Getting To Know...
Runrummer.
Following press acclaim and BBC Introducing support for her debut single 'Good For Nothing,' London singer-songwriter and producer Runrummer drops another new track lifted from her upcoming debut EP Soul Wrinkles (set for release on November 9). 'Penny Drop' was co-produced with Rob Daniels at the Cafe Music Studio (Jon Hopkins, Brian Eno, Imogen Heap) and the dreamy electropop track is on streaming platforms now.
We had a quick chat with the emerging artist about her influences, new single, upcoming EP and more. Read the Q&A below.
Who is Runrummer?
"My real name is Livi Morris. I’m 24 years old and I’m currently based in East London, although I grew up in a town called Bromsgrove on the outskirts of Birmingham. I’m an alt-pop singer, songwriter and producer with a big love of vibey synths. Currently building up to the release of my debut EP Soul Wrinkles.
"Prior to embarking on my solo adventure as an independent artist, I cut my teeth writing lyrics for EDM artists like Showtek and The Chainsmokers back in 2012 when I was only 18. Unfortunately a few bad experiences led me to breakaway from the music industry and focus on university for a while, much to the relief of my mum and dad. Fast forward 4 years later, it wasn’t until I moved down to London and started a normal 9-5 office job that I realised I’d made a huge mistake and decided to get back into music ASAP. Everything you’re now hearing is the result of me having a quarter life crisis in March 2017 and I couldn’t be happier. All my songs are very personal and they all confront different struggles I’ve had with mental health, sexuality and/or sexual identity. I love music because it gives you a platform to tell your story and connect with people and I hope to be able to do that through my songs."
Who or what has the biggest influence on your music and songwriting?
"This is a difficult question - there are so many people and styles which have inspired me over the years! Growing up the biggest inspiration from my Dad was definitely David Bowie. Whenever my mum was out we would listen to all his Bowie records back-to-back. I’m really inspired by anything from the 70s and 80s, and in fact my name Runrummer actually comes from the famous Rum Runner nightclub which helped launch classic 80s bands like Duran Duran and Dexys Midnight Runners back in the day. I grew up with my Dad talking about that place like it was a shining beacon of light on the Brummie music scene, so the name Runrummer is sort of a nod to my Dad and to Birmingham as a whole, and particularly the music that influenced me growing up.
"More recently I’ve been really inspired by other fierce LGBT female artists like King Princess and Hayley Kiyoko. Those girls are absolutely killing it right now, and the message they’re spreading really resonates. When I was younger I was really scared to write or sing songs about girls so candidly, but they’re paving the way and helping to smash those fears for everybody. I saw King Princess the other week at XOYO and I’m seeing Hayley next week at 02 Academy Islington. I honestly couldn’t be more excited. Would love to work with them both one day…I’m keeping my fingers crossed! Would be great to see more UK LGBT female artists reaching a similar level of recognition."
Definitely! You've just released your latest single 'Penny Drop'. What was the inspiration behind this track?
"‘Penny Drop’ tries to capture that feeling when you’re in a relationship and you realise that something’s not quite right. That penny drop moment where suddenly everything makes sense and becomes very clear. The story follows two lovers who realise it’s over, but at different points and in their own separate ways. The coffee shop narrative is an interesting one. Everyone has they’re own place of escapism and the coffee shop tries to be symbolic of that. It’s a place to run away and find calm on a cold rainy evening when all hope is lost. The image in my mind was very much inspired by Edward Hopper’s painting ‘Nighthawks’."
Prior to 'Penny Drop' you released your debut single and video 'Good For Nothing'. What's the story behind this song and it's visuals?
"‘Good For Nothing’ is a song about struggling with mental health and the way that struggle can change you as a person, feeling sometimes like you have two identities and a darker side which you can’t control. As a listener I suppose it could sound like I’m talking about a lover, but in reality I’m calling out this darker side of myself. It’s all very self-reflective and inward looking. The way it creeps in is almost like a lover you can’t resist. “You hold my hand, I feel my face is blushing” – that’s this other side of me coming in and taking control and I’m helpless to stop it. Then the chorus is sort of like a descent into blissful madness and we really tired to capture this in the music video.
"The style of the video was inspired by the TV show ‘Black Mirror’ - particularly an episode called ‘White Bear’. Musically the track was very much inspired by another fantastic female artist called Merryn Jeann (you should really check her out!!), her collaborations with Tora and Mome and the electro-chill-vibes coming from YouTube channels like The Sound You Need and La Belle Musique. This is often how I find most new music, just by trawling through YouTube!"
'Good For Nothing' and 'Penny Drop' are both taken from your upcoming debut EP Soul Wrinkles. What can you tell us about the release?
"‘Soul Wrinkles’ was actually the quickest song to write and record. I think it sums up the whole EP quite nicely, which is why I chose it as the lead name and the final track to close. I’ve got all these experiences and stories which have made me into the person I am today, and I see all these things as wrinkles in my soul - they’ve grown with me and I with them. You can’t regret things that have happened in the past because they mould you into the person you are today. You have to embrace all these little things and accept them for what they are, and you must appreciate the people who love you despite all your flaws."
Finally, what's next for Runrummer?
"Lots of exciting things! I’m currently in rehearsals with my band getting ready for our debut performance on November 9 at The Lighthouse in Shoreditch, to celebrate the release of Soul Wrinkles. After this I’m looking to set up a list of tour dates around the UK and I’m keen to get stuck into the festival scene once summer comes back around. I’ve also been busy designing merch and working on some concepts for the next music video. Plus I’ve just got back in the studio to start working on the debut album. I’m excited to say the first song is nearly finished and it’s called 'Toronto.'
‘Penny Drop’ is available now. Soul Wrinkles drops November 9.
