Despite being a veteran of the live music circuit with shows at Glastonbury and Meltdown (where she was handpicked by The Cure's Robert Smith), as well as at over 50 Sofar Sound performances and tours around the U.K., Europe, and Thailand, London-based artist Erawan has only just begun her solo career as she delivers her euphoric sophomore single 'White Noise'.
Taking influence from a wide range of acts including Joni Mitchel, Nirvana and Bjork, 'White Noise' is an intoxicating mix of alt-rock, "fairy" folk, leftfield pop and free jazz. With its diverse approach to instrumentation, free flowing melody, and her own lofty vocals, be sure to check this one out before she explodes onto the scene.
So with the new single out and about, we sat down with her to find out more about her background and what has inspired her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Voice! I really love accents and wanted to get into voice over work when I was a child. When I discovered that cartoons were not people in costumes, I wanted to do exactly that. Voices. Jim Carrey! Robin Williams! Then it lead into singing and memorising Disney songs. I probably drove my mother crazy with all the early singing!
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
I guess there were always elements of musical theatre and folk/storytelling art (Joni Mitchell, Sheila Chandra, Tracey Chapman, Bob Marley and Cat Stevens). I can’t really pinpoint it. I have had so much change within myself that, artistically it changes with me. During my teen years, I was very angry, so I discovered Nirvana and Rage against the Machine. Now I am very open to most music. Guess that means I am maturing.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Kula Shaker, Bjork, Pixies, The Smiths, The Cure, Nirvana, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Rage Against The Machine. I could go on.
What inspires you to make music?
Melody, rhythm, interesting stories. I write very personal most of the time. But what I find most important to me is melody. I hear melodies in my head all the time.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
It changes all the time, because I tend to over do it while listening. But right now Joanna Newsom.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
I don’t know, maybe 4 strong ones. About the people that have hurt me. 4 strong hurtful songs.
What has been the funniest moment in your career so far?
This year.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Joanna Newsom.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
Acting. I am just too shy.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Don’t be a yes man.
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Erawan's new single 'White Noise' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.