Murdo Mitchell – Aztec Jewel

By starrymag | June 6, 2023

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) How would you best describe your sound?

 

A) It’s always a hard question but I’d say indie/folk.

 

Q) Who are your Top 3 musical influences?

 

A) Glen Hansard, Johnny Cash, Justin Currie

 

Q) Tell us the story behind your current single “Aztec Jewel.”

 

A) Well, the Aztecs lived in a hierarchal society, which obviously means the differences in social classes and in that society only the Aztec ruler could wear anything he wanted – all the precious stones & beautifully designed jewelry. People below him had to have his permission. So, the lyric in my song “more beauty than the finest Aztec Jewel” is more a value of the worth of what I’m describing, and it seemed a fitting name for the song.

 

Q) Since the release of “Aztec Jewel,” what has been the overall reaction to the song from fans and listeners?

 

A) Yeah, really good actually. People seem to be enjoying it & it’s one of the ones that go down great live as it’s got that big outro ending.

 

Q) Prior to “Aztec Jewel” you released a release of “Your Skin” with Swedish-American musical duo flora cash. What was it like getting to work with them and how did their input during the recording process influence the final cut of the remix?

 

A) So, they remixed my song “Your Skin” and really brought it and reimagined it to somewhere I didn’t think the song would’ve gone but I’m glad it ended up there. It’s always great working with such amazing musicians and they are music I listen to a lot – so it was a rather fitting combination.

 

Q) “Aztec Jewel” and “Your Skin (flora cash remix)” are part of your recently released album Aztec Jewel. Which song was your favorite to write and record for the album?

 

A) Oh, my favorite song off the new EP that’s released has to be “Aztec Jewel.” It’s probably the most “middle of the road” song I’ve written; however, I just feel it has a groove to it and an energy to it plus I really enjoyed working with Chris Bond (Ben Howard) who produced it and hope to work on the next releases with him.

 

Q) What do you hope lingers with listeners who explore the album Aztec Jewel?

 

A) Not really any underlying feeling to be honest. It’s up to them and each person to take what they feel the song gives them – it’s open-ended. Just hope they enjoy the tunes.

 

Q) After the release of Aztec Jewel, you also embarked on a mini-tour of the U.K. Are there any plans to extend the tour and if so, when can fans look forward to those dates?

 

A) It wasn’t that much of a mini tour. [laughs] We did ten dates across the UK. It was a dynamite time – I think the plan now is to record the next EP then come back with a tour later in the year maybe supporting someone or what, but I do hope to get gigging as much as I can.

 

Q) Which song(s) is your favorite to perform live?

 

A) Got to be “Hollow” and then “Aztec Jewel” probably. “Hollow” is the one I end on and the one that crescendos the most, which is why I love playing it.

 

Q) Who would you love to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Oooft. Tough question. Well recently I’ve been playing a song by Ondara non-stop called “Saying Goodbye.” It’s amazing, so perhaps himself currently speaking.

 

Q) Your résumé of work some small acting parts on television and in short films. Do you still have an interest in on-camera work, and do you have anything we will be able to see you in shortly?

 

A) I did enjoy acting and did numerous stints on different shows as a kid. However, I am genuinely awful at doing accents. So, as I got older, I could only ever go for Scottish parts, and I want to put more effort into my music. I’m still good friends with my old agent and the door is not completely shut. Plus, there might be something I might appear sometime soon, but I can’t say too much. So, it’s not something I’ve definitely closed the door on.

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your music?

 

A) It’s class that people actually come out to see me. After my last tour I felt really grateful that I could play shows that people actually come out to and buy tickets to. So yeah, cheers to everyone who’s supporting me – I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing & building this thing we have going on & it’s going to be class.