When Chordblossom came into existence, it was always our aim to shine a spotlight on the artists and bands that make up the music scene in Northern Ireland. We’ve been doing it for over ten years now and one of our favourite methods is our Introducing feature.
Put the kettle on, curl up on your sofa and and join us for a quickfire Q&A with some of our favourite new musicians. Who knows, maybe you’ll even discover your new favourite artists.
This iteration of Introducing features the musical talents of GILMORE who just released their latest single ‘Electric Tears’.
You’ve just released a new single. How did it come about and what does it mean to you?
The concept for this came about when I started discovering the progressive electronic artists that have inspired me recently. People like Adam Pits and Guy Contact just blew me away and I instantly had a connection with the sub-genre.
I still have my own recognisable style but it helped me find a place where the music I wanted to make would fit in. Its a great step for me taking my productions in a new direction.
Have you any more releases or studio time lined up for later in the year?
The new single is the title track from my forthcoming EP which has everything from dubby garage to in your face breakbeat. I’ve also been dreaming up a new concept alias, and some of the unreleased tunes have been doing the rounds.
Tell us about your song writing process.
In the last year or so, I feel I have really been able to nail my songwriting process. I feel like I have spent the last 5 or 6 years experimenting but now I can really focus on what I want to do. I typically start with drums and percussion, lots of bleeps and blobs to keep things interesting. Id then usually go to the bass. Either simple to let the rest of the track shine, or the center piece of the track. Then I’ll go onto getting leads, melody sounds and transitional effects.
Getting the balance right with all the elements is extremely important. Creating a conversation between all the parts rather than just everything at once helps me keep things interesting.
Who were your favourite artists/bands growing up? Have your influences changed over time?
I listened to a lot rock growing up, people like Thin Lizzy and AC/DC, as well as a lot of world music, disco, funk, African, Latin, hip hop etc. My parents run a music festival so I was always exposed to everything. Now my influences change on a weekly basis. I discover something new and get instantly hooked. I guess the music I create is reflective of everything I like.
The 2022 NI Music Prize has just concluded, what’s been your favourite album and single released this year?
My favourite album of the year was probably Robocobra Quartet – Living Isn’t Easy. I love the jazzy melancholy style and the spoken word vocals. Very much reminds me of BADBADNOTGOOD who I absolutely adore. I was fortunate to catch them at SXSW last week and they definitely didn’t disappoint.
As for my favourite single, of course the band I play drums for Lemonade Shoelace with ‘Hopscotch In The Sky’. But, without a little bias, it would be Con and The Éire Jordans – Attitude of Gratitude. Such a funky banger, proper feel good material.
If you weren’t a musician, what line of work would we find you in?
If I didn’t do music I think I would be doing either Art or Physics. I was very close to choosing Physics instead of Music when I was deciding my A-Levels. I have a real interest with space and astro-physics. I’m not sure what it is but the never ending vastness of space helps me to not focus on the small things in life.
If you could collaborate with one artist or band from NI, who would it be and why?
Very difficult to choose from. Some of my favourites like Hammer, Kessler, Phil Kieran etc would be a dream. But I guess from most electronic producers view, Bicep would be the obvious one. Some of their older productions are just so perfect. Nothing too flashy or out of this world but things just sit perfectly.
It is intensely difficult to be successful in the music industry. What does NI need to do to invest in/develop to boost your chances?
Personally I think theres lots of things that could help with being successful in NI, but most importantly venues. The lack of venues means a serious lack of opportunities to get booked. I got around this in the earlier days by just running our own events with our mates, but now that is even getting extremely difficult. I would love to see new promoters and collectives appearing regularly, but there simply isn’t the means for that.
NI is just such a small place that there simply isn’t enough to go round everybody. It is very nicely competitive, so I always have to improve my game, but for people looking full time careers in the music industry, no matter what position are nearly always forced to look elsewhere. There are some fantastic things appearing, such as the Bangor Court House, but unfortunately not everyone has the means to develop places like this.
I also believe that the local council need to invest greatly in artist spaces, for rehearsals, teaching and creative output. Even a private place such as Pirate Studios would do extremely well in Belfast.
What does success look like for you?
For me, success is a full-time career in the music industry. It may not be as an artist, but in any sector. I just love being in and around music. However I do think on the creative side would suit me best.
Success in terms of music would be the ability to explore and release in different musical worlds, not just electronic but jazz, indie, funk, everything. Having a full space to record and produce full live productions and bands at any time would be a dream for me.
You’re going out on tour and can have anything you want on your rider, what would we find on yours?
Salted Pistachios, Honey Roasted Cashews, BBQ Pringles, Buckfast, Bottled Estrella.
Where and when can we next catch you live?
Throughout March I have been playing every Friday for Misfit in Thompsons, along side my pal Alex. We run a collective called Jungle Book Legion, where we have been inviting different guests every week to join us. I have a few more gigs that I am so excited to announce but unfortunately I have to keep them under wraps for now. Make sure you keep connected on my socials to keep updated with everything!
If you enjoyed this feature and fancy discovering some more new artists, we suggest you jump on over to our archive of Introducing pieces.
If you are a band or musician based in Northern Ireland interested in taking part in our Introducing feature, we recommend submitting new music to us via our Contact page and if we enjoy it, you’ll no doubt hear from us.
