Photo Credit: Ed Cooke
What inspired you to begin a career in music?
If I’m honest I kind of fell into it. I have always enjoyed making music and when I was 16 I was playing at pubs and clubs in Birmingham as it was good money for a kid to earn. I went to music college more of a stop gap while I found something I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Then it’s all kind of been a blur to here.
What differs you and your sound from other upcoming artists in the music industry?
Tough Question, it’s hard to say something positive about the music I make without sounding like I’m detracting from others. I guess I’m not really looking at doing something different on purpose so I can’t really put my finger on anything, I’m just interested in making the music I like and enjoy. The fact other people also seem to be enjoying it is a bonus.
Your latest release ‘Other Lives’ is out now. Can you please describe the creative process and explain the meaning behind the single?
I was in with a production duo called Super Human (who are best known for their work on film trailers and movie scoring) and on our second day my label mentioned this guy was over from Nashville who was at a loose end and if he could jump in our session. Of course, we said yes and Gabe Simon (Jai Wolf/Dua Lipa) came in with this great energy and the song just happened, Its always the way, The last minute sessions tend to bring out the best results. Regarding the meaning behind the song, “Have you ever just took a moment and looked at your life to really appreciate what you’ve got, and wondered how you got so lucky? That’s essentially what other lives is all about. My other half puts up with a lot being with me, and I’m a lucky man to have her, so I must have built up a lot of Karma in a past life.”
Everyone experiences good days and bad days, as a musician, when you have a bad day, what motivates you to keep moving and look ahead to the future?
It’s really hard. Being truthful I’m incredibly bad at this, I’m pretty pessimistic and miserable. You don’t write songs like Judgement Day or Bury Me being of an optimistic disposition. So if anyone reading this has any tips for me I’m all ears, Hit me up on my Instagram. I guess I try and do what I know. Try and write down how I’m feeling and put it to music, alternatively go through some of my old songs I’m really proud of just to boost my Ego a little to say ‘Hey things aren’t as crap as you think’
In your own opinion, what is the most meaningful song you wrote? What makes you say that one?
Personally Bury Me is the song that is me at my most honest. It’s all about my need to be liked by everyone and how debilitating it can be.
Throughout your musical career, have you experienced any ‘wow’ moments? Those moments that you stop to reflect and can’t believe you are where you are?
Yeah I’ve had a few. One of the more recent ones was recording ‘Black Heart’ with the Dap Kings. They are the band on Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black” album, and they played with the late Sharon Jones and Charles Bradley. They are true legends. The year before recording with them I actually watched a documentary about them and sitting there in my pants I said ‘I’d do anything to record with those guys’ and a year later I was stood in their vocal booth blasting out vocal takes. I still have to pinch myself when I think back to it.
What is the importance of the connections you make? How can you utilize them?
They are wildly important. Otherwise you would just be stuck in your bedroom with no real outlet (funnily enough most people are in this situation now thanks to Covid-19) So you need people in the world who are going to go out and shout about you and for you while you make your music. Utilising them is really down to who you’ve got working for you. If its A&R send them stuff, get their feedback and act on it. If its Sync agents, send them stuff, ask them if there’s any briefs. If its Producers or Songwriters get in rooms with them (or if self isolating get on Skype) DONT KEEP YOURSELF TO YOURSELF.
Photo Credit: Ed Cooke
What personal advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue this career?
Be good at the things that take no talent. Turn up on time, reply to emails, finish Songs and Generally don’t be a dick. Talent only gets a person so far.
What does the foreseeable future hold for you as an artist?
At the moment Self Quarantine, Getting Fat, and trying to not go insane. But after all the madness is over. More Music! More gigs!
‘Other Lives’ is available now via all major platforms.
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