Following on from the praise he received for his previously shared single 'Brigmore', London-based singer and songwriter Acrost has now returned to share his latest effort 'Pink Rabbit'.
Channelling a soft and woozy acoustic-led aesthetic, 'Pink Rabbit' sees the frontman return in fine form. Filled with a rich and textured atmospheric, haunting tones, and his own ethereal vocal style, this new release sets him on a bright and solid path for captivating compositions.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
It probably wasn't just an instrument, I'd say I fell in love with the figure of the guitarist/singer. The bands that really made me want to be a musician were Green Day, Sum 41, Foo Fighters and Jimmy Eat World, (among many others), and I was fascinated by lead vocalists that used to play also guitar, that was the coolest thing in the world when I was a child.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
For my latest music project 'Acrost', I'd say Bon Iver for sure, his album For Emma was an incredible inspiration for me. Then I took a lot of inspiration from Deftones, particularly from their acoustic songs and sets and their incredible dark vibes. Non-musically speaking my songs are inspired by the mysterious part of nature and my experiences in the woods plus some oneiric and extra-ordinary personal experiences.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
From my first answer, you'd probably already got that I was in love with rock and punk-rock. Indeed, it was my favorite genre, I used to listen to a lot of music from Rancid and NOFX as well. I'm still in love with the punk-genre, I think I'll never get enough of it.
What inspires you to make music?
When I was 13 years old my father asked me if I wanted to learn to play an instrument. He saw that I was listening to a lot of music at the time, so I taught a little bit about it. In the beginning, I said that I wasn't interested, but the day after I was like 'You know what? I'd love to start playing the electric guitar'. I'm glad my father asked that simple question as it totally changed my life and gave me the inspiration to start playing and become a musician.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I'm listening to a lot of Deftones, (the new album just came out and it's great). Also Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age are always on my weekly music rotation. But I listen to many different genres, lately Novo Amor is really getting in my head.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
In my previous bands, I was never specific when I was writing songs. I used to get inspired by some personal facts and then write about the matter in a general way so that more people could feel involved. With 'Acrost' I totally changed direction, I specifically talk about particular stories and the song that is coming out after Pink Rabbit (my latest single), talks specifically about the story of a girlfriend of mine who got involved in a shamanic ritual. She never believed in those things, but what she told me gave me goosebumps.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Well, that's a really cool question. With my project 'Acrost' I'd definitely love to play before Phoebe Bridgers and Bon Iver, I think that would be hella fun. I'd also add Kurt Vile and Fleet Foxes, because why not.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
Something related to music, that's for sure. Manager, booking agent, promoter, event planner, record label owner, you name it. Anything that puts me next to musicians and gives me the possibility to watch as many concerts as possible.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Probably none. I usually was the one giving advice to other people, since I've always been interested in how to properly manage a band or music project. Slowly I found myself learning how the music business works and how it constantly changes overnight. I wish I had some mentor that could save me entire evenings looking at how much royalties are important and how to properly promote my bands, but unfortunately, I always had misleading advice. Anyway, the best advice I wish I'd get is: 'if you like playing music, just play, who cares about the rest'.
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Acrost's new single 'Pink Rabbit' is available to stream and download now. Watch the new video for it in the player below.