INTERVIEW: Oliver Spalding

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Hi Oliver, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?

Hi! I’ve been great thanks, very busy!

Can you talk to us more about your latest single “Bow Creek”?

Bow creek was inspired by dusk in London. I spent lots of time around Canary Wharf in the winter whilst I was writing the record and it’s so beautiful and almost feels futuristically utopian.

Did any event in particular inspire you to write this song?

I wanted to write a song that felt warm and also reminiscent of how the past demographic dreamed the future to be and sound. The architecture and lights of the wharf and the Barbican were huge inspirations.

The single comes off your new album Novemberism – what’s the story behind the title?

Since I was young I’d always joked about suffering from Novemberism. My mum calls me the “Eeyore of the family” haha.

So I thought it was only fitting to call my first album Novemberism!  It’s a word I made up, whose meaning is pretty self explanatory: “to be melancholy all year round is to suffer from Novemberism” .

My friends always ask if I’ll be writing any happy songs any time soon , haha! So I hope they know I’ve definitely taken it on board!

How was the recording and writing process?

I had so many things to say whilst writing this record and I was also working on two other records at the same time – one with The Wild State and the other with my Americana project, Embasan. However, doing a solo record is a chance to be who you truly feel like being, and so many songs are just about the stress and uncertainty of adjusting to adult life!

Writing was so fast and easy, and recording with Ed is always a total dream! He’s got a production style that is just otherworldly and I’m sure lots of you are aware he’s onto some great things.

What was it like to work with Ed Tullett and how did that relationship develop?

Working with Ed is great! He is a natural songwriter and player and it’s always a joy to work with him. We both share a natural and similar love of making music and I’m sure we will keep working together in the future. It’s never a bore and we have so many boundaries still to push in terms of our tastes and musical abilities!

How much did he get to influence the album?

Ed’s style and taste is a big part of my sound – he was as much a part of the record’s creation as I was. This is a product of both of us put together.

What role does Brighton play in your music?

I’ve been in Brighton for six years now and all of my best friends are based here. This is where I met all my contacts, including Ed. It’s been a great home to me over the beginning of my career. I believe London is next.

What is it about the 80s that you find so fascinating?

I feel the 80s naturally resonates with me sonically! And it was a hugely interesting time musically. I’ve always wanted to explore it in my own sound.

What were some of the emotions you get to explore on this record?

Let’s be honest …. I’ve had a reviewer say the record was just too sad to review! Hahaha lots of the emotions in the album  revolve round a particularly painful time for me.

However, I wanted it to feel epic, too, as if to say “Emotions are scary but I want to look them in the eye”. It’s empowering as much as it is sad and truthful!

Where else did you find the inspiration for the songs and lyrics?

In friends’ lives and people’s addictions – this album has been building up inside my head for a very long time. Also, Ed is a great lyricist and he was a great partner in finding the perfect words.

Any plans to hit the road?

Yes, I’m currently getting my live show together after three long years! I’m very excited – keep your eyes open.

What else is happening next in Oliver Spalding’s world? 

I’m working on an Americana record with my very good friend Jack Watts. We’ve been spending the last few years writing it and some of it was also produced by the amazing Courtney Marie Andrews! Can’t wait to share this when it’s done.

I will also be out on the road with The Wild State at some point in the next year.

LISTEN HERE