rockyourlyricsHow do you usually write the lyrics of your songs?
I wouldn’t say that I follow a particular set of guidelines when it comes to writing. At times lyrics come to me at inconvenient moments, usually moments where I’m not near an instrument or computer at all such as when I’m walking down the street, brushing my teeth in the morning, grabbing my weekly shopping or having a pint with my friends. In those moments I launch voice memos on my phone instantly and start to record little pieces whilst having people around me looking at me strangely. “Umm why is that man talking to his phone? Is he okay?” Later on when I can sit at my keyboard I’ll go through all the recordings and collate at the info and muster up something. The content of the lyrics varies but a lot of it is about my past experiences, not all positive ones however. For example many years ago I worked for someone who really didn’t treat me very nicely, especially when it came to my music. That particular scenario led to me writing the song “Fearless” which is about taking a leap of faith, believing in yourself and not allowing other peoples opinions to make you think you aren’t good enough. My lyrics have been described as unapologetic and rightly so. I’m a fighter and will never let anyone beat me down and I certainly let them know about it when they are unlucky enough to be a lead theme of a particular song I’m writing.
In your opinion, what is the most important thing in songwriting?
I think the most important thing about songwriting is being able to spread a positive message. I get so much wonderful feedback from people going through certain life struggles and they tell me that my songs really lift them up and motivate them. I really want to be a positive role model to everyone, especially the younger kids who are still finding their feet in the world. I think it’s nice for people to know that they aren’t alone and we all experience life in different ways and sharing experiences makes us all feel a bit better about ourselves.
Are you ever scared of revealing aspects of your personal life/experience to strangers through your music?
It’s interesting because I’ve never been scared or worried about it all. I’m an open book and I’m only human after all. I think it’s good to share and it especially makes me feel great when I’ve let a load off by writing about something that’s bothering me. Its very therapeutic.
What is the best lyric that you ever wrote (the most meaningful for you)?
Such a difficult question. Hmmm. I’d have to say at the moment it’s the words within my song “Without You.”
What inspired “Without You”, your latest song?
I’m not particularly known to write songs about past relationships but I wrote it about someone who I really had a hard time letting go. Just because it was just a really nice friendship if anything. But when I realised that I cared more about this person then they cared about me I told myself to walk away. Doing so made me realise that they weren’t who I thought they were and I was able to crawl back into my own head space and realised that I’m better off without them and I was able to appreciate more about myself as person because at the time I was too busy trying to impress them or trying to make myself seem worthy of their attention but really they weren’t worthy of mine. That took a lot of time for me to understand that. You gotta love yourself! I think it’s really important.
And “Fearless”?
Same as above.
Do you remember the day you wrote “Perseus”?
Yeah I certainly do! As you may be aware I originally wrote the piece for an Electronic Collaboration with a duo called Unknown Brain. But yeah I was sat on my bed, I got a message from one of the guys and I was instantly on it. I wrote it in the space of an evening. Those moments are the best, instant inspiration. Writing about characters is a really exciting opportunity when it comes to songwriting. I love telling stories that aren’t always about me and “Perseus” is such an icon, it was just magic.
Are you working on the release of a new album?
“New Light” launched on June 28th but I can assure everyone that a second project is in the works and it’s going to a whole new level. I’m working with a good friend of mine called Oli Jacobs from Real World Studios and our working relationship is fantastic. I already have a couple tracks nearly ready, but I’m spending a lot of evenings working on fresh content.
What is the best suggestion your producer gave you?
To just enjoy every moment of it.
What are your plans for 2019?
Following on from “New Light” I plan to write more, I might squeeze in some collaboration projects, practicing my live set especially for my upcoming gig at El Dorado and looking ahead to getting back in the studio to start working on EP2.
To conclude the interview a short Q/A session, please answer the first thing that comes to your mind:
- Define in one word your song “Superhero”: Epic!
- The best show you ever played: Rolling Stock in London thus far.
- The one thing that you must have in your backstage: Plenty of water! Some lemon slices wouldn’t go a miss, its good for the voice.
- The soundtrack of your childhood: Blink 182 (2003) (Self Titled Album).
- Your favorite song lyrically speaking, but not written by you: David Bowie – Heroes.
- Last question is “unusual”, we want to know your best relationship advice: Be honest with each other. It’s so much healthier for you.
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