We caught up with up and coming East London singer-songwriter ART BLOCK. Inspired by the likes of Jeff Buckley, Radiohead and Pink Floyd, Art Block has recently released his EP “Borderline”.
Hi there, how are you and what are you up to today?
I’m great, thanks. Been in the studio recently to record some new demo songs at Soup Studios in Limehouse. Currently sheltering from London’s very unseasonable weather!
To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?
People say it’s ‘alt-folk’ but I like to think it spans other genres such as singer-songwriter, indie and rock.
What are the 5 most influential albums that have influenced you the most?
1. Where EP by Sophie Jamieson
2. Tornados EP by Luke Sital-Singh
3. The Wall by Pink Floyd
4. OK Computer by Radiohead
5. Grace by Jeff Buckley
OK, I know two of those are EPs rather than albums!
Which other artists are you into at the moment and why?
I love Lana Del Rey’s new album – that lush melancholy sound is so atmospheric. Radiohead’s latest album is also a return to form in that it conjures up shades of what I consider to be their best work, ‘OK Computer.’
Are there any key pieces of equipment that you are using to define your sound?
The Borderline EP was produced by Ben Walker who is big on the folk scene and he was involved with a lot of the instrumentation. You’d have to ask him about the equipment he uses (a shed load of different guitars and pro-tools from memory!). I swear by my Sigma electro-acoustic guitar though, bought in London’s Tin Pan Alley.
What would you say some of the challenges artists face today in the music industry?
The singer-songwriter market is over-saturated so it’s hard to get noticed. The use of streaming platforms such as Spotify are de-valuing music, in my opinion. I encourage people to buy my music whenever possible via Bandcamp as it offers a good deal to musicians. The music industry is also so fickle and geared towards signing up artists who are barely out of school – some of whom are very talented – but I feel there is a lot of talent out there not being picked up by record labels for whatever reason.
Where do you gather songwriting inspiration?
I’m inspired by world events sometimes – such as the plight of migrants coming into Europe – ‘Borderline’ is about that, but also by the human condition and relationships. My lyrics can be dark but are inspired by real-life events. ‘Polly’, for instance, (which features session musician, Ed Seed, who plays for La Roux) was inspired by the tragic death of a cyclist near where I live in London. There is a spiritual element to my songs too, without wishing to sound pretentious! The video to ‘Borderline’ set in Brighton is testament to that with its beautiful location by the sea.
Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when put music together?
Yes, I always think of the chords and melody line first. The lyrics come later and are usually the hardest part. The songs that work best are those triggered by real emotion but which have meaningful lyrics. A difficult combination to achieve.
What’s the best gig you have ever done and why?
The Sebright Arms in Bethnal Green is always an amazing place to play. The sound is perfect thanks to John and Andy, the great soundmen there, and it has a cool artistic vibe about the place.
And the worst?
At a venue in Shoreditch where people seemed more interested in having drinks after work than listening to the music!
If you weren’t a musician what would you be?
A journalist?
Do you have any particular gigs or festivals that you dream about playing?
I’d love to play at the Great Escape festival – but then so do a million other singer-songwriters!
If you could perform alongside any other band or artist, who would it be?
LDR, probably. Or maybe Ian Curtis from Joy Division if you could resurrect him.
Do you have any information regarding upcoming releases, projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
I’m currently working on some new songs with more of a piano based sound. WATCH my latest release “Borderline” here:
Further media links are below:
Soundcloud – Twitter – Facebook
