Hiya mate 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?
As cliche as it sounds, the first time I attempted to write a song at 15 something kinda happened inside me that I hadn’t felt before. Up until that point nothing really gave my life meaning. I now know that the feeling is “Flow” Hadn’t a clue what it was at the time but I knew that I wanted that again. Between that and the feeling of performing in front of people that are invested in what you’re doing is the dragon we all chase as artists I think.
Introduce us to you and your musical history.
Growing Boi is my own project but I wouldn’t sound half as good live without the help from my musical brothers Leo Clarke and Declan Haughian who are both fabulous musicians and songwriters in their own right. Check them out!
Name me your 3 favourite Albums?
They change on a daily basis but the albums that have influenced most would probably “All things must Pass” by George Harrison , Tame Impala’s “Currents” and And “Heigh Ho” by Blake Mills. “The colour of Spring” by Talk Talk as well for good measure.
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
Have a vivid memory of watching “Leave me alone” by Michael Jackson on VH1 many years ago that really left a mark on me. Was pretty obsessed with the music video for it too. But the earliest musical memory I have is watching the intro to Footloose on VHS on repeat for weeks when I was like 4. Hah!
The music industry is the hardest industry in the world to progress in, How do you feel you are doing?
I’ve mainly been focusing on session stuff and producing for other people for the past 4 or 5 years so Growing Boi is a very recent venture. Overall the response to the music has been really positive and heartening. It’s a slow burn but with every show it seems like there are more people showing up. With more consistent releases that I have planned this year I’m hoping to build more of an online presence.
As you develop as an artist and develop using socials what ways do you get new ears on your music? Any tips?
I’m no authority on the matter but most traction for me happens when posting consistently over a prolonged period of time. Also allowing people a glimpse into the everyday mechanics of writing and producing your music people seem to really enjoy. Also being selective with the shows that you do is also important. If you’re playing every 2 weeks people will inevitably stop showing up.
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you.
I play 8 instruments
I sleep with a cushion wedged under my tum tum
I have 4 nipples
What’s your thought on Spotify’s monopoly on the music industry?
Honestly I only put my music on Spotify because I have to. I think that a change in the industry is coming and the way that music is consumed. Spotify’s abject disregard for the artists that prop up their platform is nothing short of daylight robbery. Not that I’m anywhere near making a living from streaming alone, but it would be nice to know that even if you aren’t Ed Sheeran or Taylor Swift is possible if you continue to put our good art.
Do you sign up for any conspiracy theories?
I like to indulge sometimes because if nothing else they’re interesting, but no I would say that I try to look at everything objectively and generally think that people are inherently good. Having said that, some of them are definitely more compelling than others. Like, what’s the craic with Area 51?
Did you buy anything you don’t need during the pandemic?
I bought a clarinet that I didn’t necessarily need but am now very glad I did. I also bought several pairs of running shoes and an abundance of exercise clothes that I definitely didn’t need. My housemate at the time did buy a bow and arrow worth £350 though so I feel like it could have been worse. Hah!
What was the worst experience on stage?
Once was playing guitar for an artist at a festival in front of 300-400 people. The first song of the set started with a very specific guitar melody, and for whatever reason between leaving soundcheck and showtime, 2 of my guitar strings had inextricably fallen about 3 semi tones out of tune. So we started the song. Clanger. Another clanger. Clang city. Needless to say this all happened in the space of 10 seconds and I was able to sort it out but damn. Mortified like.
I hear you have new music, what can you tell us about it.
So the next release “Overflow” is out on the 24th of February. Written in about an hour immediately after a breakup from a 6 year long relationship, “Overflow” tries to communicate the dichotomy and conflict of remaining best friends when romantic involvement is no longer present.
It’s about dealing with the realisation that that this person never belonged to you. During romantic relationships we always think about our lives before and during it, but rarely do we consider what things will be like after. It also tries to confront the inevitable identity crisis one experiences after such a long relationship, and not being able to see the wood from the trees in that aftermath. It’s one of those songs that kinda just happened rather than being written. They tend to be the best ones though!
Talk me through the thought process of the new tune/s.
I’ve always found it easiest to write with the “Stream of consciousness” approach. So I’ve recently tried to focus on writing with more of a specific theme in mind. Listening to artists like Paul Simon, Randy Newman and Billy Joel has helped a bunch.
What was the recording process like?
I record everything and mix it at home so it doesn’t tend to fluctuate much. But it does give me full freedom to explore ideas without constraints. A blessing and a curse!
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
I almost always look back on mixes that I’ve done and want to change them, but in this case “Overflow” was mixed by my very talented friend Ben Allen who absolutely nailed the mix. So not this time!
FOLLOW HIM HERE