So we are 1 day away from #tgif – love that! Today we get to hang with Brian Grogan. Brian combines strong vocals, honest songwriting and a charming sense of humour with a backdrop of melodies and lyrics that will be hard to forget. Today Brian joins us at he releases ‘How Much Longer’ single. While here you can also check out ‘Reach.’ Lets do it – let the musician and his music speak!
@skopemag: What is the most current project that you are working on at the moment?
Currently the finishing touches on my next single The Right People, a song about swiping. After that, yet another single, . . . about how important tongues can be in a relationship. They’re all part of my first EP ‘From A to B’.
@skopemag: What do you think makes some artist/bands resonate with the masses when others do not?
Hard to say. Songs that resonate tend to come in many forms. Usually I find a strong lyrical statement goes a long way for most people. Not just something that’s easy to sing along to but something that actually wants to be sung, something that feels good to sing/scream/shout. Combine that with an interesting/catchy melody, stellar performance and you’re generally on to a resonator.
@skopemag: What other bands/artists do you respect & inspire you?
Two artists that have had a massive influence on my creative process are Damien Rice and Bo Burnham, both for very different reasons. From a songwriting perspective, Damien often creates painfully simple melodies under incredibly vulnerable, raw and honest lyrics that I have been in awe of for some time. Bo’s use of musical comedy to joke about taboo topics whilst also conveying a message of sincerity has been a contrast I’ve been fascinated with for a long time.
@skopemag: How do you test whether your new song is a keeper or not?
I’ve come to the realisation that I have no clue what songs are keepers and usually let the audience decide. This approach brings with it a surprising amount of freedom though as it puts less pressure on the creative process. I feel very free to write the “bad” songs.
@skopemag: What kind of environment & mood do you feel most creative towards your music?
I seem to do my best work in reverby locations (my bathroom for example) when (I think) no one is listening. In this environment I can really appreciate vocal and instrument sounds and also feel free to sing absolute nonsense until something good comes. Moodwise, I tend to create best when I’m happy so maybe after a slice of toast or too many biscuits in the late morning.
