Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: When I was growing up, I was surrounded by family that were interested in a vast number of artists and genres. My mother adored Linkin Park and other nu-metal artists, my aunt into Michael Jackson and R&B, my father worshipped Phil Collins and 80s British pop artists, my step-father can’t get enough of Mötley Crüe and 70s metal. I was surrounded by these artists and similars for many years. Michael Jackson was the first to pique my interest in music creation, driving me to study music at college. My time there was life-changing and eye-opening. I was deeply impacted by all of the other students on the course and the small-yet-incredible tutor team that I spent 4 years with; I met incredible people there that moulded my interest and passion to be where I am today. I can’t thank those people enough, here’s to them! During my time at college, I would have a few assignments which tasked us with trying to compose music we think would best fit a scene for a motion picture; I chose a car chase sequence. This was my entry into composing, and production, and what inspired me to follow that endeavour further. Shortly after I withdrew from my studies to opt for Film and TV Production at university, in which I followed a passion for writing and to continue to strive for a career in scoring and composition. I shifted gears part way through, experiment with shorter tracks and discovering a wealth of video game music; I never did graduate and my passion for music dipped when I struggled with mental health for a period of time. Last year I picked myself up, turned around and started to take music a bit more seriously.. here I am.
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 “skylikelights”?
A: As of right now, this current moment in time, I’ve been slowly uploading a few tracks to my SoundCloud and I have a few videos on TikTok and Instagram.. it’s very early days! The releases of my tracks are slow and a bit far apart; currently there are only two available. Sporadic drops might be common because I’m composing the instrumentation, production and then mix and masters entirely independently. In terms of growing a following or fan base, the plan remains the same. I’m doubling down on releasing tracks to SoundCloud, which will eventually lead to a release of an EP that will appear on some music streaming services; that’s in the near future, it’s a slow process but it’s happening! Whilst I haven’t had the largest presence on TikTok and Instagram (I’m still trying to figure out how they work!), that will change with the more and more releases I make available; I’m still in that period of figuring out my voice and style of delivering content. I hope those discovering myself and my work can understand the wait in-between songs, and continue to enjoy what I make available for everyone on SoundCloud! Please look forward!
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: While I’m inspired by so many artists, I do have a particular admiration and deep appreciation for video game composers. For putting me on the path to create music for video games, I have to owe it to Yasunori Mitsuda; the masterful composer behind the Chrono Trigger soundtrack. Mitsuda has created some of the most beautiful pieces I’ve ever heard in and outside of the Chrono Trigger OST, and has inspired me for a lifetime. I hope to one day compose something even a slither as good as his work, and inspire someone the same way Mitsuda has for myself. Another huge influence on my music is Masakazu Sugimori, the composer behind Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. The game features some of the most gorgeously composed and impressive short pieces of music I’ve heard, and is the driving influence behind the length and tone I try to capture in my own work. The tone achieved with the sounds Sugimori had at his disposal is purely inspiring. Sometimes less is more, and I learnt this incredibly valuable lesson here. A huge appreciation for other geniuses in the industry, such as Keiichi Okabe, Motoi Sakuraba, Nobuo Uematsu, Yoko Shimomura, Koji Kondo, Ryota Kozuka, Shogi Meguro, Jake Kaufman, Lena Raine, Akira Yamaoka, Darren Korb, Toby Fox.. I could go on and on! I implore folks to listen to any of the works from these icons!
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Take a Seat.”?
A: ‘Take a Seat’ was one of the first tracks I put together for a portfolio last year. I needed something short, snappy, memorable and entrancing. Something that would pique someone’s interest, hold their attention and keep them listening through to the end. Something that perfectly summed up who I was as an artist and what I aspire to do. All in under two minutes. I thought ‘no better way than a song for a mood-soaked café.’ The soundtrack for someone’s afternoon coffee, in a small dingy café, smack-bang in the middle of a bustling town centre. I originally called it ‘Have a Coffee?/Café Theme’ but eventually went on to change it to ‘Take a Seat’, only recently. I want the listener to feel welcomed in their imaginary barista spot, to feel warm and embraced. To take a seat somewhere they feel comfortable, with comfortable sounds that surround them. Taking a seat for my first track released, and enjoying what they here of my work after.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Tone-setting.. hopefully that’s not cheating!
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Take a Seat”?
A: I produced, mixed and mastered the entirety of ‘Take a Seat’ through Garageband on my MacBook Air. For a long period of time, this was the only DAW I understood and had proper understanding of using, before shifting my gear into learning Logic Pro and then starting Ableton. It can be restrictive, sure, but I do love the accessible entry it gives to those wanting to explore music production. For ‘Take a Seat’, it was difficult to mix and master, and it still doesn’t have the greatest of those either. I’m continuing to grow and develop in those areas, and production in general, and one day I’ll return to re-arrange and remaster the track; making it the best possible version of it I can make! My second track ‘Smalltown’, which is also on my SoundCloud for anyone to check out, was produced by same means, with a slightly better mix and master I feel. I’m growing and evolving, as all artists should. Please enjoy my works whilst I continue down this long, winding path!
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: For anyone discovering my music, I hope you enjoy it! I hope it allows you a few moments to close your eyes and envision the creative, beautiful scenery that you think matches what you’re hearing. Have fun and let your mind wonder! The end goal is to feature my work in a video game, which is why my songs are quite short and atmospheric of certain tones and vibes. I’m hugely influenced by many, many different video game composers, as well as producers, songwriters and artists across a multitude of genres. I wear my influences on my sleeve and I hope you can see that reflected when you listen to my songs. If I inspire one person to create music of their own and dive into the world of compositions and production, I’d consider my pursuit worth it; inspiring others as I have been by many other incredible artists would make me more than happy.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Personally, I feel we peaked with Daft Punk. The sheer scope of creativity, charisma and confidence they poured into their records is unmatched. If I ever had the opportunity to be featured in any way, or even to just watch those geniuses work.. I’d take it in a heartbeat. Video game composers would of course be anyone from the list I mentioned above, that would be a dream come true. Whilst I will continue to release songs and work towards my goal with the ‘skylikelights’ pseudonym , I will also look to start a career with my real name, managing both at the same time. I’m saving this for a dream-come-true collaboration I have my eyes on starting in the hopeful-near-future. I’m starting the writing process of original songs to release with this person as a joined project. I’ve been very fortunate to have them very close to me in my life and a soul I’m blessed to have accompany me through everything; a truly incredible voice and talent that I’m deeply looking forward to working with. So here’s to you, R!
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Don’t feel discouraged by the process. If you are someone who is starting to learn the basics of an instrument or music production, don’t worry, you’ll get there! It’s a long road and you’re always learning, as myself and every other musician are. It can seem gruelling and challenging, and I know what it’s like to slip with motivation and feel you’re not getting there, but don’t forget that a lot of learning comes stepped away from the instrument too. Familiarise yourself with chords, song structures, circle of fifths, listen to what your favourite artist is doing to incorporate ‘sound’ into their work. Why does it feel that way? Why does it sound that way? Why do you like it? It’s all learning. It comes day by day but you will get there. It’s no secret the music industry is incredibly populated and there are so many artists you feel like you can’t break through, but that is the risk we all take and it shouldn’t stop us from making the art and telling the stories we want to put out there. You’re amazing, you got this. Keep going!
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: I think I would encourage myself to take an interest in music production a bit sooner, and not towards the end of my time at college. To try and soak up every moment of listening to those around me. Days go by and I sometimes wished I had not followed Film and TV Production at university, instead taking my higher education in University. But I made that decision and I am where I am now, with the people around me I have now. If I had made a different choice, there’s no telling where I’d be and who I’d be there with. I try not to regret anything, and of course it’s difficult, but I will keep going on the path I’m on and seeing where it takes me. Life is a crazy adventure for everyone, with many ups and downs, twists and turns, but I’m buckled in for it to go wherever it will take me.
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