Hiya Alwyn, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
I’ve been writing songs for as long as I can remember, but a key moment came when my friend and composer Michael Kooman – with whom I had been writing songs for a while – said to me, ‘This is a really good song; someone should record it.’ That’s when it hit me: I had to record it myself. The song felt so personal that I couldn’t imagine anyone else singing those words.
Introduce us to you and your musical history.
Music has always been a massive part of my life. I’ve picked up a few instruments over the years, like the piano, flute, and guitar, and I even played the xylophone in an orchestra for a long time. When I got to college, I joined a band, where I sang and played the tambourine. I also worked as a music journalist during that time, and interviewing artists really shaped my own creative journey. I had the chance to chat with some incredible artists like Esperanza Spalding, Jack Antonoff, the Scissor Sisters, and Rita Ora. Those conversations made me realize that music is about more than just a catchy hook or chart success. It’s about the personal stories and emotions that artists put into their work.
What’s the live music scene like in New York City right now? Anyone we should be looking out for?
There is so much music in New York. From superstars performing at Madison Square Garden or Citi Field to up-and-comers playing in bars on the Lower East Side, to the music festivals in the summer, not to mention all the musical theater scene here. It’s such a vibrant city for music lovers. As for being on the lookout for a new singer, I’ve been hooked on a song called ‘Delusional’ by an artist named Magdalene, and I’ve had it on repeat for months!
I’ve seen a lot of people struggling for support recently online. What’s your view on the industry?
I hate ‘content culture’ – it’s all about content, content, content. For me, as a musician, I’m like, ‘Wait, isn’t music content?’ The obsession with – and almost mandatory need to – promote your art through social media content (whatever that is, I’m still figuring it out honestly) makes me a bit sad. Going viral is seen as the key to unlocking the doors of the music industry. I don’t think it shouldn’t be like that.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
Although I’ve been a musician and songwriter all my life, it’s different putting yourself out there by recording and releasing music. So, a part of me feels like I’ve been doing this for so long, while another part feels like I’m just getting started. My sound has been criticized for being ‘too pop’ by some people, and for not being ‘pop enough’ by others. Some say it’s ‘too rock,’ while the next person will say ‘not rock enough.’
It’s pretty funny, actually. I think some of my biggest influences are UK rock bands, whose sound is closer to pop compared to American rock bands. But I don’t know. I try not to think too much about stuff like that. I’m just a guy making music because I got to a point in my life where music was the only way for me to say certain things, process them, and get them out. I’m lucky to have friends who are amazing musicians that I trust and love being in the studio with — that’s a huge plus.
Tell us two truths and a lie about you.
I can’t swim, even if my life depended on it. I’ve written tons of songs in airplane toilets because I get inspired when I’m on planes, but don’t want to record a voice note in front of the other passengers. I speak German.
Do you ever worry about people taking things the wrong way or cancel culture?
I think I worry about it both in my personal and professional life, to be quite frank. I hope things change, or just go back to the way they were a few years ago, when we weren’t afraid of losing friends or stopping talking to family because of culture wars that just alienate us. I am glad music is something that helps mend some of those bridges.
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories? If not, why not?
I have a slightly controversial view on that. I see conspiracy theories as simply theories, and I don’t see anything wrong with theories. I love diving into a topic that people label as a “conspiracy” when, in fact, it’s just a theory. I see it almost like a scientific question.
What was your best experience on stage?
I guess it’s when you feel deep down that you’ve given the audience your best and you leave knowing you left it all on stage. People deserve that when they go to a live show.
What was your worst experience on stage?
When I was in a band in college, some of the older guys tried to sneak beer backstage, and as one of the youngest, I was given that mission. I probably looked so uncomfortable that the security guy immediately noticed something was going on, found the two beers in my jacket, and threw me out of the venue. I didn’t even make it on stage, and I was mortified by the entire experience.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
I am very much a homebody and stay home all the time, but I do end up googling “concert New York City tonight” and going by myself. It’s always very last minute. I love live music and am totally comfortable going alone and having a blast, even if everyone around me is in a group of friends or a couple.
What are the next steps you plan to take as an artist to reach the next level?
To take things to the next level, I’m focused on continuing to grow and express myself through music. Live performances are a big part of that, and I’m really looking forward to getting these new songs out there and connecting with people. At the same time, I’m still having fun experimenting in the studio. I’ve spent the past year writing and recording, and I’ve been picky about which songs I want to bring to life with live instruments. I also love collaborating, so I’m definitely excited to work with more musicians down the road. I don’t usually plan too far ahead; I just go with the flow and see what feels right. But one thing’s for sure: there’s a lot more music coming your way!
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
This song is my most intimate creation yet, written from the depths of my heart during a flight. It’s about loving someone with depression, being ‘in a dark room,’ and how that affects my life: not wanting to leave, but feeling trapped inside. I would do anything to help, but it’s beyond my control, and every attempt feels like a failure. It’s a song of resilience, empathy, and the struggle of loving someone through their darkest moments.
What was the recording process like?
I wrote the lyrics and then composed the music with my friend Michael Ales. Michael Ales also co-wrote my first single, ‘The City.’ ‘Chained’ was a song we got right on the first try. From the moment we wrote it to the day I recorded it, not a single word or note was changed. Michael Carey – who has worked with Escape The Fate, Idina Menzel, Robbie Williams, and many others – produced the track, which I recorded last year in Los Angeles.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Collaborating with other songwriters, musicians, and producers is definitely a very rewarding and inspiring part of creating music. I have learned so much in each songwriting session, recording session, and just by talking to my collaborators. Sitting in a studio for hours and hours watching a producer work his magic has definitely been an intense, yet super cool, learning journey.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Absolutely not. There is always new music to be written. I would never change something that felt right when I first created it.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
As deeply personal as this song is to me, I believe that ‘Chained’ is universally relatable, as we all sometimes feel bound to certain feelings, life experiences, or people.
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