Hiya Jonny, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew a take a seat.
What was life like for you before you got into music?
“I can’t really remember my life before starting to listen to music. I used to spend my time playing and watching a lot of sport, particularly football when I was younger. I only started to seriously get into music when I was 16 and I never looked back!”
What’s the live music scene like in the Northeast right now? Anyone we should be looking out for?
“There is more of a scene which has developed over the last few years across the regio. There are plenty of places for bands to play live music in Newcastle, such as the Cluny , the Boiler Shop and the NX in Newcastle as well as the Fire Station in Sunderland. My 2 favourite upcoming artists from the region are Jim Dixon and Bearpark!”
What’s your views on the music industry today?
“The industry has changed significantly. People have a far shorter attention span and are a lot more interested in single tracks than albums and EP’s. People are very quick to surmise what they like and don’t like without giving something a chance. People are also less willing to pay for music, and it is a shame how streaming has taken over physical record sales”.
What is the biggest thing you have learned as you progress with your music?
The song and the melody are king, and it is important to not overproduce a track to the detriment of the song. Sometimes keeping things stripped back and simple is the best way forward.
I hear you have new music, what can you tell us about it?
I have a 5 track EP coming out which is fantastic! It’s very eclectic and upbeat for the most part. The songs are mostly quite simple and have good melodies. There are 2 upbeat indie rock tracks, 2 acoustic tracks, and a rock ballad! There is something on the EP for everyone, and that is generally the feedback I have received from it so far as different people prefer different songs!
What was the recording experience like?
“It was a blast to record, Andy Bell who I work with in Blast recording in Newcastle did a fantastic job on the bulk of the tracks. It was exciting to go into work every day and layer them up. Dave Red and Martin Trollope also did a great job on the two tracks they produced and I had a lot of fun working with all of them!”
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Keeping the writing as simple as possible and trying not to overcomplicate things, both musically and lyrically!
Would you change anything now it is finished?
“Turn up the vocals slightly on No Place Left To Hide and reduce the woo’s at the start of Fountains of Your Youth! That was Andy’s idea!”
Tell us about an upcoming live performance?
“I am due to support my good friend Jim Dixon at the Cluny in Newcastle on Sunday 2nd November! It’s going to be a fantastic night of music, and we will both be playing new music we have both written and released! It will be a special night, and you can buy tickets now on the website!”
FOLLOW HIM HERE
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