Hiya Jim, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What was life like for you before you got into music?
I can’t really think of a time when music hasn’t been in my life, listening to music, going to gigs. Long before my current music started to come together, I was playing around with guitars, it’s always been something I wanted to do.
It seems like being a social media curator has become added to the many jobs of a musician, how do you feel about this?
If you want to get heard, you’ve got to do it. The bands who can master this are the ones who are most likely to succeed nowadays I guess. That being said, I’m spending less time writing songs and more time creating TikTok videos!
How do you manage engagement on your socials?
I think it’s important to try and build a connection with anyone who takes time to reach out, so I always respond to any comments I get. TikTok seems to be the place to be for musicians to connect with people at the moment.
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
From where I’m standing, it’s looking more and more like a DIY enterprise. It’s never been easier to create and produce your own music by yourself in your bedroom, and I think anyone can do it if they’re prepared to put the work in.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
Right at the bottom looking up, I don’t have much of a fan base yet, but I’m working on it!
What makes you stand out as a band/Artist?
I always strive to make music that sounds as unique as I possibly can. My songwriting is usually driven by unusual chord progressions.
What’s the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
Producing great music is of no consequence if it’s not getting heard by people.
What was your best experience on stage?
Up until recently, I played gigs as a solo acoustic act, but about 18 months ago I put a band together. Playing my songs for the first time with a band was hugely satisfying – bringing the recorded songs to life on stage as they were meant to be.
What was your worst experience on stage?
My first solo gig, I’m not exactly what you would call an extravert and the anxiety and nerves was almost incapacitating, it was excruciating.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
‘Gilt’ explores the dissonance between outward appearance and internal reality. It reflects the chaos that may lie beyond the façade. In a world driven by social media, where appearances seem to count more than ever.
What was the recording process like?
I recorded it myself in my home studio – a spare room at the top of my house. Work starts once I have a basic song structure that I’m happy with – chords and a vocal melody. None of the other parts are written at this stage, so the song evolves as I add each instrument track. The vocals are added last once I have the words written, usually right at the end.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tune?
The first song I mixed was my previous single ‘No Escape’. Although I learnt a lot mixing that first track, I still have a very long way to go, but I felt I edged a little bit further up that curve with ‘Gilt’
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Once a track is done, I tend to leave it alone for a bit. I know I’ll find something I don’t like about it, or that needs tweaking. I’ll come back to it later as a listener, not a sound engineer and hopefully enjoy it for what it is.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
I’m generally just trying to push everything at the moment – there will be more music released later this year and I’m hoping to get out there and play with the band some more.
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