Art Block is a multi-instrumentalist alt-folk singer-songwriter from East London, England. 2022 has seen the release of his unique transparent violet vinyl of The Basement EP stocked in Rough Trade East, London and further afield in Wax and Beans, Bury, Market Deeping and Ebbw Vale independent record stores. A collection of live recordings at St John’s Hoxton mastered by Pete Maher has also been released, as well as “Seagulls EP” produced by modern classical composer Jay Chakravorty (Bryde) and mixed by Shuta Shinoda who has worked with artists nominated for the Mercury Music Prize.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Art Block about the music, dream collabs, memories and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
What’s something you’d like readers to know about your latest project?
The title track was partially inspired by a real place in England and the attack on Mariupol, Ukraine which I personally found shocking. The sound includes a Moog One synth which has recently famously been used on the soundtrack of Stranger Things! It’s an incredible synthesizer that helped shape the sound of this EP. I also enjoyed using the Moog Voyager and Roland SH101 for bass parts.
How does this project compare with your other release(s)? Was there anything specific you were trying to accomplish?
I wanted to experiment with a more organic sound with this one but at the same time mixing in vintage synthesizers. I used a real drummer – Raphael Bouchara – who did a fantastic job, playing parts with the Yamaha piano and analogue synthesizers. This is a shorter EP than previous releases with three songs as I wanted to focus on fewer songs in the studio.
What motivates you to create music?
Often I’m inspired by world events. For example, when writing Borderline I was partially inspired by the refugee crisis in the Mediterranean in 2015. And my latest White Horses contains parts inspired by the horrible events in Ukraine. I love to create music and if it touches people then that is an additional bonus. I hope that my music can heal others. If it inspires, then that’s amazing.
What’s one of your first or most powerful music memories? Did that play any role in driving you to create?
I have written songs since the age of about 15 and then stopped for many years. There’s not really any musical memories that come to mind that particularly inspired me to write music! I was more affected by an accident that almost left me blind, which seemed to open up a third eye of pure creativity when I realised how precious the life we have is and how we should appreciate everything we have.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
I love music by Sharon van Etten, she has such a soulful powerful voice with lyrics that connect and rich musical textures in her music.
What was the last song you listened to? And who is one of your favorite all-time bands/artists?
See above. I’m also a big Bear’s Den fan. I love their songwriting and their live performances are very mesmerising. I especially love the way they mix traditional instruments with synthesizers.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Thank you. I appreciate this interview and all those who have taken the time to read. Oh, and I do have coloured vinyl available at Rough Trade East and via Bandcamp!
