rockyourlyricsHow do you usually write the lyrics of your songs?
The process varies but these days I tend to start somewhere small; a moment in a day, a thought, emotion or a particular scene and go from there. I like it to come naturally, I don’t try to force it anymore.
In your opinion, what is the most important thing in songwriting?
For me it’s releasing inner conversations and turning them into something positive.
Are you ever scared of revealing aspects of your personal life/experiences to strangers through your music?
Definitely, I think at times I’ve purposefully disguised the story behind my songs so that they’re not immediately obvious. Music is a place you can express things that you might not even say out loud so sometimes you have to speak in code, having said that I’m trying to be more open about where my music comes from with this record.
What is the best lyric that you ever wrote, the most meaningful to you?
Aside from the album, I suppose the opening line of ‘Out Of Harm’s Way‘ is always quite poignant. ‘Fortune will not favour us on this occasion.‘ I remember that line came to me and the whole song just spilled out from there. I always feel an impact when I sing that line.
What inspired “Grave”, your latest single?
I wrote ‘Grave‘ a few years ago, it’s about self-sabotage, blackouts and a difficult spiral I was caught up in.
Let’s talk about your most recent EP “Nowhere”, what inspired “Second Nature”?
‘Second Nature‘ comes from a much lighter place. I wrote it on the rocks by the water on the Isle Of Harris in the most beautiful setting. I remember we’d had all kinds of weather the week we were there and out of nowhere came the hottest day of the year. I spent the day alone, getting more burnt by the minute but in awe of my surroundings and wrote about escape, about hoping that I could adjust my thought patterns in the same way I’d adjusted to a new environment.
Do you remember the day you wrote “Surveillance”?
I know that I was in my bedroom at my family home and that I hadn’t written for the best part of a year. This song came from a place of not feeling good enough, I didn’t feel like I was a natural songwriter and I was constantly comparing myself to others but writing this song unlocked something for me and helped me take back my control.
Is there a link/a common theme among the songs of the EP?
I suppose the common theme is escape, whether literal or mental.
Are you currently preparing an album?
Yes, my debut album will be out later this year! It’s been a long time coming but I feel ready now.
What is the best suggestion your producer gave you?
I guess to not put so much pressure on myself. It’s easy to want everything to be perfect, particularly as it’s my first album but in reality it’s more important to try to relax and just be in the moment, often that’s when the real authenticity and creativity comes out.
What are your plans for 2019?
I have a great year ahead of me, we have a show at Omeara in London next month, a few festivals and then plan to tour around the album release.
To conclude the interview a short Q/A session, please answer the first thing that comes to your mind:
- Define in one word your EP “Nowhere”: Freedom.
- The best show you ever played: My most recent show at St Pancras Old Church.
- The one thing that you must have in your backstage: Nothing exciting, I just like a bit of time and space.
- The soundtrack of your childhood: David Gray – White Ladder.
- Your favourite song lyrically speaking, but not written by you: Lover, You Should’ve Come Over – Jeff Buckley.
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