Hiya Paddy, thanks for joining us in the RGM lounge today
- Thanks for joining us… Tell us a bit about where you’re from and how you first got into music?
Thanks for having me! I’m from the outskirts of London originally, but I’ve been living in Manchester since I graduated. I started doing music when I was about 4, on the toy keyboard my parents got me to keep me off the Dreamcast.
- You’ve been building a strong presence on the Manchester live circuit – how important has playing live been in shaping your sound?
I think playing live has been important, but more for the people I’ve met. The sound I want to create is very different to what I perform live, and I’ve never succeeded in achieving it in a live environment.
- What’s the live music scene like in Manchester right now from your perspective?
The live music scene in Manchester is great, but I’m broke so can’t afford to take advantage of it too much. Theres a great deal of good music being played for free at the grass routs level though, especially in terms of folk musicians. I’ve run into some great folk musicians who seem to be performing just for the love of it a lot of the time.
- Anyone local we should be keeping an eye on (bar yourself, of course)?
Yep 2 people in particular,
Etanie is a great local singer/songwriter with a very spiritual reflective vibe.
The Distance are a brit pop group with great song writing, really interesting chord progressions and impactful lyrics.
- Do you think being based in Manchester has influenced your identity, both as a person and an artist?
I think the way the city is always changing, new tall buildings appearing all the time and so much modernity creates an atmosphere of energy and dynamism. Its hard to get away from that feeling, so that it can be hard to switch off and stop working sometimes. The skyline is always there beyond the balcony! There are lots of good people here though, it’s a great city to live in, the best I’ve ever lived in.
- At this stage in your journey, what are your ambitions?
I’d like to create a body of work, maybe 4 or 5 songs, and then assess where I am. I’m not sure how the music I want to make will be received, so I think its best I focus on getting some examples of it out there. I can then figure out what might be possible for me.
- What’s your favourite social media platform to use and why?
Instagram, because I’m old.
- Do you think social media is essential for emerging artists trying to build something from the ground up?
I do think so, because it gives you access to millions of people from home. If you locked a young artist in a box and gave them an instrument and a phone, its perfectly possible for them to have a successful career using social media alone.
- What’s your view on the music industry right now as a newer artist finding your place in it?
I know virtually nothing about the music industry at this point! People say it’s an unscrupulous and demanding industry, but I used to work in the bathroom supplies industry and it can’t be any worse than that.
- What are your thoughts on AI-generated music?
I think if AI wants to make a name for itself in the music industry, I’ve got no right to say it shouldn’t.
- What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned recently as you’ve started releasing music and playing more shows?
I think the biggest thing I’ve learnt since starting to release music is that its hard work! I’d much rather save up a bit and pay for a promo organisation to do some of the work for me than do it myself, since I lack the expertise to do it to a good standard.
- What’s been your most memorable experience on stage so far?
I think my most memorable experience on stage has to be the moment just before I start playing every time. That’s the moment when the anxiety reaches the maximum level, but theres no option but to go for it. It’s a bit like bungee jumping.
- Any funny or unexpected moments from gigs around Manchester?
I was once playing with a band whose drumkit collapsed midway through a very fast-paced song. It was hilarious!
- We hear you’ve got new music out – what can you tell us about “The Barbecue Fender”?
I do thanks! It’s a bit of a lyric-driven ballad, about two musicians, one who ends up successful, and the other who ends up as unsuccessful. The vibe is very downtempo and summery, but by no means cheerful!
- What was the recording process like for the track?
I know a guy, Jon, very talented producer, who lives just down the canal. He has his own studio setup, so I go over there to record.
- Now it’s finished, would you change anything?
I’d change many things. The song was a nice idea and has some interesting themes and instrumental moments, but I felt rushed while recording it and made numerous mistakes. I gave a bad vocal performance and the song feels rushed and uncoordinated in places.
- What’s next for you?
I think the key thing for me is to release a couple more songs this summer, to see where that leaves me. I hope during this time I can keep on improving as a musician and expanding my network across the city and beyond.
- Is there anything else you’d like to share with the world?
I just want to say I hope you’re all having a great week! Thanks again for having me.
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