Stickboy Interview
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Interview
You are a prolific songwriter, even challenging yourself to write a song a day late last year. Do you find song writing easy?
Around Christmas 2007, I literally couldn't stop writing. I think the cold weather and dark days made my head see shapes and songs and I just stayed in my flat and wrote and wrote and then I had this idea of seven songs in seven days and thought it would be a bit of fun. I didn't expect quite so many people to respond but I did find it really easy, although some of the subjects I had a go at were a little difficult.
And then at other times I am literally idealess. I usually find that when I am writing then it's best that I spend time with it and record as many new songs as possible. I think between November '07 and January '08, I must have written and recorded about 15 songs, most of which make up the new album.
Song writing and recording is what I enjoy most about music. I just love having this rough idea and then adding to it with other instruments to make it into a song.
You write and record alone and often you post videos of brand new, just written songs onto myspace. How do you maintain quality control?
Ha. I run all my songs through the quality control department, these are then passed on to a board of penguins who discuss the songs in great detail and then send me a report of any amendments they would like making. Failing that I just put EVERYTHING I write online and make the songs I like best into proper recordings. People seem to like having access to everything and seeing a song from its rawest form turn into a proper recording.
You say that song writing and recording is what you enjoy most about music. Does playing live hold any joy for you?
I haven't played live in a while. I used to have a 4 piece band behind me and loved doing that. I'm not a big fan of playing solo because I think most of my songs need the other parts to get the full impact across live. Once I've seen how the album goes I will be looking at putting another band together and sorting some shows out.
There appears to be a strong theme running through the new album of a longing for somebody (Better As Two, Come Round (And See Me Again), Those Three Words). How autobiographical are your songs?
Hmmm I guess some things are easier to say in a song, most of my songs are about myself or people I know, some are really blatant and some I hide away the meaning a little. Sometimes my words may not be the happiest of subject matters but then I set them to music that may imply they are. I get comments from people saying how they like my happy songs but I guess you have to listen that little bit harder to hear their real meanings. Life changes though all the time so maybe my next songs will be a little cheerier.
For me the lyrics can be quite dark, especially when taken in isolation. However, the tunes are hopelessly uplifting. Is that balance a conscious thing?
Well yes and no. I mean, I don't think "Oh, I must write some happy music for this". It's just that my lyrics are honest and the music is just music that I like. For me, songwriting is about simplicity. Scenes may come and go but I think a strong melody always wins in the end.
To sign to a record label means to give away a little of your soul. Do you see itunes releases and self-release as the future for you?
Self releases I like - itunes is more a necessity. I really don't like the whole mp3 thing and I think that charging people for a bit of data is kind of odd but at least it means people around the world can get hold of my music.
I suppose signing to a label could be seen as giving away part of your soul but finding the right one shouldn't mean this. At the moment I have to work a full time job to pay for things like CD releases and an ever growing array of instruments. But it makes getting out playing live hard, especially when it comes to playing other cities. So, one day getting on a label to help with release costs and things would probably be ideal.
To what extent did growing up in such a musical hotbed as Manchester influence your music?
I love Manchester. Its musical heritage is obviously amazing and world known. I wouldn't say the typical sound of Manchester bands is in my music though. I listen to a lot of music and have many influences. I grew up listening to my dad's 50s and 60s records and love lots of Americana and folk music myself. I do think that the reputation of Manchester does help though. There is a really good scene in the city and everybody helps each other out. I've had a lot of support from local record shops (Piccadilly Records) and loads of amazing support and reviews from local websites and radio stations (Terry Christian and Conrad Murray for two).
Moving away from the city must have been a wrench then. Has the move to Leeds brought fresh influences?
It's brought a longing to return. I only moved here because I was offered a job and thought a change of scene may be nice. My heart will always be in Manchester and when opportunity arrives I will definitely move back. There's just something about it. Not only is it home but it's the best city in the world.
