Waiting For Smith – Trying Not To Try

By starrymag | November 24, 2022

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

 

Q) Tell us about your current single “Skylight Dawn.”

 

A) It was written and demoed in an afternoon with a guy I’d never met before called Dane Etteridge – who’s now a real soul brother.

All I knew is he had written and worked with a few names like Lewis Capaldi…

I walked into his studio with this melody and line that went like “something I now notice, Something I now Notice…you’re saving me.”

He asked me “Who’s saving you, from what?” We talked and talked – instantly connected and I explained to him that it was this epiphany I’d had. How in relationships when you feel challenged, it doesn’t always mean it’s not right! It can also mean you’re growing together. That was the feelin’ I wanted to convey.

When you realize you’re healing together – you see the beauty in the struggle. It’s almost like a joyous desperation, like tears of pain, joy and relief all at the same time. The song just started to appear in front of us like it was there waiting to be found amongst the emotion…

“In a skylight dawn when the moons so silent. We’re better together…”

“…In a skylight dawn when the moons so silent I couldn’t love you more”

 

Q) You also recently released a music video for “Skylight Dawn.” How did you come up with the concept for the music video?

 

A) My girlfriend Lian thought of it. She is also a music video director. She had this idea of people dancing through rooms to represent the push and pull of love. Fighting, making up, making love, laughing, crying, etc. She took it to our good friend a director Martin Sweers and together they let go of the dancing and brought it into really life. The idea of it being two women in love rather than a straight couple of two men just felt right. The first actress Nienke knew another actress Eva – they immediately had great chemistry on screen… and the purpose of the video was to convey love in all its forms.

 

Q) You co-wrote “Skylight Dawn” with Dane Etteridge, who has worked with artists such as Lewis Capaldi and St Lundi. What was it like working with them and what kinds of conversations did you have in trying to capture the right sound and feel for the music?

 

A) Amazing! Dane and I are really like musical soul brothers. We laugh a lot, too. He really helped me to see where I could go vocally, and to challenge my ideas. Dane is great at that. Every day, when it was just us two working on the track, we’d have a cup of coffee in the morning and talk through some thoughts we’d been having. We’d listen to each other with full presence and trust, and then begin the creative process. I believe that is how you get to the gold, you connect to the heart and truth first, and then create. Every lunchtime we’d go to our favorite café In Forest Hill, Teapot, order a cibatta, humus and roasted veg sandwich and a piece of spanakopita pie. It was like our ritual. My girlfriend was in hospital at the time, and I wasn’t allowed to visit her. So, it really brought me a lot of comfort those sessions and days recording.

The original demo of “Skylight Dawn” almost had a bossanova drum loop to it. I kinda liked it, but we both decided to give the track the emotional push and push that it needed. So, we recorded real drums, percussion and piano in a bigger space at Milco Studios, Assault & Battery. Richie Kennedy engineered it and was it was assisted by Ed Farrel – we had a lot of laughs making that track too – and it all went pretty effortlessly.

 

Q) Since its release, what has been the overall reaction from fans and listeners to “Skylight Dawn?”

 

A) Almost all positive. I’m very grateful. It has a very universal message, I think…

“In a skylight dawn when the moons so silent

We’re better together

We’re urban trees on concrete streets”

Everyone can relate to feeling of not wanting to be with someone and then wanted to be with someone. That’s life. We’re very emotional beings.

 

Q) What message do you hope fans take away from “Skylight Dawn?”

 

A) One of hope, that we can overcome difficulty, trauma, heartbreak, loss and pain – together. That ultimately things are always OK in the end. I believe we all will return to that state eventually one day, a state of un-judgemental and unconditional love.

 

Q) “Skylight Dawn” is the third single off your upcoming EP Trying Not to Try. What has been one of your favorite moments in making that EP and when can fans expect for it to be released?

 

A) We had this game during the making of “Trying Not To Try,” “Run” and Skylight Dawn.” Three of the tracks off the EP where we’d try and hide this little clown in unexpected places around the studio…You just hear someone go, “Holy f*ck,” from the other room as they expected to open a cupboard full of coffee to find a clown. Normally, I’m not into scary things, but it wasn’t scary for some reason more just childish and really playful. We’d absolutely be literally falling on the floor from laughter. It stuck with me that memory because I thought we’re making these really serious songs, some quite heart breaking and difficult but yet we’re able to laugh at life. I think that’s where you make your best work when all is in balance, you need the laughter and the tears at the same time.

 

Q) I also love the acoustic version you posted of “Skylight Dawn!” Have you given any thought to releasing an album solely of acoustic versions of your songs?

 

A) I’m actual making two tracks next week with a gospel choir, me at the piano and a little percussion. So, that should be out just before the EP release November 25th.

And my next album I’m making in January will have more acoustic elements, feelings and sounds for sure.

 

Q) Once Trying Not to Try is released, will there be a tour/live shows to promote it?

 

A) Playing the Waiting Room in London on November 24 the night before the EP release on the 25th.

 

Q) Which venue has been your favorite to perform in and which one do you hope to perform in one day?

 

A) So, I loved Wheelan’s in Dublin. I did a European support tour with Kawehi across UK and Europe. Dublin had this great feeling that night. Ubel & Gefaehrlich in Hamburg was also really cool spot supporting my friend Paul Wetz. As a headline show I loved the Notting Hill Arts Club and Wilderness Festival. The Attrium Stage was epic last summer!

 

Q) What advice would you give someone looking to break into the music business?

 

Firstly got for it! If you feel the call to do it…you can do it!

A few things to help you along the way though…

Find a mentor to guide you. Know what you want to do, to say and what music turns you on.

Do it for love and to help others and to help yourself rather than for fame.

The minute you start writing and releasing your songs sign up to PRS (how you get paid as a writer) and PPL (how you get paid as a performer and label). Find out about all the income streams in music: Streaming, Sync, Writing, performing, gigs, playing for others, etc.

Never judge your own ideas. Just let them flow out and then see if you like them. Listen to your heart and your gut and not what others are saying you can or cannot do.

As an artist/performer hone your craft, presence and chat at open mics.

Find people you trust that believe in you and surround yourself with them…camera people, film makers, other artists, writers, producers and friends.

The more people you meet along the way the more chance you have of making helpful connections…but know that if you’re doing something you really love and are excited about and you’re showing it to people, the right people will find you.

Never Give Up.

 

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

 

A) Thank you – I’m incredible grateful to everyone who listens, who shares, your messages, your support and the belief that carries me up when I feel I’ve lost my way. However difficult life seems sometimes, never give up…The basis that connects us all is laughter, music, love, joy and gratitude. The words that you say shape the ideas and connections that your mind makes your life out to be…connect with kindness, take risks, be brave and be you.