Having already established himself with a wealth of shimmering delights these last few years, emerging singer-songwriter JJ Sterry is back once again to deliver his breezy new single 'Another Man'.
Lifted from his eagerly-awaited debut EP, which is set to land later this year, 'Another Man' makes for a beautifully rich and tender listen. With his sweet and sweeping vocals spread across a vibrant acoustic-led production throughout, he continues to shine as one of the more captivating names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
We had an old upright piano in our living room that I was always fascinated by as a kid - my mum used to get it tuned religiously even though none of us could play it. I used to mess about with it occasionally, but it was guitar that I first learnt to really play. My Dad was quite a decent folk guitar player and he showed me the ropes. Then I ruined all that by just learning 3 chord punk songs.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
The folk stuff was always playing in the house, so I grew to love it- John Martyn, Fairport Convention etc. The Beatles obviously, again by a kind of osmosis. The first music I really found on my own was all the post-punk, early goth music. I really loved that whole period, must’ve felt like music could go anywhere, the bloody doors were off.
What was the first album you remember owning?
My Dad bought me 3 Dylan albums, they were part of some kind of offer with Q magazine. I didn’t like them at all, I hated his voice and the songs were too long, but I’ve since changed my mind. First album I ever bought with my own money was Sgt. Pepper, on CD I think. I vividly remember putting it on and lying on the floor in my bedroom eating a Burger King while it played.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
‘The Old Man’s Back Again’ by Scott Walker, although I could never sing it as well as he does.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not really, I’ve just learnt over time that you might have to thrash around in the dark for a bit, writing total vomit, before anything usable comes. It’s not like you’re Abraham or Moses or whoever, no divine inspiration suddenly hits you - not most of the time anyway - you kind of have to work a little for it. But that’s when the best stuff pops up…
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I love the Mary Wallopers, a proper sketchy Irish folk-punk band. I think some modern folk stuff can be a bit twee, they’re not. Chris Brain, Borough Council have put out a couple of good ones as of late… John Robert is a purveyor of excellence too, loads really…
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Dolly Parton, maybe. There’d be a special kind of energy on one of her tours.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Even on a rubbish day, if you’ve written one stupid song there’s a sense of achievement that I can’t say I really get from anything else. Maybe that tune just stays on your hard-drive, but at least you made something out of nothing.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Ahh I suppose just waiting around so much sometimes…wanting to be busier with music, life getting in the way etc.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
If you’re playing live, just be nice to the sound-engineer.
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JJ Sterry's new single 'Another Man' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.