What inspired your first single ‘Stupid Like That?’

My process is very organic and quick. On this one, I had just laid down an organ sound and a beat, and then I sang the line “I’m kinda stupid like that” without thinking about it. So then I had a starting point and just wrote around it using a flow-of-consciousness approach.

I had been trying to instil in my kids the idea of always questioning things and not believing everything they’re told – so I think that’s probably what sparked the lyrical theme. Musically, I love clean sounds and jangly guitars and I’m definitely inspired by the likes of Prefab Sprout and Aztec Camera, but loads of other more contemporary acts too. I think the vocals on this one were inspired a bit by Mercury Rev.

Who inspires you the most in the industry and why?

A lot of people have told me that my first single ‘Stupid Like That’ really reminds them of Tame Impala, and while I can see where they’re coming from and I take it as a compliment, the truth is I don’t really know much of their music.

What was it like to collaborate with The Smiths’ Andy Rourke?

I’d love to be able to tell you, but these days most collaborations are done remotely! I have to say though it’s a real thrill for me to play on the same song as the bass player from The Smiths. I’d love to say I was the Johnny Marr to Andy’s bass playing on Def Nettle’s ‘War Machine’, but alas that’d be a number of steps too far. Still, I’m proud of the guitars on that track and was delighted to be asked to contribute.

How did it feel to have your single featured on Made In Chelsea?

Getting recognition from the music supervisor of Made In Chelsea was a huge deal for me. I hadn’t really sent my songs out to anyone before, and the immediate positive reaction I got was a real confidence booster. It made me feel that maybe I’m ok at this songwriting and producing stuff after all (I’m often riddled with self-doubt).

The track is scheduled to appear in the upcoming summer season. It actually made me get off my ass and finally release one of my songs!

What can we expect from you in the next few months?

I have 15 tracks pretty much finished and ready to go, so I’m going to release another couple of singles before the end of the year, and then hopefully an album early next year. I actually can’t wait to release my next single.

I put out ‘Stupid Like That’ as a taster and I’ve been really blown away by the reaction, but I think I have much better songs, so I’m excited to get the next one out there. In the meantime, I’m working away on trying to unlock some more sync deals on TV and movies.

‘Stupid Like That’ is out now.

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