Photography Katie Silvester

Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?

It was quite the accident but if I really think about it at the time I must’ve had some sort of drive, you’ve got to be a tough cookie in this music world. Through the power of Youtube back in 2012 a video of mine went a tad mental, people from London started talking to me, I signed a 2 year development deal, and consequently my first record deal with Chessclub Recs (RCA, Sony) when I was 15, I’ve since made 2 albums with them and my first this year with Fiction Records. The more I think about that timeline, the crazier it becomes. 

What is the favorite song you wrote and why? 

There’s a song called Liquid Love on my most recent album, for me it was the most pivotal and transgressive sound that has come out of me, and I don’t think I’ll ever recreate it – the whole thing just sort of fell into place, but I think it’ll remain my favourite for a long time. It represents a breakthrough of some sort and a joy for me.

Who are your all-time musical icons?

All the usuals I’ve grown up with – John Martyn, Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush, Loudon Wainwright III, Joan Armatrading, Bowie, etc. 

What are some things to do to keep your inspiration alive?

I like to travel and visit new places, usually ones that seem like they’re at the ends of the earth (the more remote the better) and I like to hide myself away for a while to gain new pieces of perspective, but recently it’s been catching me off guard and as soon as I’m picking up the guitar something is telling me it needs to come out. Inspiration works in miraculous ways. 

Who are you binge listening to these days?

I’ve had to put a ban on listening to anything Big Thief related, be it them or their solo members’ records, there’s just so much good stuff there and it seems to be constant and endless, a very clever way of keeping the listener’s attention. I think they’re awesome and always will. There’s also an old album by a guy named Ted Lucas who has been on repeat for maybe a year now, and that needs to stop. 

Favorite movie or TV show?

My most recent favourites have been Days of Heaven, Sexy Beast, and Take This Waltz. As for TV I really loved Succession, but The Simpsons have been a constant watch since lockdown arose. (Season 3 to Season 9 obvs).

Tell us about your latest release and how it came about

I got back in touch with my long-term friend and producer Rich Cooper, we hadn’t made music together in years and it seemed a good time to reconnect. Slowly and sporadically we started making these demos and all of a sudden we had enough to make an album, so we did! It was all a very serendipitous but needed process. 

Do you have any peculiar pre or post-show rituals?

Not that I know of although people may say otherwise, usually I go very quiet and listen to peoples’ conversations very intensely, to try and detract from what’s about to come, and after the show I like a cold beer and a moment outside, preferably with no one so I can look back on what just happened to me. 

What’s the future looking like for you?

The near future is looking very busy indeed – we’ve non-stop shows from July right up to October, so I’ll have to somehow get used to this normal and fast pace of living!

Who inspires your style and aesthetics?

I think I’m a cross between Victorian Parisien and 90s UK/US kid. Every day I feel differently so I tend to spread over many eras and tastes, it all depends how I’m feeling really. I also really love and enjoy collecting small ornaments (and I mean tiny), they can be from any time but they have to be miniscule.

What is the achievement or moment in your career you are the proudest of and why?

I’m pretty proud of this album, Flora Fauna, as it’s my most honest work to date and I really feel that. I’m proud of not giving up also because of its (the industry’s) extreme brutality sometimes, but I’m now glad I feel more comfortable being a part of this industry and working it to my advantage. Still guessing, but more assured. 

What do you think is the best way to make it as an artist nowadays?

Say no to a hell of a lot of people and try and trust your gut. Also I really do feel the whole Tik Tok/one single wonders thing is a dying breed, and I’m hoping for an LP resurgence, so if you can make music less momentary and commercially attainable, I feel like people will eventually gravitate back towards that. There’s a great line in that film I mentioned Take This Waltz –  ‘new things grow old’. 

What would you change in the music and entertainment industry especially after this past year?

There *needs* to be more financial security for artists and crew and anyone on the creative side of music, anyone that isn’t ensconced in the business empire. This past 16 months has been a real eye-opener to the infrastructure for us all and it’s appalling. The more attention paid to the actual music and everything that surrounds it (merch, live, sync) the better. These people have barely been kept afloat while others at the top of the food chain have tripled their economy. Madness.