Hiya folks 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?
A few moments jump out for me, but I think I was just always moved by music, even since I was very young. My grandparents were musicians, and they gave me lots of encouragement, including a drum set for my 4th birthday! I suppose one of the big memories for me was Christmas when I was 5 years old. A friend of the family gave me a toy piano-recorder, the ones you blow into. I ditched all my other more expensive presents. I played with it all the time, trying to figure out melodies I knew and inventing ones of my own. I don’t have it anymore, I presume it just broke, or my parents threw it out!
Introduce us to you and your musical history.
I’ve mentioned my grandparents already. My grandad in particular played drums, keyboard, fiddle, guitar, and banjo! He also boxed for Ireland at one point. He was a hero to me when I was young.
I also had amazing music teachers along the way who inspired me to pursue music and shaped my views on music in meaningful and interesting ways. After that, you have the artists who inspire me each time I listen to them. Too many to mention but Jon Hopkins, Stimming, Rival Consoles, Christian Loffler & Ryan Davis would be at the top of that list.
What was life like for you before music?
I can’t remember. I’m not even sure I had a life before music.
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
I grew up on cassette tapes and old hand-me-down records. We didn’t have a big selection. I’d listen to anything if I thought it was good. I even used to sneak into the college students who lodged at our house to play their tapes when they were gone.
I started collecting my own records at 10 and I suppose the first record that propelled me into dance music was Moby ‘Go’. I played that 12” non-stop for weeks!
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
Right at the beginning of my journey. Where it leads me, who knows.
What’s the biggest thing you have learned from someone else in the industry?
Don’t be afraid to put your music out there. Even if you think it’s not fully ready. Chasing perfection might result in you never releasing a lot, or any, of your work.
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you.
My great-grand-uncle was Houdini
I danced with The Edge from U2
I performed at Carnegie Hall
If you could wish for one thing to aid your career what would it be?
A dedicated studio. At the moment I produce in the music room for my family. It’s a good space but I’d love a separate professionally treated and kitted-out room.
Do you sign up for any conspiracy theories? If not why not?
No. If anything it’s big business that pull a lot of the geo-political strings. I’d simply like society to be more equal.
What was the worst experience on stage?
I blacked out playing the piano at my first college recital. I played it well enough and finished it out. It’s just I don’t remember the last three minutes of it.
What makes you stand out as a band/artist?
Even though I make electronic music, I think I have something to say with all those bleeps and bloops.
I hear you have new music, what can you tell us about it.
Yes, my debut EP ‘Coral Canvas’ was recently released on PolyAmber Records. It’s a four-track record and has a range of styles and moods. It features tracks made for the dancefloor, Longue and even a little chillout. I’m pretty proud of how it turned out.
What was the recording process like?
It took me nearly two years to finish it from start to end. The initial sketching out of the tracks was pretty straightforward. I’m comfortable on the keyboard and so coming up with harmonies and melodies isn’t too much of a stumbling block for me. Sound selection, sound design and mixing were where the time went. Although I’m glad to say I’ve gotten much more efficient and confident in these areas since.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Learning to say good is good enough.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Of course, but the thing is you’ll always find faults, no matter how long you work on something.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
I hope you enjoy the EP and get in touch with me if you give the tracks a listen. I’d love to hear your feedback and experiences. Much love, Anadem.
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