Cardiff-based singer-songwriter Ivan Moult returns with his latest collection of rich, confessional songs on new album Longest Shadow, out April 20th (2018) via Bubblewrap Collective.
The album reflects Moult’s progression through the fledglings of blissful romance into the fragmentation of embittered break- up. Each track combines Moult’s intricate guitar plucking skills with his warm, soothing vocal to create something both compelling and incredibly moving throughout. His latest single Lay Me Down revolves around the feeling of giving in to depression whilst simultaneously fighting against it. Moult’s beautifully natural vibrato soars effortlessly over the cinematic musicality to create something akin to that of Nick Drake or Jeff Buckley’s distinctive songwriting charm.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Ivan about motivations, challenges, the latest project and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I’ve always felt the need to be open and honest, kind of get things off my chest when it comes to songwriting. Its a cathartic process that satisfies me like little else. Like anyone, the music I heard when I was young so my parents’ taste in music has been a big influence. The genres they listened to such as folk, jazz, classical and the blues have shaped my taste inevitably. I love the emotional communication of this music and the way it takes me places and envelops me.
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
My dad tried to teach himself slide guitar when I was about 8 or 9 and gave up after a while so there was this cheap acoustic guitar lying around and one day I just picked it up and began to teach myself to play. I’d always enjoyed signing so naturally started writing songs purely for my own enjoyment. It wasn’t until I was in university in Cardiff that I drunkenly played some to my friends and they eventually cajoled/bullied me into going down to an open mic night and it began from there really.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
Relationships, mistakes; life experience really. That and cheap red wine. My tastes have changed somewhat – I started out listening to classic rock exclusively when I was a more angsty teenager but then I mellowed and begun to appreciate my parents’ record collection more. Nowadays, I’ll listen to pretty much anything apart from Dubstep. Sorry steppers.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
I wanted to make an album that was more orchestral but still in a confessional vein. Luckily my bass player and producer Callum Duggan is a consumate pro when it comes to string compositions and had the contacts to bring in a talented string quartet to record and compose those parts. The songs chart the beginning, middle and end of the relationship with an ex-girlfriend. We parted relatively amicably and I wanted to make a record that reflected that journey and one which hopefully people can relate to. I know it’s well trodden ground for a singer-songwriter, but I couldn’t help myself!
What was the last song you listened to?
Comin’ Home Baby – Mel Torme
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Vinyl – and I’m so happy this album will be my first vinyl release!
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Bandcamp because it’s good for independant artists in terms of making an income, but also Spotify for finding new music through the suggestions they make.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
Just motivating myself to be more active on social media and engaging with people really. My music is so personal it can feel awkward asking people to ‘listen to my feelings’!
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
I’m on all social media platforms @ivanmoult. To discover more of my work head tobubblewrapcollective.co.ukorivanmoult.comor search for me on Spotify!
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?
You really should listen to my feelings, they’re so… feelingsy.
