As part of SXSW week, we'll be meeting a selection of bands who are performing at this week's showcase event in Austin, Texas.
Today's artist is Charlie Simpson. Taking a break from his band Fightstar, Charlie recently released a solo album Young Pilgrim, which showcased his more folky singer-songwriter side.
Simpson kicks off a ten-date UK tour on 21 March at the Corn Exchange in Ipswich.
Q&A with Charlie Simpson
1. What are your inspirations and do they filter into your own sound?
My influences are very varied when it comes to music. The stuff that inspired my solo record was very much harmony led. I love bands like the Beach Boys, Crosby, Stills and Nash and Jackson Browne. I centered a lot of the writing for my record around harmonies.
2. What process do you go through to make music?
I tend to always start with melodies before I start writing lyrics. I will usually demo a track with place holder words and once the track is at a certain point I will then go away and write the lyrics with the melody in mind.
3. Do you approach showcase gigs, like SXSW, differently to regular live sets?
I think it's important to approach every show you do in the same way. Whether your playing to 200 or 200,000, my frame of mind usually stays the same, I always want to put on the best show possible.
4. What are you looking forward to the most about SXSW?
I've heard so much about this festival and have always wanted to play it, so I'm looking forward to the whole experience to be honest.
5. If you could perform with anyone (dead or alive) onstage at SXSW, who would it be?
I would love to do a track with Jackson Browne.
6. Where can we catch you performing back in the UK?
I am heading out on a full UK your as soon as I get back from SXSW, my show at Koko on the 22 March sold out four weeks ago so it will be a memorable night I’m sure!
charliesimpsonmusic.com
Today's artist is Charlie Simpson. Taking a break from his band Fightstar, Charlie recently released a solo album Young Pilgrim, which showcased his more folky singer-songwriter side.
Simpson kicks off a ten-date UK tour on 21 March at the Corn Exchange in Ipswich.
Q&A with Charlie Simpson
1. What are your inspirations and do they filter into your own sound?
My influences are very varied when it comes to music. The stuff that inspired my solo record was very much harmony led. I love bands like the Beach Boys, Crosby, Stills and Nash and Jackson Browne. I centered a lot of the writing for my record around harmonies.
2. What process do you go through to make music?
I tend to always start with melodies before I start writing lyrics. I will usually demo a track with place holder words and once the track is at a certain point I will then go away and write the lyrics with the melody in mind.
3. Do you approach showcase gigs, like SXSW, differently to regular live sets?
I think it's important to approach every show you do in the same way. Whether your playing to 200 or 200,000, my frame of mind usually stays the same, I always want to put on the best show possible.
4. What are you looking forward to the most about SXSW?
I've heard so much about this festival and have always wanted to play it, so I'm looking forward to the whole experience to be honest.
5. If you could perform with anyone (dead or alive) onstage at SXSW, who would it be?
I would love to do a track with Jackson Browne.
6. Where can we catch you performing back in the UK?
I am heading out on a full UK your as soon as I get back from SXSW, my show at Koko on the 22 March sold out four weeks ago so it will be a memorable night I’m sure!
charliesimpsonmusic.com
