands right now is Wallows. Definitely check them out and try to catch them on tour because they are fantastic. I also love James Vincent McMorrow and Jack Garratt.

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IN THIS PHOTO: James Vince McMorrow

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

I do have some free time to chill as of right now. I’ve been into yoga for years but I haven’t been good about sticking with it regularly until recently, so I’ve enjoyed that. I love coffee so sitting in coffee shops and people watching is also very relaxing to me. 

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).

She Belongs to Me - Bob Dylan 

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Follow Mason Ashley

INTERVIEW: DONSKOY

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Ray Burmiston  

DONSKOY

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MANY thanks to Daniel (DONSKOY) for chatting...

IMAGE CREDIT: Spotify/PHOTO CREDIT: Ray Burmiston 

about his current single, Cry By the River, and I ask what comes next for him; how the German-born artist feels about his music connecting with so many people and the sort of sounds he grew up around – he provides a few new names worth taking a gander at.

I ask whether there will be tour dates and what comes next; whether there have been changes in Germany’s music scene through the years and how important it is for DONSKOY to get onto the stage – he picks a great track to end things with.

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

My week has been incredible. I spent it in London, where I haven’t been home in a while due to filming in Germany and my studio being in Berlin. I got my indefinite leave to remain in the U.K. sorted and had some very inspirational songwriting sessions.

Could I even ask for more?

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

Well. Seeing that usually everyone’s first question would be “Where are you from?”, I’ll start with that. I’ve had the privilege to grow up, live and love in so many different countries. I was born in Moscow, grew up in Berlin and Tel Aviv and spent the majority of the last eight years in London. All the moving in-between countries and cities, different languages and cultures have inspired my music majorly.

Privately, I am a bit of a loner who loves to eat out and spend my Sundays a little bit hungover; writing songs whilst drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes.

Cry By the River is your latest track. Is there a story behind it?

It truly is a song about me meeting up with somebody close to my heart, taking our time to sit down and cry with no fear of it being construed as weakness; never scared to be vulnerable with each other. In this day and age, when everyone is trying to scream their positivity to the world and tell us how wonderful their lives are, it is not easy to show your weaknesses.

But, I know that I feel so much better if I have a good cry. Our bodies were designed to let frustration out through tears. It’s a wonderful, near-genius mechanism - and I’ve had the privilege to have someone to cry with.

Might we see more music later in the year?

Yes. I am so excited as I just finished recording my E.P. called Didn’t I Say So with Berlin-based producer Mic Schröder. It’s coming out on 3rd May. In autumn, I’m expecting to go on tour for the first time in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This year is all about music and I am full of inspiration to keep working on my first album.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sven Serkis

Your music has gained a lot of love from fans around the world. Does that make you feel good?

The beauty of music is that it connects people regardless of their mother tongue, sexuality; gender or heritage. It is a way for me to express my deepest and most honest feelings and thoughts. I am so thankful for every listen, share and concert ticket bought. My first concert in Berlin earlier this year filled me with enough energy I couldn’t sleep for two days. I very much hope to play my first gigs in the U.K. soon, too.

What sort of music did you grow up around as a child?

A very varied catalogue, indeed…

My parents listened to Sting and Queen obsessively. From very early age, Classical music played a big part in my life as my grandmother was also my first piano teacher. Chopin still makes me cry. But, the different countries I got to live in also left a big stamp on my musical taste. I love Russian Folk songs (they give me goosebumps!); old Yiddish songs I heard my great-grandmother hum. It was wonderful to get so much musical variety from a very early age.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Ray Burmiston  

In terms of Germany’s music, do you think there have been changes and evolution through the years?

Yes, absolutely. There has been a move towards many more acts singing in German. German Hip-Hop/Rap rules the German Spotify playlists. German Pop is on the rise again. I have to say I prefer the Neue Deutsche Welle, but it’s great that the market is full of young and aspiring talent that gets to sing in their mother tongue.

However, my heart beats for music in English.

Do you have a standout memory from your time in music so far?

The first time I got to hear the master of Cry by the River was such a special moment. We had worked on the most freakish deadlines; I left my Christmas visit at my dad’s in Switzerland after just one day to finish recording the track and when it was all done, it felt glorious. Everything from writing the song in the summer during the Munich Film Festival to recording it with my amazing band was such a fulfilling process. I cannot wait to go into the studio again to start working on my first album.

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 PHOTO CREDIT: Sven Serkis

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

Wrong Crowd (East 1st Street Piano Tapes) by Tom Odell

A true masterpiece of songwriting. One rarely hears true and honest storytelling like that with such gripping melodies. I felt like I was sitting right by his piano when I first heard it. Truly amazing.

Horses by Patti Smith

Every time I’m in a new city, I put this album on and start walking the streets. It inspires me so much. I’d love to meet her one day and ask her all about the time back in Hotel Chelsea with Robert Mapplethorpe.

The Times They Are a-Changin’ by Bob Dylan

Can’t explain why but I never could stop listening to it.

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

I’d love to support so many amazing artists. I’ve recently been to a Justin Timberlake concert and I can only say he is a true entertainment king. The audience was so remarkable. I’d have loved to support him. Also supporting The Rolling Stones, Tom Odell; James Bay, Tash Sultana…oh man, what a question - now I can’t stop dreaming!

Might we see you on tour in 2019?

Yes. I am going on tour in autumn. I just signed with a booking agency in Berlin and I am so psyched for it. It’s going to be my first tour so I’m also slightly scared to lose my tour virginity. Can it be autumn now, please?

 PHOTO CREDIT: Sven Serkis

Will you come to the U.K. and play at some point?

Although I started my music career in Germany, I have been living in London since 2011 – so, of course the goal is to come to the U.K. to play - and I hope 2020 will be all about that.

How important is performing? Do you prefer it to life in the studio?

I think it’s the combination that is the most important. The songs get developed in the studio to make them the versions I get to play on stage, so one thing couldn’t exist without the other for me. The studio is the safe space where I get to explore the essence of the music - the stage is my playing field where I explore the music’s effect on the audience and me. Playing live is, of course, the best feeling in the world...so I hope there will be much more of that soon!

 IN THIS PHOTO: Hamzaa

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I recently discovered Hamzaa and Celeste. I love their soulful sound and lyrics that truly go under the skin. Especially You by Hamzaa and Lately by Celeste. In the last couple of weeks, I’ve also listened a lot to Tommy Cash - totally different but it makes me happy.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Celeste

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

Not really: I am also a working actor and just finished shooting for a German T.V. show called Sankt Maik and a feature film called Crescendo (about an Israeli-Palestinian youth orchestra whilst being in the studio) so, sadly, there wasn’t much time off during that.

But, I’d love to go visit my family soon. They live in five different countries, so it would make quite a trip! I need a week in Tel Aviv on the beach to see my mom and little sister and a trip to Swiss mountains to see my dad and little brothers.

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).

Let’s go with Lately by Celeste. Love it!

Thank you for the interview. Daniel.

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Follow DONSKOY

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INTERVIEW: Night House

INTERVIEW:

Night House

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I have been speaking with Night House...

about his new single, Unfold, and how he arrived at that interesting moniker. I ask whether there is more material coming and what the scene is like in Brighton right now; which approaching artists we need to watch and what sort of music he grew up around.

I wanted to know how he feels his music has developed through the years and if there are gigs coming up; which artist he’d support if he could and whether there is a standout memory from his career so far – he selects a cool song to end things with.

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Hi, Night House. How are you? How has your week been?

I've just been attempting to jump-start my friend and fellow musician Michael Baker's van - sadly, unsuccessfully. Other than that, great week so far planning tours and the next releases.

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

I'm Nick Williams, A.K.A. producer and songwriter, Night House. I adopted the name, Night House, after my Folk songwriting took a turn for the more electronic. I love blurring the lines between electronic and acoustic sounds. There are two other key players in the Night House family: Amy Squirrel on cello and Alfie Weedon our double-double bassist.

Where did the moniker, Night House, come from?

Searching for a name that fits your sound is a real challenge. I decided to turn to my favourite albums and artists for inspiration. I've always been a huge Joni Mitchell fan and, strumming through her records, I saw the track, Rainy Night House...well, you can guess the rest.

Unfold is your new single. Did it stem from a personal story?

I wrote Unfold for my best friend who was going through a very tough break-up. I wanted the song to comfort him and let him know that pain he was feeling was only temporary. Both the lyrics and the video - directed by Elliot Tatler - draw from this breakup.

Might there be an E.P. later in the year?

I'll raise you an album! We were lucky to work with producer Dan Brown (Massive Attack, Jerry Williams) on our debut-album, Everyone Is Watching from Afar, which will be out later in the year.

How do you think your music has mutated and developed since 2015?

One of the biggest changes was embracing electronic drums and the new orchestral sound brought by Alfie and Amy. Our Night House E.P. had more of an Indie band line-up, whereas this new album is far more adventurous with its arrangements. Despite embracing synths and drum machines, it still has Folk songwriting at its core with a real focus on lyrics.

Is Brighton a pretty great place when it comes to music, inspiration and people?

Brighton has an incredible music scene; one I feel fully emerged in! I could recommend hundreds of acts who deserve to be huge. It really does have that much talent here but I'll keep it to just three. Ellie Ford, harpist songwriter and all-round Brighton musical hero. We collaborated on my previous single, The Roots in the Wires. Michael Baker. We run a small promotions company together, Back in the Woods, putting on shows in Brighton - and he is one of the best songwriters out there. He's releasing his second album this year. I've been lucky enough to hear it all and it's incredible.

I've been addicted to Trip-Hop/Jazz band Bledig's debut E.P. which came out last month. We were lucky to have them as our main support for the Unfold single launch show at St. Nicholas' church and they blew everyone away!

When did music enter your life? Can you remember the first album you bought?

My parents were really into Fleetwood Mac and Simon & Garfunkel, so this really influenced my early years. I remember when all my friends were getting into heavy Metal and Rap, I was singing the praises of Rumours and Bridge Over Troubled Water - not cool at the time but they have definitely stood the test of time.

Do you have a standout memory from your time in music so far?

Supporting both Willy Mason and Ben Howard on the same night was a big highlight! But, really, often the smallest shows are the most memorable. There's a tiny town in Germany called Sohren, which we've played every time we toured Europe. They put on an incredible show and we're always so warmly welcomed back - and it's amazing to see the same faces and catch up with their lives.

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

That's a really hard one, as there is too much music that I love, but today it would be...

Joni Michell – Hejira

This is a very special album to me; lyrically it's perfect. It documents Joni's solo road trip across America, reflecting on relationships; growing older and the deeper meanings of life. Musically, Joni's Jazz-tinged atmospheric guitar work, mixed with Jaco Pastorius' fretless bass, is impeccable.

Radiohead – In Rainbows

I was just listening to this whilst trying to jump-start Michael Baker’s van. On this album, I think they perfectly combined the electronic elements of Kid A with their more classic Prog-Rock sounds of OK Computer. The final track, Videotape, with its simple piano and swirling electronics was a huge inspiration to me.

Sun Kil Moon - Benji

I was introduced to this album by my friend Paul Murray, the singer-songwriter of Bee and Jackrabbit (an incredible Brighton Queer-Folk band). We were both supporting Warsaw Radio on an Irish tour and Paul put this on as we were driving home to Brighton. I was completely blown away by the naked, diary-style lyrics and it's had a big impact on my own writing.

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

I saw James Blake live a few years back and I think he's one of the most brilliant and underrated live acts. I don't really like to drink too much when performing but a good whiskey never goes wrong.

Are you planning any gigs in the coming months?

I'm going on a short joint-headline U.K. tour with Ellie Ford in April. We're playing:

03/04/2019: Sofar Sounds Southampton (venue not yet announced).

05/04/2019: St Martin’s Church, East Horsley, Guildford.

06/04/2019: The Space, Keynsham, Bristol.

Tickets available now. Head over to www.facebook.com/nighthouseuk for ticket links

How important is performing? Do you prefer it to life in the studio?

I often feel I can't really get into a song until I’ve played it live, so I often book in shows to try out new material. However, this being said, the title-track of the album, Everyone Is Watching from Afar, was made completely in the studio. We cut-and-pasted beats, synth and piano parts then overlayed so many intricate cello and string parts; so much so that it's almost impossible to play live without an orchestra! The time signatures for the verses is a technical nightmare!

 IN THIS PHOTO: Ellie Ford

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

From Brighton, my top picks are Michael Baker, Ellie Ford; Bledig, Bee & Jackrabbit; AK Patterson, Jouis and Yumi and the Weather. Not a new artist, but one I've just discovered is Lucy Dacus. I've been listening to Night Shift on-repeat all week.

IN THIS PHOTO: AK Patterson

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

Not really! I've always been pretty bad at taking time off but, in the summer, I live to swim in the sea.

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).

Let's go for my good friend and touring buddy, Michael Baker, and my one of my favourite tracks from his first album, Anywhere Anytime Soon. Thanks!

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Follow Night House

INTERVIEW: Anin Rose

INTERVIEW:

Anin Rose

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THE fantastic Anin Rose has been telling me...

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about her new single, No Apologies, and how it came together. I ask what the reason was for featuring an all-female choir on the song and whether there is new material/gigs coming later in the year – Anin Rose selects a few albums that mean a lot to her.

I ask whether there are any approaching musicians we need to look out for and how the German-born artist unwinds; what the differences are between the music of Hamburg and London – she selects a great song to end the interview with.

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Hi, Anin Rose. How are you? How has your week been?

I am very well, thanks, and my week has been filled so far with some wonderful things. So, happy days!

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

I am a London-based, German-born singer-songwriter and am obsessed with choirs. I started singing in gospel choirs at the age of fifteen, so my style is Pop with a Gospel twist!

No Apologies is a great track. How did it come to you?

I had a very intense period of writing with and for a friend of mine, Jamie Grey. At that time, I wrote songs on the bus, in the train and in every free minute I had cause it felt like we were on a mission. But, we could never be sure if what we were writing was good enough and actually presenting Jamie’s most authentic self. So, in one evening, I wrote the chords and the first line, “Heaven knows we fall”, at home and brought it into the next session. It was like saying; that we have got nothing to lose and that we can just be ourselves and do what we are good at - and we might fall, but at least we fell sticking to who we are. Everyone loved the idea but, as much as we tried, we couldn’t continue writing this particular melody.

So, the beginnings of the song were on my laptop for another nine months until I went into a session with Anders Hojer alone, who was part of the songwriting team. He is an incredible writer and producer with whom I had a lot of talks about my artist identity and style. We both have strong opinions about what kind of music we want to be doing and what not, which was pretty much the inspiration for No Apologies. From a young age, I was judged for my height, my loud voice and my inability to keep opinions to myself. This song was like standing up to my past but also to my future; promising myself that I wouldn’t let anyone reform who I am and that it’s time to stop questioning myself.

It features an all-female choir – one does not see that much in music. What was the reason for that incorporation?

I am one of the musical directors of the London International Gospel Choir. I am working with them now for three-and-a-half years and gotten pretty close to a lot of the singers. But, during that time, I was also involved in a lot of female-led projects or met feministic role models like that time when I was the stand in for Gwendoline Christie in Star Wars and saw a tall woman in shining armour float over the film-set like she owns the place.

My photographer and closest friend started the project, Too Much of a Person, where she interviewed one-hundred women and non-binary people to speak about what they have been called too much of and how they might have turned those stories into their power. I got involved in the project and hearing the stories whilst watching the new Wonder Woman movie made me want to create my own female army. That’s how the all-female group came to life and I put on a headline show with just them and a pianist backing me. Our chosen cover was, of course, a mash-up from Destiny’s Child.

You clearly have a love of vocals and harmonies. Has that always been the case?

Yes. I started singing in a Gospel choir at the age of fifteen and sang in a vocal band (just voices) for years in Germany. We had a beatboxer and used effects so we were able to imitate guitar sounds, but we also sang Jazz harmonies and were touring through Germany, kind of like Pentatonix. At the age of nineteen, I lead my first choir in a school for special education and these days I conduct several choirs whilst arranging and performing for other artists.

Do you think there will be more singles coming later in the year?

Yes. My second single, Stand for Something, is on its way - to be released in April before the E.P. comes out, hopefully, in May!

You were born in Hamburg but are based in London. Are there big differences between the cities in terms of music?!

Yes. I believe London is very unique. Not always in a good sense. The living costs are enormous so you struggle more as a musician here and well-paid gigs as an artist are less usual here than in Germany. So, when I meet my musician friends in Germany, they ‘hassle’ less and they generally don’t play in a corner of a pub where no one listens. In Hamburg, people go to concerts and give their full attention - and I’d say you are respected a lot more as an upcoming artist.

Can you tell me what sort of music you grew up around as a child?

I grew up with parents, who are obsessed with music. I got C.D.s for every occasion and our house was never quite. At times, it was Sting, Tower of Power or Michael McDonald but, at other times, I’d turn the volume right up and sing along to S Club 7, Alicia Keys or Natalie Cole. We always had a massive C.D. collection and my mum still asks me at times where some of her dearest pieces went. I was very blessed to be taken to gigs from a very young age: from Jazz concerts I didn’t like back then to Soul and Funk concerts like Incognito.

Do you have a standout memory from your time in music so far?

I think performing at the O2 Shepherds Bush and throwing roses in the audience was a stand-out moment as well as the headline show last year at St. Giles-in-the-Fields.

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

Alicia Keys - The Diary of Alicia Keys

Because it was the perfect mixture of musicianship, vocal excellence; harmonies and good Pop melodies.

Sting - All This Time

It’s a collection of songs with incredible lyrics. Sting is a storyteller and he is excellent when translating those stories into music and the most breathtaking arrangements.

The Script – The Script

When I heard those songs I knew this would be something I could do. Everything else I listened to I loved and admired but would not strive to be or replicate. Those guys are seriously underestimated and undervalued in the music industry I believe.

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 PHOTO CREDIT: Marina Chichi

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

A German needs efficiency and a working stage set up, so I think my rider would implement tech specs but in absolute detail. Besides that, I think food makes people happy and a place to breathe before a show. A musician to support would be One Republic, cause who doesn’t want to get to know the master of songwriting, Ryan Tedder? But, personally, I think I could connect well with Maggie Rogers, Jessie J or Tori Kelly as these are some kickass women I could learn a lot from.

Are you planning any gigs in the coming months?

I am performing at the launch of Too Much of a Person on the 27th April at Omved Gardens, which is an incredible venue and I am super-excited about the event. Otherwise, I am planning a couple of female-led showcases - which are sadly still in progress - but which will happen in May. October will be my usual headline show, so watch out for that!

How important is performing? Do you prefer it to life in the studio?

I think both are essential and important for me. A good balance is perfect I’d say. Writing songs is most rewarding, but performing is the most magical experience. When you write a song, you’ve written something off your chest and it feels often very therapeutic. Playing the songs live is sharing that message and shouting it out in the world; until it becomes several people’s message and then the magic happens; when people connect with what you say. I could cry every time I feel it in the room, when people tune in with what you are singing.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Rothwell

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yes! I am a big fan of Rothwell. I had a writing session with her and her voice is unbelievable! Great songwriter. If you like harmonies and Folk, check out I’m With Her. I will see those three wonder-women live this month and am massively excited!

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

I unfortunately don’t have that figured out yet. I really have to force myself to book a holiday or a weekend off. But, I am very strict with my morning Yoga sessions - to start the day in the right way - and we started playing board-games recently. I think it’s a great and social way to get your mind stuck on something else then melodies.

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).

Maggie Rogers – Light On

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Follow Anin Rose

INTERVIEW: Reeps One

INTERVIEW:

Reeps One

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HUGE appreciation to Harry Yeff (Reeps One)...

for talking about his involvement with the docuseries, We Speak Music, and its concept; working alongside Nokia Bell Labs’ Experiments in Art and Technology and what it is all about – he also recommends an artist that is worth watching out for.

I ask him about his beatboxing career and how he got started in music; what he has planned coming next and, indeed, whether it is easy to get into beatboxing – Reeps One selects a precious memory from his time in music.

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Hi, Reeps One. How are you? How has your week been?

Good. I was in N.Y. at the start of the week and now I’ve just arrived in Seoul Korea – it’s beautiful here.

How are you enjoying the weather right now? Does the warmer climate inspire you, creatively?

I love the cold. That truth tends to confuse people but my mind and body just work better in a cold climate. You don't have time to be anxious and lazy in the cold: you zone in and hyper-focus on your goals. That’s as true for myself as it is in nature: the cold inspires survival and precision. I like that.

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

My artist name is Reeps One. I'm a multi-disciplinary based in London - most of my work centers around the human voice and the lateral technologies surrounding it. The last two years my job has been to do two things: push my voice as far as it can possibly go and explore how the human voice is evolving on a global level. Last year, I completed my third Harvard Uni residency and have since become and E.A.T. artist with Nokia Bell Labs and a Culture Leader with The World Economic Forum.

But, the short answer is I make music and art.

We Speak Music is a docuseries you are involved with? What is the concept behind it?

The strange thing is the human voice is that it’s as old as humanity itself; you would think it would have been explored inside and out by now but that’s simply not the case. In the last ten years, there has been an explosion in voice culture. New techniques and peak physical capabilities are emerging and that has the artistic academic worlds scratching its head. I wanted to champion why this evolution actually impacts people’s lives. You can’t talk about the human voice without connecting it to communication, sense of self; sense of place and expression.

It’s how we connect with ourselves and each other.

What was it like working with Nokia Bell Labs’ Experiments in Art and Technology (E.A.T.)?

Incredible to be a part of their history. I would be here all day If I were to list all of the technologies they invented - but the E.A.T. program was an innovation in culture and the arts which was very rare coming from a tech-based institution in the ’60s. In 1968, Bell Labs paired artists like Robert Rauschenberg with top engineers for an event called The 9 Evening.

It was miles ahead if its time. Being the newest E.A.T. artist, I was asked to create a piece that fuses voice and emerging tech and I'm very proud to say that’s how the documentary ends. I created an A.I. second voice that I can collaborate with and I couldn't have predicted the results.

Is there an episode or part of the docuseries that stands as a favourite? Were there standout moments that took you by surprise?

Episode four. I had the pleasure of visiting Lavelle School for the blind in N.Y. There they are using the practicality of beatboxing to teach a class of young people to learn how to better control their voices. The kids are all on the spectrum in different ways and vocal experimentation is the first group activity the school has found that they can all take part in. The results are astonishing: some kids have gone from hardly articulating to being able to speak with flow for the first time. Beatboxing is teaching young people to speak. Who would have guessed?

Do you think the human voice is undervalued? Have we experienced all it has to offer or are there new spaces and places it can reach?

It’s not undervalued because we indirectly gain so much value from it. But, with more direct awareness we can gain even more; we can improve our quality of life by simply being mindful of our voices. They are the gateway from our subconscious to the physical would. It would be a shame to not use them to their full potential. My job is to make people think about that.

It seems, as technology takes over and we are all addicted to our phones, we use our voices less. Is there a worry many young people are less connected with the voice and communication and favouring electronics?!

It’s simple - we need a healthy communication diet. The efficiency of information-transfer in the digital is undeniable, but can’t have that as the sacrifice of fundamental human connection. Our ideas are sown by the contexts we share within and we are at the risk of losing certain types of intimacy and accountability we get from simply speaking to one another. 

What comes next for you? What does the rest of 2019 hold in store?

I’m currently in Korea. I head to H.K. Art Basel in a couple of weeks followed by speaking at The United Nations in May about art and technology. It’s such an exciting time and I want to try and push for artistic and progressive discussion on a global level. But, of course, I will be releasing a lot more art and much in the coming months - so that’s what I’m the most excited about. (Typical artist).

Do you have a standout memory from your time in music so far?

Very tough. A simple one was playing the Arcadia Stage at Boomtown to nine-thousand people. The rest of the line-up was D.J.s so, to feel that power and to be speaking music in a way that made people dance for an hour was a huge moment for me. The booth was so high up that the audience couldn't see me. They didn't know it was just a human voice and they didn't need to. We were all just together enjoying music. That was a benchmark for me.

When did beatboxing come into your life? When did you realise you had a natural talent?

It actually started from being around early-Grime and Dubstep producers. I had always experimented with making beats with my voice but it was the London sound that I connected with. Then things really started to evolve. 

Is it easy to learn beatboxing? How would you sell it to anyone interested?

If you are speaking, you can make music with your voice. Don't think of it as beatboxing; see it as a way to write and make music all the time. A nonstop music tool. Most people will realise they do that anyway - it's just up to them if they want to make people dance. 

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

Aphex Twin - Ambient Works 11

It changed how people view electronic music and opened up a new type of listener. It's an amazing album to think to. 

Daphne Oram ‎- Electronic Sound Patterns

The original sound pack and an incredible woman Electronic music pioneer.

The Prodigy - Music for The Jilted Generation

The legendary masters of high-energy Electronic music that brought together all parts of U.K. music. R.I.P. Keith Flint.

IN THIS PHOTO: Gene Shinozaki/PHOTO CREDIT: @zach.mov

Are there any new artists, beatbox or not, you recommend we check out?

Gene Shinozaki is a really interesting vocal talent. He's just released a new album fusing new-school beatboxing Jazz and Electronic. I look forward to seeing what he does.

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

I never stop. Ever...but, if I do, musically painting and writing…. 

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).

Anything by Squarepusher

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Follow Reeps One

INTERVIEW: Jack Rua

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: PureGrand  

Jack Rua

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IT has been interesting learning about Jack Rua...

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and his ascent into the music industry. I wanted to know about his recent single, Scarlet A, and what will come next; the sort of artists that inspire him and which artist he’d support if he could – he selects a few albums that have helped shape him.

The Dublin-based artist talks about the scene where he is and picks a few approaching acts to watch; how he spends time away from music and where we can see him play next – he selects a pretty good track to end the interview with.

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

Hi! My week has been great. Thanks for asking! It’s been busy because my song is coming out on Friday and I’m working very hard to make sure it’s getting as much attention as possible - but it’s all very exciting and I also just played a great gig last night with my friend and collaborator LOGUOS.

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

Hello. My name is Jack Rua. I am a Pop singer and songwriter from Dublin, Ireland. I have been hibernating for the last two-and-a-half years writing and producing music with my friends.. and now I’m finally here to show you what I’m all about.

PHOTO CREDIT: PureGrand  

Scarlet A is your debut single. What inspired the song?

Well. Musically, Scarlet A draws inspiration from a number of sources. It’s easy to hear the kind of late-noughties influences like Lady Gaga, Goldfrapp and Sam Sparro; however, initially when writing the song, I was listening to a lot of Glam-Rock and that’s how the song started out: when I was writing it and rehearsing it with my old band. As I evolved and started embracing Electronic music, then that’s when the Gaga-ness started seeping through! Lyrically, the song talks about the nature of human attraction.

In a way, I’m questioning the idea that human beings are meant to start going out with someone; marry them, die with them and never have eyes for someone else. The song sings of lust and feeling seduced by someone when you’re already in a relationship.

A lot of shame goes with those ideas but, in this song, I’m wearing that shame as a part of my costume, just as in The Scarlet Letter (the book that the song is inspired by). The main character had to brand herself with a red letter ‘A’ to show to everyone that she was an adulterer. The song certainly isn’t advocating acting on impulses. I think, if you commit to being monogamous with someone, you obviously have to follow that through; it’s more just admitting that a wandering eye is a common side-effect of being human.

The video is definitely arresting and bold. What was the idea behind it?

Well. My friend and collaborator PureGrand directed the video and we both developed the idea together based on the story and the mood of the song. I would say that the main idea behind the video is the dichotomy between lust and guilt that one might feel in the situation that I previously described. There are these dark scenes in a bedroom that represent the temptation and the danger where I’m rolling around on a bed and flirting with my dirty thoughts...and then this is juxtaposed by a scene in a bath where I’m trying to wash myself of these temptations and feelings of lust.

My co-star and lover Narcissus, a mannequin head, also makes an appearance. You’ll be seeing more of her over the coming months. We have a really strong connection that is established in this video.

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 PHOTO CREDIT: PureGrand

Now you have a single out, might there be more coming later this year?

Absolutely! I have been collaborating with a couple of really talented artists including my buddy LOGUOS, a talented dance producer from Dublin. We’ve written a song together that I’m so excited to release. I also have a collaboration with a rapper from Cork called Darce which is another really exciting project. I’ve been working with my good friend Porridge who I met in college…

I really can’t wait for people to hear all of this music. It’s going to be a busy year. I’m also doing a podcast with my friend Jack called The Anatomy of Pop!

Can you tell me what sort of music you grew up around as a child?

Well. When I was a kid, my dad would always be playing artists like The Beatles, Bowie; Stevie Wonder, Prince; Talking Heads, Bruce Springsteen…but, when I was a kid, I hated all that! I loved the Spice Girls and Britney Spears...like L-O-V-E-D them. Obsessed. But then I kinda went off Pop music; I was doing a lot of music theatre and singing in choirs as a kid, so that’s the kinda stuff I listened to. I loved the music from Oliver, High School Musical; Little Shop of Horrors, Chicago…

Then, when I kinda became a teenager, I really started to connect with music for the first time. I loved Amy Winehouse’s album, Back to Black, and Duffy’s Rockferry. This all lead to Lily Allen. I remember the first time I heard The Fear and that’s when I knew I wanted to make music.

 PHOTO CREDIT: PureGrand

You definitely have your own style. Is there anyone from modern music you particularly identify with?

I mean, I don’t wanna say I’m SIMILAR to her because she’s a worldwide icon but Lady Gaga is one of my biggest inspirations. I don’t try and base myself off her because I think she’s very different but I love her creativity and artistic freedom and how she injects art and theatre into her music. I’d say, lyrically, my biggest influence is Marina + the Diamonds and, musically, I really identify with the music of Leland and Allie X.

As a Dublin native, what are you opinions regarding the music coming from there now?

It’s great. I’ve been kind of on the scene for a number of years and, in my opinion, it’s reaching its strongest and most varied point. Funnily enough, as I write these answers, I’m actually sitting really close to the singer of one of my favourite bands called Barq (she doesn’t know who I am though so I feel like a massive weirdo). But, like, one of the greatest things that’s emerging out of the city and the country right now is a massive Hip-Hop scene fronted by artists like Kojaque, Tebi Rex and Jafaris.

Also, it’s great to see friends of mine in bands like ZaPho and Vernon Jane absolutely slaying. It’s really in a great place. And hopefully I can wedge myself into the market as that weird Pop singer who doesn’t give a f**k about what people think of him!

PHOTO CREDIT: @jackruamusic

Do you have a standout memory from your time in music so far?

Hmm. I’m going to be super-pessimistic and mention a BAD memory, which is when I was performing a showcase gig to a packed out venue (I’d say like 150-200 people). I had planned this super-extravagant performance with costume and choreography and I was performing as an alter-ego and the performance started with a long and dramatic piano instrumental.

I was staring out into the audience and then I would start singing a capella. The whole room was silent because I’d grabbed their attention, so I went to start singing, picked up the wrong microphone and I had actually picked up the wrong one and it was off. And, when I realised this, I muttered “ah, s***e” but, just as I said those words, the microphone came on and echoed through the entire room.

Bad memory, but a funny one.

PHOTO CREDIT: PureGrand

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

Hunky Dory by David Bowie

I remember listening to this album start to finish for the first time so clearly. The album opens with Changes and it was the first Bowie song that I’d ever listened to as a ‘David Bowie’ song, if you get me, and it just made me fall in love with him. The songwriting is so intricate and comes from one of the best songwriters of all time and yet it sounds so simple and organic.

ARTPOP by Lady Gaga

I’d never heard Pop music like this before and I never thought that it could be like that. I remember when it came out, I was like “Eh, W.T.F. is she on about; HoW iS tHiS aRt”. As a fan, I was kind of disappointed but then, as I got older, it became the album that spoke to me the most out of all of them. I love the message and the ethos behind it. Music can be at once both a personal manifesto AND a spectacle. I love that.

No Shame by Lily Allen

I don’t think I have ever needed an album so much in my life - and I didn’t even realise it at the time. I have been stanning Lily for years and this album came out like five years after her previous one, so I was so ready for it. It came out at a point in my life where I was feeling lost, heartbroken; a little bit ashamed of myself. It was like a breath of fresh air. One that hit my lungs cold and sharp but, after the pain, it filled me with a new energy.

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

Lady Gaga, obviously. I would do a cover of Marry the Night as my final song. I would ask for my dressing room to be decorated with red and blue velvet furniture. I’d like a grand piano to be there (adorned with candles and roses, obviously) with a portrait of David Bowie on the wall. And I’d ask for peppermint tea; a supper of soup and a bottle of Picpoul de Pinet, half for before I go on and half for afterwards.

PHOTO CREDIT: PureGrand

Are you planning any gigs in the coming months?

Yes, actually! They’re all in Dublin. On 22nd April, I’ll be performing my first headline gig in The Workmans Club. This will be the first time I’ll be doing a full set of my Electronic music, so I’m nervous and excited for that.

How important is performing? Do you prefer it to life in the studio?

I love performing. I hate to say it outright, because I feel like it’s a cliché, but I really do feel at home on stage. I just absolutely love the feeling you get when you know that you’ve entertained someone. I love the applause at the end of a performance; when you KNOW from the energy in the room is genuine. As for life in the studio, I do love that too. It’s one of those things where it’s a labour of love: it can be incredibly tedious and boring and then it can be really frustrating and really, really hard work.

But, at the end of it comes something tangible and something beautiful and it’s all worthwhile. Performing and being in the studio are two different highs - and I love them both.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Zapho

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yeah! As I said, Zapho is someone y’all should check out. She just released a song called Water Me. They’re not necessarily new artists but Vernon Jane are bringing out incredible music...so are MUNKY and SIIGHTS. I also love an artist called Andrea di Giovanni - who I recently discovered on Twitter.

IN THIS PHOTO: SIIGHTS

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

NO. MUSIC CONSUMES ME. I LIVE AND BREATHE IT…just kidding.

Honestly, music is how I chill and unwind whether it’s listening to, playing or writing it. But, aside from that, I love playing tennis, playing and watching football (I’m a massive Liverpool fan, so maybe ‘unwinding’ isn’t the right word for watching them this season).

I love walking my beautiful dog around Howth, which is the town I’m from, and I enjoy reading. To unwind at the end of every day, I do ten minutes of meditation and then fall asleep listening to ASMR videos - which is slightly creepy, but, whatever.

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).

Delirious - Susanne Sundfør

She is honestly one of my biggest influences and this album (Ten Love Songs) is one of my favourite albums of all time; criminally slept on in my opinion. I, one day, hope to be as extra as Susanne in this song. The last minute of this song is PERFECTION.

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INTERVIEW: Crooked Weather

INTERVIEW:

Crooked Weather

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I have been talking with Crooked Weather...

about their latest track, Easy. Holly and Will discuss the track and the music that moves them; what we can expect from their album, Are We Lost, and whether it is true they have a 1979 campervan – they select some rising artists worth watching.

I ask if there are tour dates coming and whether they each have an album that is special to them; who they would support on tour if they had the chance and what they would say to artists coming through right now – they select some great tracks to end the interview with.

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

Hello! Life has treated us well, most of this week.

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

We (Will and Holly) make up the core of the band with a mutual taste in strange old Folk music. The stripped back duo expands with Beth Nicholson (Yorkshire Orchestra stalwart) on cello; Tom Skelly (gardener and songwriter, currently residing in Scotland) on bass and Dave Tomlinson (vegan-machine and equipment-collector).

Easy is your new single. How did the song come to pass?

Easy was one of those songs that just wrote itself and it’s hard to say where this kind of a song comes from. It had been fermenting away in the background for a while and ideas would come now and again when outside cutting the grass and things like that. Then one afternoon, it pretty much came out fully-formed.

It’s probably best not spending too long thinking about where it came from.  

The album, Are We Lost, is out on 12th April. Are there particular themes and inspirations that go into the songs?

They are mainly songs that have been born out of the ups and downs of spending a lot of life on the road. Sometimes, everything just makes sense and you can’t understand how things could be anything but beautiful; yet, at other times, the bottom falls out, desperation takes hold and all seems lost.

Is there a track from the album you would select as personal favourites?

Will: Too hard to call!

Holly: Easy has a special place in my heart. It’s been a trouble-causer for some time, so it feels good to have finally it there, have it finished!

What sort of music are you compelled by? Did you both grow up around the same sort of music?

We both have varying tastes but they evolve around the transatlantic sounds of the '60s and '70s. Some favourites of Will’s include Bob Dylan, Roy Harper and Nick Cave; whereas Holly could bore you to death talking about Bert Jansch, Pentangle and obscure Psych-Folk.

Is it true a 1979 campervan holds a very special place in your lives?!

Yes! We have lived in and toured in our beautiful 1979 Sherpa campervan. She often needs a good bit of T.L.C. to keep her on the road but that's the way with old machines. We’ve just had a new radiator made but now the fuel gauge has stopped working!

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

That’s a tough one. SoL festival springs to mind; a strange festival ran by Deadheads in Kent. We got to play with some of our musical heroes as well as hearing stories of Woodstock, Monterey and what it’s like hanging out with Joni Mitchell and Mama Cass. We like being on the road, though - especially in the sunshine, meeting people from all different walks of life.

Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)?

Holly: There can’t possibly be one album. There are too many I’m thankful for! Harvest by Neil Young is probably the first music I listened to as a kid and thought it was magic.

Will: Agree with Holly – “There can’t possibly be one album”. But, to carry on the same idea, Folkjokeopus by Roy Harper was an album I had on-repeat for weeks when I was a youngster.

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

Neil Young & Crazy Horse. The rider would have to include being able to play on stage to maybe Down by the River, Cowgirl in the Sand or one of those good jams!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Always stay true to the love and passion that led you to first practice an instrument.

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

Bournemouth, Cellar Bar - 12/04

Hyde Tavern, Winchester - 13/04

Square and Compass, Worth Matravers - 19/04

Cafe INDIE, Scunthorpe - 24/04

Sheffield, Hallamshire House - 27/04

The Basement, York - 28/04

Evron Center, Filey Folk Festival, Filey - 05/05

Tom Thumb Theatre, Margate - 11/05

The Lamb, Surbiton - 12/05

The New Adelphi Club, Hull - 17/05

Vestry Hall, Cranbrook - 18/06

Green Note, London - 19/06

If we came to one of your live shows, what might we expect?

An intimate evening of Alternative-Folk. Melodies, harmonies; happy and sad and a little story-telling.

 IN THIS PHOTO: This Is the Kit

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Karl Culley, This Is the Kit and Copper Viper.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Cooper Viper/PHOTO CREDIT: Anna Orhanen Photography

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

Music is all-encompassing, but only because we enjoy it!

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Holly: I’ve been enjoying Easy Ride by Relatively Clean Rivers recently!

Will: Friend of the Devil - Jerry Garcia (live at Oregon State Penitentiary). Love it.

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INTERVIEW: Malory

INTERVIEW:

Malory

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THE superb Malory has been talking with me...

about her new album, Cornucopia, and whether there are a lot of personal stories defining the music; if she has a personal favourite from the record and whether there might be some tour dates coming later in the year.

Malory reveals a few rising artists to watch; what sort of music she grew up around and how important London is as a city regarding inspiration and drive – she picks a pretty good song to end the interview with.

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

Great, actually! The album launch was a massive success and I’ve been so excited to hear all the positive response to the record. I’m actually visiting Australia for a bit right now…

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

My style is a combo of classic songwriting with alternative, quirky production. I love to create music with tons of vocal layering and strange percussion but, at the core, I hope to write a good song that stands the test of time. 

Cornucopia is your new album. What was your reaction when hearing it back for the first time?

A lot of times, when you’re working on a special batch of songs, it’s easy to get lost in the minutia of each track. It’s tricky to hear the thing as a whole and it wasn’t until very close to release that I was really able to take a step back and hear it as one cohesive idea. And, when I did, a lot of little insecurities I had about small details faded away and I just felt very proud of what we accomplished.

Are there personal experiences and particular moments that inspire the songs?

All sorts. A lot is taken from personal relationships; most of the album was inspired by my long-distance relationship with my boyfriend. Also, travelling: I love going to new places and trying to immerse myself in culture as much as possible (I called it my inspiration sponge-time) and then, often, I’ll get back and write quite a few songs in succession. 

Do you have a favourite cut from the record that means the most?

As an artist, you always want to believe all of your songs mean as much as another - but then you get on stage to perform and sometimes one just blindsides you with emotion as it comes out. I’d say the album closer, Cornucopia, has always managed to swell up a whole range of feelings when I sing it out loud.

How do you think your new music differs from your earliest work in terms of scope and ambition?

I’d say the scope and ambition has remained the same - they’re just becoming more effectively realised! I was lucky enough to work with Nick Kingsley and Danny George on Cornucopia and we all really clicked in terms of what kind of sonic vision we had for the tracks.

What sort of music did you grow up around as a child?

A lot of Dylan; a lot of Folk music in general. Growing up, I loved Regina Spektor, Fiona Apple - all the greats! 

Do you have a standout memory from your time in music so far?

You go through a lot of musically-transformative experiences as you develop as an artist, so it’s hard to say! A couple highlights would be supporting George Ezra - a very cool experience - and also recently getting onto Spotify New Music Friday. I, admittedly, shed a little tear of joy! 

You are based in London. How important is the city regarding your music and inspiration? 

It’s definitely an amazing city to have grown up in. The amount of venues and cool people to work with is insane. But, it’s also a fast-paced place to be so I think it’s probably helped most with giving me a good work ethic and acknowledging within myself that you can make a career out of music. 

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

I’ve always been a sacrilegiously-bad album listener; I’ve definitely gotten better but I hardly listened to albums just mostly singles! However, some of my faves:

Regina Spektor - Begin to Hope

She’s always been a huge inspiration for me and I totally fell in love with this album when I heard it. Definitely had it on-repeat one too many times…

Josie Field - Mercury

My cousin Josie’s first album was incredibly influential for me. She’s an incredible South African songwriter/artist and this album blew my mind as a twelve-year-old girl. Her writing and vocal strength always motivated me to be better.  

Ry Cooder - Into the Purple Valley

He’s just the absolute coolest guy. Such an accomplished musician and experimentalist. I’m a sucker for Country, Blues and Americana stuff and this album just makes me really happy, it’s weird and groovy. 

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

Oooo, this would be cool…

Probably Rostam. He’s my current biggest inspiration. My rider would honestly not entail that much. Booze/food for my wonderful band and just an unlimited supply of hot water with honey for me. Haha… 

Might we see you on tour in 2019?

I’m definitely going to be gigging with prospects of some cool opportunities across the pond - so definitely stay tuned world! 

How important is performing? Do you prefer it to life in the studio?

I guess, neither! I prefer the initial writing process to both of those. I definitely love them all but the winner is just the pure transcendent moment of giving birth to a new song. 

 IMAGE CREDIT: sky kids

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

shy kids, VIBES; Feng Suave & Still Woozy.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Feng Suave

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

I love illustration so I do that in my spare time (you can find me on Instagram as @lickablesquid). Also, just hanging out with my wonderful group of friends and occasionally playing tennis when I can. Also movies...lots and lots of movies. 

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).

shy kids - I Was in New York

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Follow Malory

INTERVIEW: Munky

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Zak Milofsky 

Munky

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THE lads of Munky...

 PHOTO CREDIT: Gary Morrisroe

have been talking about their new track, One in Five, and what it is all concerned with. I ask them what the scene is like where they are in Dublin; how they all found one another and if there is more material coming along later in the year.

They reveal their favourite albums and musicians; which rising act we should keep our eyes out for; if we can see them perform soon; how they chill away from music – they choose a couple of great tracks to end things with.

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

Sam: We're all good; how are you? It's been a good week getting everything ready for the new release (smiles).

Conor: Not so bad. Been working my other life: a peddler of leprechaun memorabilia. But I'm def keeping well.

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

Sam: Hello, newcomers! Lovely to make your acquaintance. We are Zach, Conor; Niall and Sam and our music is kind of like the core of a pineapple when you throw it off a ten-storey building. It's raw, gritty; funky explosions and full of 100 M.P.H. punky drive with pieces of weird sweetness filling the space around impact. Easily describable, right?

One in Five is your new single. Can you talk about its background and story?

Zac: It was written in response to some highly-covered sexual assault cases in Ireland last year, and the messages sent out by the verdicts of those cases. I saw the effect that those messages had on the women close to me in my life; one of “don’t seek justice because no one will believe you, and it will be dragged out for too long and you’ll be ripped apart for all to see”.

The song is meant to challenge victim-blaming by showing how ridiculous it is to blame the victim when there are so many victims. Statistically speaking, you’re most likely to know someone who has been sexually assaulted.

Might there be more material from Munky?

Zac: Oh, hell yea. Alongside our debut E.P. - out on 12th April -, we’re working on an eight-minute ode to Bootsy Collins; a song about a refrigerator and an emotional investigation into the struggles of trying to live up to the high expectations a parent can have on you. These are all real songs: you can have the premiere for Refrigerator if you like

How did the band find one another?

Sam: Zac tracked us down with the marauders map after he solemnly swore that he was up to no good. 

Is there a good scene in Dublin right now in terms of music?

Zac: Dear lord, yes. There are so many incredible bands and musicians in the city right now. Bicurious, Pillow Queens; Kojaque, Brass Phantoms; Thumper, Murder Capital and, of course, the Fontaines D.C. boys to name just a few

Conor: Dublin is hopping at the moment, in no small part thanks to BIMM. There was a real lull in the scene for a few years but things have really come back with a vengeance. And what I find amazing is the amount of variety that we have genre-wise at the moment in the city.

What sort of music did you all grow up on?

Zac: Started on Robbie Williams and Eminem. Then I listened to AC/DC for two years straight when I was nine, emerging as an Emo on the other side. Now it’s mostly Psychedelic-Rock, Funk/Soul and Hip-Hop

Conor: Well. I grew up listening to Blues artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan thanks to my dad but also Deep Purple and Pink Floyd But, thanks to my mam, I listen to ABBA and Disco music - my true love in music. 

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

Sam: I won £20 in the Stena Line ferry arcade. Like, that just never happens. 

Conor: Probably getting to sell out Whelan's two nights in a row. I will never forget that first night. That room was hopping and I was blown away with the response that we got. 

Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)? 

Conor: For me, it’s The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd. When I started in BIMM, that album was just on-repeat. I dunno. I just really connected with it at the time but I do think it is a bit timeless, thematically as, no matter what era you grow up in, people will always experience an Us and Them environment at some stage.

Zac: I mean, I don’t know that it’s my favourite album but the Black Parade by My Chemical Romance will forever mean a lot to me. It deals with themes of death and illness and it came out like two weeks before my father died of heart failure. I still remember, clear as day, the first time I saw the video of the title track. It was on the first day I was home after he died.

Sam: I don't overly connect with any particular album but Wasting Light (Foo Fighters) if I had to choose. If ever I need a small mental retreat or an inspiration boost, I usually go back to that album because it reminds of when I knew that I wanted to pursue music as a career. It brings me back to the mindset I had back then and that is comforting at times. 

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

Zac: Hozier and a bowl full of his toe nail clippings. Not in a creepy stalker way but in a ‘We’re soulmates but you don’t know it yet’-sorta way. But, in all seriousness, I adore Hozier’s music. He’s a massive influence in my songwriting.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Sam: 1. You have to like the people you play and, more importantly, what you play otherwise nothing will get done. 2. Be able to take what you deal regarding criticism and suggestions. 3. Don't quit your job because pursuing music is very expensive. 4. Persistence, Persistence, Persistence. 5 Persistence, Persistence, Persistence, Persistence, Persistence... 

Conor: Not to get discouraged if things don't work out at first: we have all played in loads of bands and sometimes they don't work out. But, if you keep at it, you will definitely find some sort of success. 

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

We’ve got some dates in Ireland. Warrenpoint on 30th March with our brothers, New Valley Wolves; Belfast on 4th April with ROE and our E.P. launch in the Grand Social on 12th April. Also, Waterford on 29th June. We’ll be playing a good few U.K. shows (and some other spots) but they haven’t been announced yet.

We may have already said too much...

If we came to one of your live shows, what might we expect?

Zac: Painted nails, dancing; moshing, kissing and music to justify all these social expressions

Conor: Mega guitar face...10% melt.

As your new single is One in Five, which member of a famous five (either a band or fictional) would you choose to take on a roadtrip?

Zac: Iggy Pop. Hands-down. Man seems like craic incarnate. Although, I don’t know if The Stooges were ever a five-piece, so I guess I’ll go with Harry Styles from One Direction. He seems lovely.

Conor: Probably Louis Theroux...who wouldn't want him to document their tour.

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Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Zac: Post Punk Podge & the Techno Hippies are these lads based in Limerick who kinda do an array of styles and proudly sing in a lovely, thick Limerick accent. They we’re one of my favourite experiences at KnockanStockan last year.

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

Sam: Honestly, we don't deserve chill time away from music just yet. After a tour, we might take two weeks of no rehearsal and chat. But, as we are up-and-coming, there is nothing but work to do. 

Conor: I either chill with my mates/girlfriend or play video games. I love video games. For me, there is nothing better than escaping in to a fantastical world fill with whimsy (smiles).

Zac: I love fantasy novels. And the cooking show, Chopped, which you can easily find full episodes of on YouTube.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Khruangabin - White Gloves. It’s the self-care you need, Sam.

Betty Wright - Clean Up Woman. Purse your lips and move your hips. 

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INTERVIEW: Austin Jenckes

INTERVIEW:

Austin Jenckes

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THANKS very much to Austin Jenckes...

for discussing his new track, Fat Kid (with Lori McKenna), and what it concerns; what he can reveal about his upcoming album, If You Grew Up Like I Did, and what sort of artists were important when growing up – he recommends a couple of approaching artists to look out for.

I ask him, being based in Nashville, what the scene is like there and what he thinks of modern Country; how he feels about coming to the U.K. to perform soon – Jenckes selects a cool song to end the interview with.

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

I am great; thank you so much for asking! It’s been a beautiful week. Weather-wise, not so much but musically and also just life at home has been awesome.

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

Hello, friends. My name is Austin Jenckes and I am from Duvall, Washington originally. I moved to Nashville to make music a few years ago. I love riding unicycles, flying kites and singing really loud.

Fat Kid is your new single. What inspired its creation?

My old roommate wrote this song when we were living together. He went on a writing trip to Boston to meet up with Lori Mckenna and Andrew Dorff. I was already a fan of all three of them. So, when Neil texted me the work tape, I immediately started listening and found so much of myself in every lyric. I started learning it in the living room that day and then played it at a handful of shows.

The first time I played it back home in Washington there was a moment at the end of the first chorus where people started hollering and clapping, almost like I was playing Eric Clapton or something…so that’s when I knew I had to record it (laughs).

If You Grew Up Like I Did, your album, is out in May. It sounds like it might be a very personal record. Would that be fair to say?

This album dives into my life in ways I can’t even explain. I used to use songwriting and performing like a crutch and now, being thirty-years-old, I am somehow confident enough to say I am standing on solid ground. The album talks about growing up in rural America; from drinking beer to the music that I loved and also the people that helped me become who I am.

These are songs for my wife and my daughter and my friends back home...and every person that has ever listened to a note I’ve sang. It’s inspired by my life story, but my hope is that everyone can find a part of themselves in it somewhere along the way.

Were there moments when recorded when you were affected by the songs and felt that emotion?

Emotions are a funny thing - and I think way too much about them every day. Haha. Over the course of creating this record, I found myself being overwhelmed by the smallest things such as guitar parts or vocal harmonies. Lyrically, the one song that I have felt most emotional about is called If You’d Been Around. I sang the demo about vocal at my house about twelve times in an hour before I could actually get through it.  

How good is it being based in Nashville?

Music City has been very good to me. As you probably have heard, there are some monster musicians here in all ways and shapes. I have learned more than I can probably ever comprehend but that challenge is what keeps me moving forward and, ultimately, I think better. All seriousness aside, it is also just a great place to live. My wife wouldn’t trade it (except for maybe a house by the ocean) which, with global warming, you never know...we might just be able to stay here forever.

What do you think of the modern Country scene? Do you feel it is stronger than it has ever been?

I have always dreaded these kinds of questions because I don’t feel like I am qualified to speak for everyone. Haha. But, I think the family of Country music is alive and well. I think the music drives the scene just as much as the business does. This is the beauty of the industry: it’s up to the artists and songwriters to decide what’s most important for the music and it’s up to the fans (whether they know it or not) to decide if they like it. I feel lucky to have made some friends that are better than me and, at the same time, have let me search for myself as an artist.

To me, that’s what the Country scene is all about.

Can you tell me what sort of music you grew up around as a child?

I grew up around Classic-Rock bands and songwriters. Tom Petty, Steve Miller; Lynyrd Skynyrd, Stephen Stills; Joe Walsh, the Eagles; Bob Seger, Pink Floyd; Led Zeppelin etc. I also listened to a lot of Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam; Candle Box and pretty much every Rock band ever known to man. Haha. Layne Staley and Chris Cornell are probably a tie for my favorite singers.

BUT, I also grew up playing in a church band and trying to make everything sound like U2. SO, I would say this…I grew up listening to everything except Rap and Country music, except for Garth Brooks because he’s omnipotent.

Do you have a standout memory from your time in music so far?

This past November, I got to sing The Star-Spangled Banner at a Seattle Seahawks game. I would love to send you a video if you want to see it - just let me or Neil know and we would be glad to share. It was the craziest thing. They did a fly-by with a plane and I had to time it to exactly ninety seconds, which is kinda hard when 65,000 people are looking at you. Hahaha.

I have always dreamed of doing something like that and, honestly, it was nerve-racking and a bit of a blur because it went by so fast. I have only watched the video three times but I am sure one day my daughter get a kick out of it.

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

John Moreland - In the Throes

For Emma, Forever Ago - Bon Iver

Foy Vance - Joy of Nothing

These three records have been religious listens for me and cathartic in ways that I will never fully realize. I love them because they make me feel new emotions every time I listen to them.

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

Foo Fighters - I would ask for nothing

You are coming to Britain to perform. What can you reveal about that?

May 29th! I am so excited. My wife is extremely jealous - and I plan on playing every song I know until people don’t want to listen anymore. I have always wanted to play in Britain. I can’t wait.

Might we see you on tour in other parts during 2019?

Yes! I will be at The Long Road Festival in September and we are working on some more dates in and around the U.K. during that time.

How important is performing? Do you prefer it to life in the studio?

Performing is my favorite part of music. I love writing and woodshedding in the studio, but there is something about being in front of a crowd that I can’t ever seem to find elsewhere.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Zack Logan

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Zack Logan and Patrick Droney.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Patrick Droney

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

I don’t, honestly. But, whenever I am not thinking, doing or playing music I hang with my family. My daughter is two-and-a-half and she can be chill…sometimes not so chill, too. Haha. But, it’s the best. My wife and I like to drive around aimlessly and look at rich people’s houses. I also have started playing chess with my father-in-law and he has beat me thirty-two out of the thirty-four times we have played...but I am getting better!

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).

Black Queen - Stephen Stills

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INTERVIEW: Rhys Lewis

INTERVIEW:

Rhys Lewis

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I think I have spoken with Rhys Lewis in the past...

but this is the first time for a little while. He tells me about his latest single, Hold on to Happiness, and what its story is; whether we might see more material from him soon and what sort of music he grew up around – he highlights some great new talent to look out for.

I ask Lewis whether he gets time to unwind and if we can catch him on the road; if there is a standout memory from his career so far; which artist he would support on the road if he could choose anyone – he selects a cool song to wrap thing up with.

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

Hello! I’m good, thanks. My week has been great; I’ve been hiding in the studio recording some songs for my album. 

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

I’m a singer-songwriter from Oxfordshire, currently living in London. And I would say if you’re a fan of Paolo Nutini and Hozier then you might find my music bearable and, dare I say, enjoyable. Haha. 

Hold on to Happiness is your latest single. What is its background?

That song came to my mind after the breakdown of my last relationship (don’t they all?!). But, it’s more of a song about life than love. I realised how much of my life I’d been ignoring. It’s easy to have tunnel-vision sometimes and only have eyes for the big dreams and grand plans; but I felt like focusing too much on all of that meant I was missing out on all the small things that, when embraced, make big things feel insignificant or less important. 

How do you think it differs to your previous songs?

I suppose it’s slightly more reflective and philosophical in a sense. I felt like I’d written all the love songs I could write honestly about from experience. And I suppose what makes songwriting interesting and exciting for me is having an outlet for my emotions and thoughts, so it’s much more rewarding to write about things you’re feeling and trying to figure out in your own head.

This song feels a little deeper as, in my mind, it’s slightly more dimensional. It’s also the first time I’ve taken on the role of producer fully - so great to say I made the recording too. 

Do you foresee 2019 being busy in terms of plans and material?

Some more recording. I’ve just started working from a studio. I share it with my piano player and we’ve been recording some things for my E.P. and album. So, more of that and hopefully lots of touring! You can go a bit crazy in the studio so it’s nice to have the balance of playing and recording. Keeps you slightly saner. 

Which artists were important to you growing up? Who do you rank as idols?

Led Zeppelin were the band for me - and still are. I got obsessed with them when I started playing guitar. And, as I started to get more into songwriting, Alex Turner became a bit of a hero as a teenager - and the classic songwriting of the likes of Carole King and Bill Withers have continued to inspire me. 

Do you have a standout memory from your time in music so far?

Probably playing my first-ever sold-out show abroad, in Amsterdam. It felt very strange but affirming to know I’d filled a room of five-hundred people with my music. It made it feel like my music was a real thing, not just a hobby I’ve had since I was thirteen. It made me stand a little taller and have more confidence in what I was doing because it wasn’t just a dream I was chasing: it was there and in front of me for a moment.

So, that was a special and lasting memory, for sure. 

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

Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin II

It’s the album that made me want to write music. 

Arctic Monkeys – Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not

I was mesmerised by the art of writing lyrics and Alex Turner was this teenager weaving his experiences into poetry over this no-f*cks-given music. So it made a huge impact on me as a young bedroom guitarist.

Aaaaaand a third...Graceland oooor Rumours...

Don’t make me choose cos both of them made me want to make a great record... 

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

Bill Withers. No rider necessary. 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Don’t be distracted by social media or views; numbers or anything like that. Make great music and spend all the time you can writing and writing...and rewriting and practicing. If you’re excited by what you’re making then people will be excited to follow what you’re doing. 

You have a headline show coming up. What can you reveal about it?

Lots of new songs...and a laser show! I lied about the lasers but there will be new songs. I promise. 

Do you think there are going to be any other tour dates coming up?

Yes! More dates announced soon.

How important is performing? Do you prefer it to life in the studio?

They are equally important and, the more I perform and record, the more I realise how much they help each other. 

I improve so much in the studio as it’s a more accurate and considered kind of discipline. So, my singing gets better and my guitar playing more nuanced, I suppose. But live is all about the energy of the song and the feeling in the room which is important to remember and capture some of that in a recording. I love trying out new songs on stage in front of a crowd before recording them. It always changes the way you think about the song. 

 IN THIS PHOTO: Sam Fender

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Sam Fender, Palace; XamVolo, Swan Levitt and Iris. 

 IN THIS PHOTO: XamVolo/PHOTO CREDIT: Robin Clewley

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

I like a good walk, cycle out of London; read lots, play online chess and tennis when it’s warm enough. 

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).

Escape (The Pina Colada Song) - Rupert Holmes

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INTERVIEW: Velvet & Stone

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Matt Austin 

Velvet & Stone

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IT has been great speaking with Velvet & Stone...

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PHOTO CREDIT: Matt Austin 

about the latest track, Oh Boy. Lara Snowdon takes on the questions and tells me about the band’s start and what is coming up; which album means the most to her and whether there will be any gigs coming along – she recommends a rising artist that is worth checking out.

I ask how their sound came together and what sort of music Lara/the band are inspired by; whether there is more material from Velvet & Stone later this year and how Lara relaxes away from music – she selects a great song (or three!) to end the interview with.

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

Hey! Great, thanks! (Smiles).

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

We’re Velvet & Stone – an Alternative/Indie-Folk band based in Devon, U.K. The band is led by myself, Lara Snowdon, (I’m the writer, vocalist and guitarist) and Kat Tremlett, who plays some sensational violin and sings B.V.s. We also have Paddy Blight on double bass and Kev Jackson who plays guitar. For the bigger gigs and on the album, we’re also joined by Garry Kroll on drums. 

Is there a story behind your new single, Oh Boy?

Oh Boy is about moving on when you’ve given away too much in love. It’s an honest and intense track. It’s really fun to play live!

It has already picked up acclaim and attention. How does that make you feel?

The support for the single has been fantastic! The first time we were played on Tom Robinson’s show on BBC Radio 6 Music I couldn’t sleep I was so excited. Haha! He described Oh Boy as “sheer sonic bliss” and has really supported the track. We’ve also had airtime on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio Wales; many of the specialist BBC regional shows such as Johnny Coppin’s Acoustic Show on BBC Radio Gloucestershire and Genevieve Tudor’s show on BBC Radio Shropshire.

I feel very proud that it’s been picked up like this. We all put an incredible amount of work into the band and feel that we’ve evolved and developed our sound to a place that we love. So, for other people to enjoy listening to and sharing our tracks is just the best feeling in the world!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Kat Tremlett/PHOTO CREDIT: Richard Bolwell

Is there more material coming from Velvet & Stone later this year?

Yes. This is the first single from our debut album - which we’re aiming to release in June 2019. There will be a second single out in a few weeks’ time called By the Water...

How did you both meet one another? What bonded you together?

Kat and I are both from a small village in mid-Devon called Silverton. I grew up there and Kat moved there with her husband after she studied at Exeter University. We had some friends in common and everyone kept telling me what a fantastic violinist she was. After that, we met one night in the local pub and it all started over a glass of vino or two! 

I love your blend of Folk and Pop. Did it take a while to get the point where you had this rounded and satisfying sound?

Yes. It’s definitely fair to say our sound has evolved. The core songwriting has always been the same – with the Folk-Pop vibe, but the musicians and production have changed. This past year, we’ve got to a place that we’re really happy with. The songs we’ve recorded on the album are true to how we perform them live and the recording and production are raw and authentic in that sense.

We now perform both as a duo (Lara and Kat) and with the full band. The full band sound is Folk-Rock, but we also play in some beautiful soundscapes and ballads. You can check out our upcoming gig dates at www.velvetstonemusic.com/gigs.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Matt Austin

What sort of music are you compelled by? Did you all grow up around the same sort of music?

No. We have very different influences, which is brilliant and brings a lot to our music. I grew up being inspired by Bob Dylan, Joan Baez; Joni Mitchell, Emmylou Harris and Crosby Stills and Nash. More recently, I’m influenced by the resurgent Folk/Americana scene, both more traditional such as Seth Lakeman and Kate Rusby and the Indie/Pop end of the spectrum – Ben Howard, Laura Marling; Mumford & Sons, Bear’s Den and First Aid Kit.

Kat is classically-trained and grew up undertaking music scholarships, playing in orchestras and various fancy things! She’s really knowledgeable about Classical music but she also has a rebellious Dance/Trance streak!

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PHOTO CREDIT: Matt Austin

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

So many memories! We’ve had some great times (and some weird, hilarious ones as well)!

The one that really stands out was performing in front of thousands of people at the Cambridge Folk Festival doing a last-minute collaboration with Sam Kelly. We didn’t realise how many people were watching until we walked on the stage. No time for stage fright!

Which one album means the most to you would you say (and why)?

Blue – Joni Mitchell

I think I can recite it off by heart from start to finish. It’s personal and honest and intimate, beautiful; metaphorical and bold all at once. It’s got to be one of the all-time greats.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Matt Austin

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

Fleetwood Mac! Tour bus, world tour…possibly a bit ambitious for a Devonshire Folk band (winks). Haha!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Believe in yourself. Invest in your own confidence. Work hard. Keep going!

PHOTO CREDIT: Matt Austin

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

Yes. All dates on our website at www.velvetstonemusic.com/gigs.

If we came to one of your live shows, what might we expect?

A journey from beautiful, haunting soundscapes through to foot-stomping Folk-Rock and some great musicianship!

 IN THIS PHOTO: Maggie Rogers/PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Buckner/Variety/Rex

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I’m loving Maggie Rogers’ new album! Light On is the best. What a feelgood track!

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

Kat and I both work full-time and juggle it with Velvet & Stone. So, in many respects, music is our way to unwind and stay sane! Other than that, living in Devon is great - and escaping to the moors and beaches is the best way to chill out.

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).

I’ve only just discovered Anais Mitchell and think she is the BEST SINGER-SONGWRITER EVER! Any Way the Wind Blows, Now You Know and Why We Build the Wall are all incredible. Oops that’s three!

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Follow Velvet & Stone

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INTERVIEW: Taylor-Louise

INTERVIEW:

Taylor-Louise

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THE terrific Taylor-Louise...

has been telling me about her new track, Blessed with a Curse, and what it is all about. I ask her how music arrives in her mind and what her process is; how her current material differs from her earliest work and what the next steps are.

Taylor-Louise reveals a few albums that mean a lot to her and recommends some rising artists to follow; how she unwinds away from music and what music she grew up around – the songwriter selects a great track to end the interview with.

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Hi, Taylor-Louise. How are you? How has your week been?

Hello, I'm very well, thank you - I hope you’re okay too. My week has been busy! I love being productive…

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

Absolutely. I’m a singer-songwriter who has been recording and releasing music for, just coming up to eight years. However, I have been playing and writing for around ten.

Blessed with a Curse is your new single. Is there a story behind it?

Blessed with a Curse is the first song of its kind for me. I realised that writing music didn’t make me become who I am: it’s who I already was. I can never change that no matter where I go, what I do or who I meet…or how much I try to normalise my life and confirm to society, I will always be pulled back to the music.

As the lyrics in this song specifically emphasise, it’s “something I have to do”. It’s the only song I have written about my relationship with music, although it definitely comes with many sacrifices and hurdles that others may not be aware of. Being able to write, sing and hear music inside my head constantly is a major ‘blessing’ or ‘talent’ as some may describe - but it’s also a very isolated place at times.

How do you think your new single differs from your earliest work?

In terms of production, it still has elements of past works. I was very open-minded with my other releases which led me to experiment with different sounds and genres/styles. I haven’t changed in this sense but now, when I have written a song, I can almost feel the style that would best suit it. This track has a more Rock essence, which I think really highlights and supports the mood of the lyrics.

How does music come to you? Do you find it easy to come up with song ideas?

If I feel a lot of emotion come over me, it will pour itself onto paper or just linger in my mind; sometimes it can be so intense that a song can be written within the hour. The majority of the time it doesn’t happen during the same day, week or month of a situation but, once I’ve realised the feeling, it just manifests.

Writing is my coping mechanism for a lot and it’s driven by the need to share with others so that nobody feels alone with anything they’re going through. Music is the best language on the planet - it connects everybody. I recently read a quote that “music is the decoration of time”.

Might we see more music later in the year?

Yes, absolutely. I have a lot more on the way - and I’m so excited to put them out.

What sort of music did you grow up around as a child?

I actually grew up around a lot of R&B, Soul and Reggae. But, I’m in a very open-minded family so we always listened to everything; no genre-waster judged. This meant I was able to listen to a good mixture dependent on my mood! I think it’s good to not get yourself ‘stuck’ in one place.

As a new artist, what are the best aspects of being in the music industry?

Meeting new people and connecting with lots of like-minded people is amazing. Being able to listen to initial opinions from people who have never heard of me before is a great way to either evolve and grow or know I’ve positively affected someone; I think, sometimes, this can become a blurry journey for bigger artists.

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Do you have a standout memory from your time in music so far?

Any time that I am on a stage and can see the audience involved in the moment stands out. There’s no better feeling than a crowd being able to feed back the energy that I’m giving.

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

This is a tough one, it really is. I think the albums that helped/shaped me through tough points in my life have to be the most important (keep an open mind): Black Veil Brides - We Stitch These Wounds, Set the World on Fire and Wretched and Divine. (Yes, I’m afraid they’re all from the same band!). The meaning behind it is a lot deeper/dark but I really connected with these albums and songs at the time and I’ll always carry a part of that with me. Something resonated and still does; I go back to these occasionally.

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

Billie Eilish. Every track is unique. She isn’t afraid to stick to one sound/genre. And that exactly what I’m all about. I’m terrible with riders; I’m so easy going. As long as I have some water, I’m happy.

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Might we see you on tour in 2019?

I definitely want to arrange this in the near-future…

How important is performing? Do you prefer it to life in the studio?

Performing live is everything - it’s an extension of the art. If an artist sounds great in a studio but can’t perform live they won’t capture my attention. If you don’t seem like you feel or connect with the words you’re writing or singing about, it leads me to ask if those emotions were ever even ‘real’. Personally, I will always prefer performing live and its entire exhilarating buzz. Its raw and no one time is ever the same as the last.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Grace Carter

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I don’t know if these are new to you but I’m currently loving LP, Billie Eilish; Grace Carter and Lewis Capaldi.

IN THIS PHOTO: Lewis Capaldi

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

I make sure of it. I was such a workaholic in my teenage years that I would get ill and burn out quite a lot. Now, I’m in a much more balanced place, dividing my time between music and my passions with meditation/yoga; crystal healing and general health/wellbeing. I’m massively into the gym and weight-lifting and pushing my body to do things that I may never of known was possible. Feeling strong is such a reward.

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).

LP - Tokyo Sunrise

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Follow Taylor-Louise

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