With his highly-anticipated new EP set to drop in just a matter of days, Floridian singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Bucky Shorts is now wetting our appetite for the release with his new single 'Longing'.
As the title-track for his new collection, which arrives on the 6th November, 'Longing' makes for a wonderfully smooth and enticing offering. Capturing the same laid-back magic he has brought to all his work so far, the new delight is filled with a rich atmosphere, sweeping tones, and a wonderfully soothing vocal performance from the man himself.
So with the new EP nearly with us, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Drums! I love the drums. I still love the drums. I started playing in 5th grade band and got a drum-set in 7th grade.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
Self expression – it feels good to make stuff. I will say it took me a long time to realise that’s what inspired me.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
I loved the classics, Elton John, The Beatles, some rock was slipping in, ect. Pretty standard. I grew up in Kansas and didn’t have a record store nearby or anything, music was somehow acquired through other people burning CDs or what Wal-Mart had to offer.
What inspires you to make music?
I feel like I need to get something out, get something down, and it feels good to do that. That’s probably the main thing.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
John Carrol Kirby, Julian Lage are two people I’ve really been into lately. Usually laid back stuff. Lonnie Liston Smith too!
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
I’d say quite a few, they’re pretty personal songs.
What has been the funniest moment in your career so far?
Goofy inside jokes touring with friends.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I’d love to meet and hang with Connan Mockasinn. He’s one of my favourites.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
Something with art – I like making stuff.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
One of my friends told me once, “You’ve got the goods, you just gotta bring them to the market.” That really impacted me. I think it could be applied to many different areas of your life, basically you just gotta show up and keep going. At the time it helped me push through fears and self doubt around my identity as an artist.
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Bucky Shorts' new single 'Longing' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.