Since the release of his spellbinding 'Whispered Prayers' LP back in 2018, Exeter-based singer and songwriter Isolated Corners has been producing a wave of bold and diverse lo-fi releases ever since, and now returns with his latest winding single 'Odd One Out'.
With influences coming from the likes of Radiohead, Grizzly Bear and Elbow, this new offering is a broad and eclectic mix of sweeping guitar hooks and atmospheric electronics that come together to form a beautifully forlorn cut. Channelling the vocal style of Thom Yorke throughout, this breezy delight features on his forthcoming new EP 'Kinds Of Motion', which is set to arrive on the 3rd July.
So with his new collection nearly with us, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love was bass guitar. It was also my start in playing music. A friend of mine wanted to start a band and needed a bassist. 10 years or so later here I am trying to learn every instrument I can get my hands on so I can write music with it.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
A lot of my inspiration comes from the creative process of writing itself. Once an idea starts taking off and writing itself; It’s a feeling and head space that I can only really describe as better than actually listening to music. Then of course the bands that give me goosebumps play a big part in influence too. Namely Radiohead, Grizzly Bear and Elbow.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
Along with quite a few people in 2003 I was crazy for the usual Blink 182, RHCP, Foo Fighters. Fortunately me and my music taste quickly matured once I grasped that maybe more music is out there.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
I remember getting the strongest perspective on what kind music I love when a friend of mine sat me down and showed me Paranoid Android by Radiohead. It’s a very vivid memory for me. It was the most music had ever resonated with me at that point in my life and from there I knew music was going to be in the majority of my future.
When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
Just anything I’ve been listening to recently. There’s no real limit to genre or mood either. I remember listening to IDLES - Joy as an act of resistance (post-punk) on full blast at 6am some mornings at my last job. That’s not to say that I don’t have those calmer mornings with a good black coffee and something like Bombay bicycle club’s acoustic album Flaws on.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
None directly. I’ve mostly written lyrics about my own experiences in hopes that it resonates with someone and maybe makes them feel like they’re not alone. It’s consciously something I’m working towards as a creative goal though.
What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
I have yet to play a live show as Isolated Corners unfortunately. This means a lot of my career has been me going mad in the bedroom studio. I also play bass in an alternative rock 3 piece called Dead Ground and we’ve supported the above mentioned IDLES. This I think is the highlight of my music career in general.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
Film and animation. If there's anything that comes close to the atmosphere and captivity of writing and listening to music for me; it’s watching a surreal animation by David Firth or anything by Stanley Kubrick. Watching salad fingers never fails to absorb me. I’m so impressed by how it feels like he’s basically recorded a raw nightmare he’s had. The same goes for say; 2001 space odyssey. A lot of the ideas and visuals from that film could have only come from dreams .That kind of “out of your hands” creativity is something I’ve always been especially interested in.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
Any sort of creative media. I’ve honestly dipped a toe in quite a lot of it. I think that’s why I enjoy making music so much. These days a single can come with cover art, a music video and poetic lyrics. If you can do it all yourself, it's a huge creative outlet. Fair warning though it can also be extremely tedious. If you open up my brain I’m sure you’ll see about 50% of it is my single that's been ingrained after how much I’ve had to hear it.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to stay productive through the coronavirus lockdown?
It’s hard to stay focused on the creative and fun side of music when a lot of it is unfortunately a rat race. If you’re ever not enjoying it then don’t be afraid to take a break. I overworked myself with this EP and it’s certainly taken a toll in ways that I hope to avoid in future projects. Sometimes it’s an off day and that’s okay.
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Isolated Corners' new single 'Odd One Out' is available to stream and download now, and his new EP 'Kinds Of Motion' is out on the 3rd July, Check out the new video for 'Odd One Out' in the player below.