After spending the last year cracking out a flurry of bright and joyous cuts, Dudley-based singer and songwriter Alex Ohm returns once again with his latest uplifting gem 'Joy'.
Bringing back more of that fresh and shimmering direction he is known for, 'Joy' makes for a wonderfully warm return to form for the artist. Jam-packed with stellar hooks and his own captivating vocal presence, this one will certainly slap a smile on your face that'll be hard to shake off.
So with the new single doing the rounds, 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?
It has to be the guitar! It’s the first instrument that I learnt to play and I can remember the complete rush when I played through a song in its entirety.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
When I was a kid, it was Guns N Roses. I think I was drawn to the parental advisory sticker first and foremost. Thought it was rebellious didn’t I. Into my earlier teens I got into my indie music. Gomez were actually one of my favourite bands growing up as well as Super Furry Animals. Unkle’s first album, Psyence Fiction was an album that really caught my attention and heavily inspired my musical direction.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Oh man, I don’t know if I’m brave enough to answer that one!
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
That’s a tough one. Probably a Christmas classic, or Seven Nation Army. Imagine the royalties on those! In all seriousness though, Bohemian Rhapsody is genius. Would’ve loved to have written that. All the different parts join so seamlessly. Such a great track. Either that or anything by Radiohead ha.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Apart from not stewing over a track too long, not really. I try to let every song manifest in its own way. Sometimes I start on guitar; sometimes it starts with a drumbeat. If a lyric comes to me I’ll put it in a note and look to put it to music when the time is right. If I’m struggling to finish a song, I’ll put it to one side and come back to it later. I hate rushing songs.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’ve really been enjoying The War On Drugs in recent years. Chartreuse are a band not too far from me, that are doing great things, and I really dig what they’re doing. Foals are also getting a lot of airtime in our house too! They never disappoint!
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
That would have to be Radiohead.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
What people take from the songs you write. I love hearing what a song means to people; how they relate to it. It’s always interesting to know which songs people like the most. Songs that I think people may not favour are usually the songs people like the most.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The industry, I guess. Anybody involved in it will know what I mean. So many artists experience the gruelling agony of working so hard at what they do for very little or no recognition, even though the music that they’re creating is outstanding. That can be very hard to take at times.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Do what you’re doing for the love of it. Do your own thing and what will be, will be. Success comes in many different forms in the music game so be grateful for everything that comes your way.
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Alex Ohm's new single 'Joy' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.