Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I grew up in the 80s, a time of considerable unrest in the UK. Early on, I was drawn to Two Tone with bands like The Specials and Madness. Then I discovered hip hop coming over from the States—artists like Eric B and Rakim, Tough Crew, and Afrika Bambaataa. This opened the door to the beats of James Brown and Bobby Byrd, and that’s when my love for soul and funk really took root.
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 “Hamilton Hound”?
A: I hope people can connect with the lyrics and music, take a moment to reflect on their own relationships, and feel inspired to be more open in life, I truly believe it’s in times of struggle that we grow.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: I love the 70s soul and funk era like I said previously I was led to this via the Hip Hop movement of the early 80’s. My inspiration comes from listening to that music and creating beats and sounds that feel right with my lyrics.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “The Distance.”?
A: It’s open to interpretation really for me it starts in gratitude for family and friends. I think we are all looking for and trying to find the distance, it’s how we navigate life to get there.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: substance
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “The Distance”?
A: We started with the wrong tempo and textures in the music, so we had to strip it back and begin from a much simpler place.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: Keep growing in self-expression, and one day, play with an orchestra!
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: I can’t mention one without the other—James Brown and Bob Marley.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: You have to start by making music for yourself and following your heart. Where you begin is rarely where you end up.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Be kind to yourself, take time to listen, and ask more questions.
