Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
A: I’m a lead guitarist originally from Northampton, England. I’ve been in several bands since leaving school, the best of which was playing Classic Rock for ‘Crux’, Indie for ‘Apollo’ and Alternative space rock for ‘SkyFlood’. THEHERO is my first venture as a solo singer/songwriter. I set up THEHERO as a way of promoting and performing my original songs and as way of battling and controlling stage fright in a creative way.
Q: And what other artists have you found yourself listening to lately?
A: Right now I’m totally locked into Labrinth’s soundtrack for the tv show ‘Euphoria’. He’s a very unique artist and his mix of genres is very inspirational. He deserved the headline slot at Coachella.
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences, and why the name ‘THEHERO’?
A: Queen is the bible when it comes to my music. They are possibly the first band I ever heard. Being outstanding in terms of composition and performance no one will ever top them. As THEHERO I try to take Queen’s approach in terms of originality and arrangement with my own songs. THEHERO is a reminder of this inspiration but it also means a multitude of other things to me in a pursuit to step up and make something worthwhile and lasting. It is also the name of my guitar.
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘Let Your Lover Go’. Is there a story behind it?
A: It’s not about anybody in particular. It’s more about overconfidence than the story. I’m normally quite shy and reserved so it was a challenge to write about love from the unrealistically unconventional perspective of ‘The Bad Guy’. I think the playfulness of the lyrics is enough of a hint that this could all be inside the head of the overdriven ego, rather than an actual serious suggestion to whoever’s already in a relationship.
Q: Can we expect a new EP or even an album from you in the near future?
A: The life goal is to eventually make an album that will stand the test of time. I’ve got hundreds of songs ready and waiting. I’m working hard on raising money and/or label interest to get them recorded. I’m focusing on an EP to be released later in the year, which I will probably announce soon.
Q: What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
A: I think in my work there is a classic sense of songwriting incorporating a much more modern sound. A sound that has, maybe been lost to audiences over the years, The music I’ve put out so far is high energy but I’m not locked into any particular genre. I’m working on a more subtle set of songs to balance my work. My sound is true to me and my guitar and whatever I can make out of the two, combined.
Q: Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfilment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more?
A: I’m always pushing for the next thing. It’s great when you’ve spent an enormous amount of time on a track and it’s finally out for everyone to hear, but by that point I’m already deep into what to do for the next one. I think I’ll truly feel fulfilled when I can finally say I’ve created that album we talked about before.
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: Each song is different. Sometimes I like to start with a cool title and puzzle it out from there but the best ones always just come on their own. Sometimes it’s like trying to catch lightning in a bottle, or I record a quick humming demo after an idea comes to me in the car on the way home and try not to crash. Once I hear the demo I can try to work out how to make it come alive with the producer: Ben Farastvedt from Damage Audio. I’ll send over a terrible phone recording and he will come back with inspiring suggestions which is a huge confidence boost. ‘Let Your Lover Go’ was recorded in my bedroom and we sent off the stems for ‘Faz’ to work his magic on with a bit of guitar re-amping in the studio.
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: I live in fear of playing live.
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: Hearing the track on Kerrie Cosh’s BBC Introducing show was a really proud moment. Just being able to hear me singing on a track that was radio-worthy would make younger me very proud and it gives me the confidence today to keep going.
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