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?
Writing a tune for the first time and realising it can send you to another realm.. that’s a drug, and I’m still hooked.
Introduce us to you and your new release?
I’m WOL – I’ve been writing music for many a moon, but letting it loose a little less often. This EP release is a live session I recorded back in lockdown times in 2021.. at some point I let it slip and thought it was lost to the archives. But coming back to it recently I realised it was the perfect excuse to get back into the habit of being musically active, so I’ve been releasing each song from the session as a live video, with the full EP releasing 12th May.
Name me your 3 favorite Albums.
Impossible! In Rainbows – Radiohead & To Pimp a Butterfly – Kendrick Lamar.. and the third.. shortlist of Mezzanine – Massive Attack, Black Messiah – D’Angelo, Like Clockwork – Queens of the Stone Age. Innerspeaker! Remain In Light! Sorry, I’ve totally broken the rules.
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
Boulevard of Broken Dreams. TEARS n SHIVERS!
The music industry is the hardest industry in the world to progress in, How do you feel you are doing?
Slowly.
I’m seeing a lot of debate about women not feeling safe at music gigs, any thoughts on what we need to do to help?
It’s a multi-faceted problem that needs proactivity from everyone.. organisers, venues, people in the crowd looking out for each other, artists, education.. but one really heartening approach I saw from an artist was the message King Gizzard displayed before their show at Troxy a couple of months back; promoting inclusivity and treating everyone right in the crowd.. no wankers!! It set the tone before the mosh started and hopefully cultivated a safe space. I thought that was sick.
As you develop as an artist and develop using socials what ways do you get new ears on your music? Any tips?
It’s not online.. but gigs! I’ve been introduced to so much new music by going to shows not knowing the supports, or even headliner. But another way I discover music online is through Spotify’s radio algorithms.. I hate how little Spotify pays artists, but I do like that feature..
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you.
I am the son of a wizard, I was born in a toilet & I have uncrossable eyes.
What’s your thought on Spotify’s monopoly on the music industry?
Thank god they have Spotify Radio, otherwise I really might write a strongly worded letter.
The way it pays artists is criminal; but the latest in a series of exploitative crimes against artists since the music industry’s beginnings.. if I’m honest, I think the true monopoly still lies with the major labels. They’ve found a way to keep their stranglehold even after the industry’s move into streaming. As always, the way to fight against it; support indie labels, indie venues, go to shows, buy merch, support artists directly.. (Bandcamp!!!)
Do you sign up for any conspiracy theories?
Inter-dimensional objects that move through space-time free of gravitational forces are among us and there is nothing you can do to change my mind.
Did you buy anything you don’t need during the pandemic?
Yes, I bought a one-way ticket back to my hometown and it was exactly not what I needed.
What was the worst experience on stage?
Thankfully been blessed with mostly good stage experiences so far.. “worst” might be being told the band I was in was about to play a cover of Once In a Lifetime (zero preparation) about 5 seconds before the drummer counted it in. But that was mostly just funny.
Tell us something about you / each member that you think people would be surprised about.
If you’ve listened to LIVE2021; I’m actually a very happy person.
What makes you stand out as a band/artist?
I love trying to weave imagery and draw people into a trance, so maybe that. Truthfully though I’m still working it out!
Talk me through the thought process of the new tunes.
The main aim with this EP was to present stripped back, fully live versions, as true as possible to the way I wrote them, which is usually just guitar & vocals. They’re quite raw takes, imperfect, definitely vulnerable and a little nervewracking to put out.. but it felt right to keep them honest.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Always.. but you’ve gotta stop at some point 😊
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Support your favourite artists. Be a Do Gooder!
DOWNLOAD // STREAM HERE