OSM: Hi Alfie, did anyone or anything in particular inspire you to start writing music?
Hi there, thanks for taking the time for me! I started writing music in my early life, around 6-7 years old about sport or TV programmes I was into at that age. I was a loud kid and would always be talking to myself so it was a good creative output, to my parents relief! In my late teens, artists such as John Mayer, Jack Johnson and Ed Sheeran really inspired me to take writing and making music seriously and to realise my potential a lot more.
OSM: Your new single ‘Liquor Store’ is out now. What was the songwriting and recording process of the track?
I love to produce and write upbeat records with a slightly serious undertone which not everyone might see at first listen. I had this guitar and synth melody loop that I dug up and it peaked my interest immediately. I loved the idea of writing about my relationship with drink and how it creates this separation; almost splitting your social life away from your everyday life. Recording everything in my bedroom studio, it all came together in a matter of a few weeks. Once I’m in that flow state I can get it done fairly quick!
OSM: The production of the song and the attention to detail both really stand out. Are you influenced by anyone in particular when it comes to those things?
Absolutely, FINNEAS, Kenny Beats, Ian Kirkpatrick and Guy Lawrence from Disclosure are massive inspirations and always push me to really make more striking, unique production techniques. Things like taking a sound and processing it a bunch to make a totally new sound, which you’d never think of, ear candy or automating the whole mix through a flanger for a second (like I did in ‘Liquor Store’!)
OSM: What is the general theme of the song, is there an overall message?
Don’t drink kids! No this is really a summer tune and one that’s super easy on the ears and one you can bump in any kind of setting. The overall message is just one of grounding and looking after yourself as well as others around you and how your actions affect loved ones more than you think.
OSM: What challenges have you faced since launching your career?
Whilst very much still finding my sound and feet, as well as being at university still, everything is still a learning curve. Before meeting my manager, it was a challenge to promote as much as you can and try to get your name to stand out from the crowd. However I relish every new hurdle and I’m very excited in what the rest of 2022 has in store.
OSM: What are the plans for the year ahead for yourself, do you have any live performances scheduled?
I’ve been gigging all over London at the start of this summer and have more dates in the pipeline so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for me! As for new music, I have a bunch of singles scheduled for the rest of the year and I’m super excited for everyone to hear my ever-evolving sound.
OSM: If you could change anything about the industry what would it be?
I would probably change the taboo around pop and mainstream music, or that your favourite artist ‘sold out’ because they’re now garnering attention from the media. The top 40 charts and pop music is packed with super talented and great music, not all new music is soulless and a cash grab! Artists are allowed to explore different genres and sonic places and not ‘sell out’, I see that a lot on the internet and the media love to push the agenda on a specific artist at specific times.
OSM: If you could share the stage with another band or performer who would it be?
I would refer to my earlier answer and say FINNEAS is absolutely up there; the guy is ridiculously talented and that would be a blast, as well as the Arctic Monkeys and Oasis. To front those two would be epic!
OSM: What songs are on your playlist right now, which songs are you into at the moment?
The new Drake album is a massive vibe, would never thought he’d be jumping on the house wave! Harry Styles of course, such a talented guy. Remi Wolf and Kamal I’ve been also bumping non-stop, love their respective sounds and super fresh. And last but not least Alfie James of course ahahaha.
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