As a co-founder and main songwriter for London’s 2-Tone/Ska/Reggae outfit The Kubricks, songwriter Jonny Spalding is now looking to break out on his own with his deep and passionate new offering 'Break Me'.
Produced with Hugh Fothergill and featuring soulful vocals from J Appiah and Freddie Gavita on trumpet, 'Break Me' makes for an incredibly bold and engaging initial release. Filled with sparkling instrumentation, solid production, and Jonny's own captivating vocal performance, this new delight is sure to be the first of making incredible cuts from the frontman to come.
So with his newest gem cementing himself as a vibrant new artist, we sat down with him to learn more about his origins and what has been the inspiration behind his work to date.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I grew up with my 2 older brothers who both introduced me to 80’s electronic music and I fell in love with the synths. I learnt to play the keyboard soon after.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
I’m a huge fan of production in music, which is always the first thing that inspires me. I’m a massive fan of Dre, Kayne West, Max Martin – it’s quite varied.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
As a kid I loved all of the Michael Jackson albums and this stayed with me with the HIStory album which blew my mind – I loved the lyrics, the production which had elements of industrial, Nine Inch Nails – it was a massive influence. I also loved Brit-Pop and Electronic Music.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
I remember listening to the Pet Shop Boys greatest hits album called Discography when I was a teenager and I fell in love with the songwriting. In particular a song called Left To My Own Devices, which was produced by Trevor Horn and included a full Orchestra over a dance-beat.
When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
Normally up-tempo and something with bite - at the moment it’s M83 and Kanye West.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
All of my songs are personal in some capacity.
What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
Probably when BBC Radio 6 played my band, The Kubricks, first record. I heard it live and it was unannounced so was insane.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
I’m massive fan of movies – could talk about these all day. The Dark Knight Trilogy is a masterpiece. I’m also getting into running at the moment.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
I love films and movies so I would have loved to do this – not as an actor but perhaps writing screenplays etc.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to start a career in music?
I’d say work with people who are better than you – I’ve learnt so much from producers I’ve worked with. At the moment, I’m working with a producer called Hugh Fothergill, who is insanely talented, he does some amazing tunes and also a really nice man.
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Jonny Spalding's debut single 'Break Me' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.