Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I am a 16-year-old singer/songwriter and producer from the UK. Originally from New Zealand, I was surrounded by Maori and Pacific Island music, as everything from birth is based on music. From a young age I have listened to vinyl, giving me a greater appreciation of artists and album continuity, something that cemented my musical taste. When I came to the UK, I was classically trained as a pianist and violinist and from the age of 8 as a chorister, but during lockdown I taught myself the guitar. From then, I have been building my collection of gear and instruments to be suited to producing guitar/keyboard-based music. I now record everything from my bedroom studio surrounded by a variety of vintage and second-hand instruments.
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 “Loic D-B”?
A: I’m collaborating closely with my friend Oliver Marshall from OFM Productions to promote my music. However, being a two-person team with limited resources and a small fanbase, breaking into the market is challenging. We’re focused on optimizing both audio and visual aspects for effective music marketing. To newcomers, I acknowledge my evolving artistic journey and suggest viewing my earlier works with the perspective of a developing journey. I’m now content with my music’s quality and excited to nurture its growth, thanks to the lessons I’ve learned.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: To me at the moment I am really inspired by the UK band Nothing but Thieves. I find myself inspired by the music around me and my own personal experiences. As well as this, I constantly find myself inspired by the Lincolnshire landscape around me. I live deep in the countryside, so the beautiful nature and changing seasons of rural living is inspirational.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Faded Polaroid.”?
A: The inspiration for “Faded Polaroid” comes from a memory of an old box of photographs that I found when I was much younger. “Faded Polaroid” is a deeply personal and emotive song that serves as a tribute to ancestral history and my Great Grandmother specifically and the memories I hold dear to me. The song draws listeners into a world where memories are likened to faded polaroid photographs, capturing moments that have taken on a timeless quality. The lyrics convey a sense of longing to preserve those memories and the deep connection shared with the people of the past who are the subject of the song. “Faded Polaroid” is a reflection on the impermanence of time and the powerful impact of preserving memories through music. The vintage aesthetic of a polaroid photo serves as a metaphor for the enduring emotions that remain, even as time passes. The song invites listeners to journey alongside me as I share the emotions of love, loss, and the profound influence that my ancestors had on my life. In essence, “Faded Polaroid” is a musical tribute that speaks to the universal themes of family, nostalgia, and the complex emotions that arise when faced with the fragility of life. Through this song, I aim to connect with others who have experienced similar emotions and create a space for shared reflection and understanding.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Evocative
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Faded Polaroid”?
A: The song was written at 2am on the windowsill above my bed. We then recorded it at 9am that day, starting with the guitar part and then building it up with synth layers from my vintage Formanta Faemi and an Akai AX7. This is when things went wrong. My vintage Formanta Faemi, while excellent, has issues such as not being able to save patches. The number of times I would come back and someone would have brushed the knobs causing me to lose a patch caused great frustration.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: I aspire to create music for those who have a genuine passion for and appreciation of its essence. In today’s digital age, the true depth of a song often remains elusive due to the constraints of the digital format. To address this, I’ve chosen to master my latest creation onto magnetic tape, preserving its analogue richness. As an artist, my goal is to forge a profound connection with the listener through my music, aiming for resonance that transcends boundaries and speaks to the hearts of all who listen.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Stevie Nicks thanks to her timeless voice and iconic stage presence.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Effective marketing is key. Initially, I made my music for my family and for my pleasure. With a growing sense of confidence in the quality of my music, I am trying to take the crucial step of introducing it to a broader audience. Recognizing, the meaning and pleasure it can bring to other people, I am now convinced that investing in strategic marketing efforts is not only justified but essential to showcasing the heart and soul of my musical creations to a wider world.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: You do not need the best gear to make amazing music. In the realm of music creation, it’s vital to recognize that crafting remarkable tunes doesn’t hinge on owning the most advanced equipment. The essence of extraordinary music lies in creativity, skill, and dedication, often thriving in resourceful environments. The belief that exceptional gear is a prerequisite can stifle potential and overlook the magic of innovation. History abounds with iconic tracks born from modest setups, fuelled by a profound understanding of music’s core elements. It’s the ability to evoke emotions, narrate stories, and resonate deeply that defines great music, transcending gear specs. While advanced tools can refine the process, the soul of music emanates from passion, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of sonic excellence.
