Having shown himself to be a bright and fully capable singer and songwriter since he was a wee lad, Reading-based Calum Foad has now returned with one of his most captivating releases to date in the form of 'Hope'.
Blending his strong and euphoric vocals with a bright and uplifting piano-led production, 'Hope' looks to mirror the emotional turmoil that many have been facing since the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown. With its atmospheric direction and heartfelt emotion, his newest release is something we all need to hear right now.
So with his new offering finally in our laps, we sat down with him to find out more about his earliest beginnings and what has brought him to this point in his career.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I started playing piano aged 6, but the first instrument I truly fell in love with was guitar. I used to obsess over bands and what gear/set-up their guitarists had… I got into synths later on when I discovered a love for both 80s & dance music.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
It’s cliché, but life experience. I’ve been fortunate enough to make tracks at several year intervals and it’s amazing how your own personal tastes and experiences formulate what you produce musically.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
As an early teen, I was unashamedly all about your quintessential ‘emo’ rock (some of which I still listen to now – I still wreck my voice on a monthly basis singing along to My Chemical Romance’s Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge… See, it wasn’t ‘just a phase’, mum). By my late teens I’d moved onto a combination of effectively Cyndi Lauper, Jamiroquai and Drum & Bass.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
Green Day – Basket Case. No question about it.
When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
It entirely depends, this morning I felt quite get up & go, so was hammering Pendulum and Chase & Status through my studio monitors.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
Nearly every song I’ve written has a started as a thought process that someone in my life has kick started. Not in a ‘break up – I hate you’ style, but even from a point of empathy with their scenario or their feelings. I’m also getting a lot more introspective as I get older, so I write a lot about my own shortcomings too.
What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
I’ve had some really bizarre, pinch yourself moments, with artists I grew up listening to – that’s always cool. But as a whole, the opportunity to work with some of these artists has been massive, on both a personal achievement front and validation for what I’m doing as an artist.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
I’m desperately trying to wrack my brain to think of anything remotely interesting to say – but the truth is, outside of my own music, my passion is really just other genres of music. I love dance music especially - at the minute, during lockdown I’m obsessed with listening to live stream mixes.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
I worked for a pharmaceutical company for a while – I was alright at that, I guess. But, once again, I don’t really know, I’ve not really got many qualifications – I’ve never really had a plan B.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to stay productive through the coronavirus lockdown?
Release more music, it’s about 8000x more work than you’d expect it to be during lockdown – that’ll keep you busy. I kid, of course (although it is tricky doing everything remotely!). I honestly think it’s just accepting that you aren’t going to be productive every day… Mental health is a funny old thing and we’re in strange unchartered waters at the minute, just don’t beat yourself up if you have a slow day.
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Calum Foad's new single 'Hope' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.