Emerging artist Ulysses Wells storms into 2019 with the release of his fierce new single, Back With The People, out now via Big Indie Records.
Combining elements of the blues, psychedelia, electronica and rock, Wells has created a sound that defies genre and is brimming with attitude. His use of idiosyncratic effects and unusual guitar models, along with nods to other forward-thinking artists such as Tame Impala and The Black Keys, gives his music a unique edge that, until now, has been sorely lacking in modern British rock music. Wells’ grit-fuelled vocal is out in full force throughout, sounding akin to the likes of Jack White or Dan Auerbach.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Ulysses about his latest project, motivations, challenges 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 accidentally found bits of the sound toying with semi real guitars in my shed on a computer. I spent too long trying to figure out how I was gonna do it live. Most people I showed it to in its early form thought I was on crack —they still do. I’m not
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
The usual heart break /lost soul trying to figure it all out.
I mainly want to share the musicianship i.e. the insane band I’ve managed to get hard and give them and myself a platform and opportunity to make something new different broken and exciting!
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
Yeh – a lot has changed – I grew up mainly on guitar heroes and 90’s rap and skiffle- I just wanted to be a guitar player in the beginning then I sacked everyone else.
Now I’m trying to write songs (Dylan, Cohen , Kinks , ..) sing/lyrics (Prince, MJ. Chris Cornell, kate tempest. Tim Buckley. Sean junk) and toy with basic production ideas (tame impala, dr Dr. Kanye.Beck) you can be a bit of jack of all with whats available now but there is a danger of spreading yourself too thin . Only one guy mastered it all in my opinion and that’s Prince in his heels and our mate Joey Chops.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
No I didn’t really have a clue what I was gonna do. I was just messing around in this shed that I’m sitting in now.
I guess the idea is always to make something better bigger and more broken than the last – I like to have as little rules as possible and just have fun. If your not up on your chair with digestive digging it get out and go make something where you do loose it cause it’s the only thing that’ll get you doing it as much as you need to unless your a little genius and got all beats and all the shapes.
What was the last song you listened to?
My song on Kerrang! It sounded fuckin boss.
Before that it was “little shirt” by The Empty’s
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I got to get a Vinyl player in hear actually – yeh I like Vinyl it sounds great and it’s the impracticality that’s 100 percent Bruce Ferry
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I like Apple Music all the way! It’s great- good playlists good radio. It’s the winner!
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?
I think it’s mainly about getting the right people in the room – once There’s an energy and people get involved everyone’s gonna dog it even if the music is not there vibe. The challenge is always finding the few 4 solid nutty fans. I think smaller venues could bring their prices down and promoters could do a better job – especially in London – a lot of the rat wheel venues are a shit show we’ve done our fair share. The few that do a great job hats off!! I’d get them a chair at a party
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
Apple Music probably and failing that look on YouTube.
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?
We’ve got a music video coming out soon so watch this space!
