After the stellar response to his much-loved debut album 'Carousel' last year, South African singer-songwriter Ross Learmouth is now back on the grind once again to unveil his uplifting new single 'Because Of You'.
Bringing back more of that warm and lofty pop-rock aesthetic he is known for, 'Because Of You' makes for an incredibly rich and inviting listen. With his captivating vocal style soaring across an anthemic production from start to finish, he returns to the fold with one of his most alluring efforts yet.
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?
The first instrument I ever fell in love with was a Spanish guitar that was hanging on a wall at a friend’s house, it was unplayable and more of a decoration than anything, I took it from the wall and strummed away to make some kind of sound out of it, it sounded horrible, but to me it was the beginning of something that would change my life forever.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I loved and still love heavy music, but when I was a youngster the heavier and more rebellious the music the better. It was a great time to be a teenager, the bands that were making waves back then were just incredible. From Sepultura to Nirvana and Soundgarden. Was an amazing time for music.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I ever bought was Bryan Adams, it was as the robin hood movie came out, I was obsessed. I bought the cassette tape and listened to ‘everything I do’ on my Walkman on repeat.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“Everything I Do” by Bryan Adams ha-ha, no there are so many songs that I wish I'd written, anything from Fleetwood Mac, but I really wish I'd written yesterday from the Beatles. It is such a beautifully sad song that stops me in my tracks every time, it’s really hit hard at parts of my life.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I am constantly recording on my phone, a little riff here, a vocal line there while driving or walking around. I just allow every melody idea to come out. I’m very proud of my voice notes haha.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I am loving the following artists currently:
Moonga K - Garden (love this soul/popm record
Léon – dirt
Lewis del mar- masterpiece
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would love to open a show for Ed Sheeran or Lewis Capaldi. Their crowds sing along the loudest, on the alternative side would love to open up for Father John Misty.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
You get to connect and be part of complete strangers' lives in the most amazing ways, you get to hang around and play this music that you all love and can resonate with, it truly is magic.
And what is the most frustrating part?
As much as I absolutely love touring, my ultimate dream is to announce a 2 year tour. The traveling can wear you down, just being in a bus or van for days and months on end can be really hard, mentally and physically. But it is worth it all in the end!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Enjoy yourself, if you are not enjoying it then what is the point.? That and consult a music lawyer before you sign ANYTHING’.
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Ross Learmouth's new single 'Because Of You' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.