We sat down with up and coming musician Elderbrook to talk about his recent EP, what he’s been up to this summer, fashion and much more. Here’s what he had to say…
How did you first get into music?
I first got into playing music when I was about 15. My friends all had guitars so I thought I’d give it a go. When I learnt enough chords I started writing songs and playing guitar and singing in indie bands. That eventually morphed back into me playing acoustic music alone and then into a more electronically driven project that brings me to where I am now!
Who inspires you musically?
There are so many artists that inspire me all in different ways; from a melodic point of view there is older stuff like Sam Cooke and Etta James that I love. Then from a lyrical perspective bands like The National and Strokes for their simplicity and bluntness. Musically, though, artists like Jamie xx, Mura Massa or Nicolas Jarr always inspire me. Though they’re all just a few names on a long list!
Name three artists you had on your playlist growing up…
Kings of Leon, The Black Eyes Peas and Jack Johnson.
Where was your first ever gig and how did it go?
First show ever would have been when I was much younger, about 16, playing in a pub with my friends I was in a band with. There was no one there. No one. My first ever show as Elderbrook was… okay. It was in Bristol at a hiphop night. I was singing with a few rappers that I had produced songs for. I was still definitely trying to work out exactly what “Elderbrook” did live and it’s definitely changed a LOT since then!
You’ve just released your 7 track EP, Talking, can you give us some insight behind the creation of it.
I was writing for about a year – gathering material to whittle down to the 7 it ended up at. The EP focuses on a running theme of narcissism and selfishness from a few different perspectives. Its not necessarily all written from personal experience but a mixture of that and stories. Talking has a lot of variety in styles and influences; hip hop flavours in “Woman” and “IOU”, houseyness with “Talking” and “Let Go”, a bit of trap/reggae sparks in “Put It Down” and some gospel in “Feels Like a Sunday”.
What difficulties did you face creating your EP?
Before I had finalised which demos I was going to use and how, there must have been close to 100 songs and ideas! It was difficult whittling them down to Just 7. I wanted the EP to flow and for each of the songs to make sense with one another. Yet, I also wanted each of the songs to stand out in their own right. It took a while, but, by combining aspects of some with others and leaving some behind I eventually ended up with 7 that I couldn’t be happier with.
You’re heading on a UK tour this month, what excites you most about touring?
Obviously to play London is exciting for me cause that’s where I’m from and means a lot to me to be playing somewhere like like Oval Space, a venue I’ve been and watched bands I love before. I just love playing shows. This is my first UK headline tour so I think that’s definitely the most exciting aspect of this run!
Which track on your EP do you enjoy most to perform live?
I love playing the title track – Talking. That song stands out for me and really sums up what I think I wanted all of the EP to really be about.
If you could collaborate with any other artists, past or present, who would it be?
Sam Cooke. Sam Would sing. Maybe I’d come in with a harmony. Maybe he and I would make some beautiful electro soul.
What’s been your biggest career highlight so far?
Playing Brixton academy with Gorgon City last year was amazing. It was the largest show I’d played and is just an incredible venue.
Apart from your own songs, what have you got on repeat at the moment?
Romare – Love songs: Part 2. Its been out for a while but so so good!
What’s your guilty pleasure track that nobody else knows you love?
I do like a bit of Taylor Swift (AKA Princess TayTay) but the earlier, more edgy stuff…
What’s been your summer highlight of 2017?
I loved playing SplashHouse Festival in Palm Springs this summer. It was at an old WW2 air base turned museum so was playing in front of a huge old war plane which I can honestly say I have never done before. The crowd were great as well, couldn’t have asked for more!
How do you spend your time out of the studio and when you’re not performing?
Music takes up such a large part of my life! Time spent not performing or creating is time having brunch.
Favourite film/TV series?
Back to the Future / East Bound and Down
Drink of choice on a night out?
Gin and Tonic.
Can you explain your fashion sense? How would you describe your style?
Smart/casual with an emphasis on V necks
Describe yourself in three words?
Saucy sex party
What advice do you have your any aspiring musicians?
Create music you love!
We will be watching Elderbrook perform his EP on the 25th of October in Manchester’s Sound Control. So, if you’re about, make sure you come check him out.
You can listen to his EP on soundcloud.
