Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I was an only child and my parents were divorced which meant I spent half my time living on a boat and half my time living in a house in the middle of the woods. Both places didn’t have a lot of kids to play with so I could play in my mind, and imagination became a huge part of my life, music and imagination go hand-in-hand and always have in my mind and music took on a magic element for me in my mind. I could see the people or creatures are aliens or animals playing music that I hear on the radio my mind will go wild with that being sad were able to create the sounds that made me feel not alone, but also excited about creating
I had an old pirate ship radio that I listened to at night a little tiny radio shaped like a pirate ship, and I clearly remember times when I would wake up in the middle of the night half asleep and hear the most beautiful music I’d ever heard and though i never really knew what i was listening to, the almost overwhelming feeling of joy and connection, not feeling alone, it felt like the music stretched out from some other world, and touched me. I think that’s when I became obsessed with creating and still to this day I’m constantly trying to create music and art that lives in that world, that reaches out and makes people feel not so alone at sea.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys”?
A: I’m obsessed with directing music videos. As far as I’m concerned, I only want to put out songs with over-the-top, extremely elaborate, almost impossible-to-do-with-the-budget-we-have music videos. That’s because the visuals live in the sound, and together they swim around in my brain in a way that I’ve never been able to separate. Since the release of our single “Goth Beach” and its incredible video, which is at 80,000+ views, our latest video and single, “Keep My Head,” has surpassed 120,000 views in a very short time and garnered millions of streams. I think it’s successful because it’s reached enough people who think, “Oh, those people are my people. They’re having a party. Let’s go, let’s have fun, let’s be ourselves without feeling judged.” The more people see what we do, the more they want to join our party. As a non-binary person, I feel representation is really important, and I’d like our band to reach as many people as possible to let them know they’re not alone.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: This is a great question and always hard to answer, but I always have one person that pops up in my mind. Every time I’m asked which is Bjork I’ve been a huge fan of Björk forever. She’s constantly inspiring to me musically and visually in every way, such a talented artist and somebody I hope I get to meet one day just to thank her.
I get a lot of my inspiration from dreams, and life, and my life in my dreams. Ever since I was little I’ve had recurring dreams of strange worlds and people I know only in my dream-world which I call the WIREFOREST. Other times, inspiration comes from love, death, sex, magic and just making the people I love laugh.
What inspires all my work these days is trying to convey through my music that it’s an act revolution to love yourself and it’s time to fucking revolt! Go forth and bring a revolution of love and make a world where everyone is safe to be themselves. A worldwide revolution of love! I don’t think that’s too much to ask.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Keep My Head.”?
A: “Keep My Head” is about the orgasmic pleasure of trust and having the courage to love yourself. It’s about holding on when life is scary because, around any corner, there may be incredible explosions of love, light, and sexy times—also because you’re fucking worth it. It’s also about being so into someone that I’d let them keep my head under their bed for when they need it most.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: EVERYTHING
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Keep My Head”?
A: Luckily, no. I had a vision and asked my friends to help. They made my vision a billion times better than I could’ve imagined. I’m lucky to work with so many talented folks in every aspect of my art. I don’t take any of them for granted; they all loom large in my heart. I’m so grateful to create with such an incredible community. We get to say, “Hey, if you’ve never really fit into one box, come to our awesome party. You’re safe here, and you are loved.”
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: What inspires all my work these days is trying to convey through my music that loving yourself is an act of revolution. It’s time to revolt—go forth and bring about a worldwide revolution of love. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: I would love to collaborate with Bjork, Ho9909, The Flaming Lips, Dream Wife, and Alice Longyu Gao. Alternatively, I’d go back in time to work with The Cramps. I also think Rick Rubin should produce an album for us, although I don’t have his email.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Always make music you like; never make it for someone else unless that’s the job you’ve taken. You’ll suffocate trying to be something you’re not. The world needs what’s inside of you. The dreams in your head are unique to you, so there’s no wrong answer if you’re playing music you love. Believe in yourself and keep fighting for your vision.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: It’s okay; you will find your people, your art, and love in abundance. Don’t waste time doubting yourself; you’re magic.
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