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"I enjoy working with all genre's, taking the parts I love from each different one"
Gumshoe creates music that works in all settings and transcends genres. His openness to a wide range of sound is what has both made him a widely loved favourite, but also someone who operates in his own parallel musical world. We had a chance to talk to him, so enjoy your reading and check out his latest releases.
Can you tell us a little about your experience? Where are you from / how did you get into music?
I was born in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. Currently living in Ulverston, a few miles from Barrow.
I got into music when my school started holding lunchtime music sessions called "Up & Comin'", which was basically a council-funded project to get young kids into music. This is where my first band 'Audio Conspiracy' was formed. Our biggest claim to fame was playing Radio 1's Big Weekend in Carlisle.
When Audio Conspiracy disbanded, a new band called 'Haarts' was formed, we had a few singles out, featured on BBC Radio 6 Music (some of the singles still available on YouTube I think), but again the band also faded out.
That's when I started to do all the solo Gumshoe stuff.
Studio time had been expensive over the years so I began to get a collection of studio gear together to make a start on writing and producing my own music from scratch.
I was cautious about putting music out on my own for the first time, so I decided to upload the songs to SoundCloud anonymously. I'd got some great responses, producer Dan Carey even invited me down to his studio after hearing one of the early demo's. I was a huge fan so that was all the confidence I needed to put these songs out.
I feel like the underground scene will continue to persist. Do you think we can go back to "normal" events and festivals?
Definitely! When I don't know. Pre-lockdown for me, I was just starting to get bookings for gigs at venues/festivals. Once we're out of lockdown I think everyone's going to be scrambling for bookings.
How is your sound evolving? What artists and genres do you enjoy mixing right now?
As the years have progressed I can hear my sound changing, but I think this is more production/writing experience as opposed to a change of influence. I enjoy working with all genre's, taking the parts I love from each different one. How do you feel that your music influences or impacts your listeners?
I hope that my music makes the listener at least feel the same way I do when I come to write or record. What projects are you working on right now?
Just the Gumshoe stuff, for now, there's plenty to work on and plenty more to come. I am keen to start up a new musical project, or at least something that can tie into Gumshoe but be a little different. What can you tell us about your last job?
My last job has just been Gumshoe so, nothing much more than what I've already written!
What piss you off?
Not much really. Any negativity can come across in the music. Not good. What makes you happy?
Creating one of those "wtf" moments in a song. Like when a certain part/section kicks in and you get that goosebump feeling. Do you have any final words of wisdom?
Not that I'm in any position to give advice but, If I was to look back at one thing I would do differently. It would be to release my music sooner and not spend as much time on the same old songs.
Cheers
Phil
