SAM PICARDY - CHARLESTON (BAD009, 14/04/16) Interview
After establishing himself in 2016 as the charismatic singer, songwriter, and guitarist for London new wave group Konsole, alongside bandmates Louis Clark, Alex Smith, Will Gilchrist and Ben Palmer, the Northern crooner ventures out alone for his latest track, ‘Charleston’, a heart-string ode recorded using an Otari MTR 90 1983 tape machine.
The track echos the Ealing-based musician’s Northern roots, with guitar work that is reminiscent of indie-pop outfit The Wake paired with longing lyrics delivered in adenoidal baritone. That said, the young musician’s references do nothing to limit his music. While his carefully packaged vocal performances may resemble Morrissey or Edwyn Collins’ emotional gymnastics, it’s clear to see that his priorities lie in something greater than simply constructing a sum of these parts. ‘Charleston’ is a delicate song with autonomous instrumentation, complete with a doo-wop inspired outro; all in all, a perfect introduction.
This single is the first installment from Sam’s new Station Records imprint, dual-released with Bad Places Records. Be sure to check out Konsole live in London at a venue near you, as well as Sam’s work in post-punk band Maladaire.
“A simple dream at night that felt so true, Is prodded and poked by a miserable you”
INTERVIEW
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND?
Sam: I'd say my sound has developed from being punky and based around 3-4 chords to being more traditionally rock and roll based (as cliche as it sounds), also the main focus has shifted to synths rather than guitar sounds.
AS A BAND LEADER AND A SOLO ARTIST WOULD YOU SAY YOU PREFER WORKING ALONE OR COLLABORATION?
For the most part I usually write on my own anyway and then take it to a close friend or a band member to get some sort confirmation that what I'm writing isn't trash. Writing for Konsole is a very different experience to writing on my own. I'd say writing solo gives me free reign and the pressure is off, but I love the subtle competition in collaborations. I'm definitely 50.50.
HAS YOUR LOCATION INFLUENCED YOUR MUSIC?
Location is a major factor when it comes to songwriting for me. Living in London has made me understand what I am actually able to write and has made me realise that I'm hardly restricted. Having said that, there are differences in results based on location, writing in the studio is completely different to writing in a bedroom and I think it's clear as to which songs have been written where.
BUILD OR DESTROY?
Definitely destroy, then rebuild.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE REST OF 2016?
A new load of Maladaire songs loom and there's sure to be an album or at least an EP sorted by the end of the summer. I always look forward to the Maladaire project. There's always an initial idea as to how the song(s) will sound, but it's never an idea we keep to and the outcome is always a surprise.
My record label Station Records will carry on as is and continue to release singles and potentially some EP's by the end of the summer depending on the old schedule!
I'm happy with the way my solo single has come about and the songwriting process was enjoyable so I'm determined to focus on that for a while. Konsole have potentially got a tour in summer so that is also on the horizon. I'm going to take 2016 as it comes.