After recently taking a hiatus to refine his production skills alongside an esteemed British DJ and producer in recent years, Surrey-based singer-songwriter Will Kelsey has now made his eagerly-awaited return with the vibrant new single 'Screens'.
Bringing back more of that warm and heartfelt aesthetic he first emerged with, 'Screens' makes for a rousing return for the artist at the helm. With its sweet and tender textures, sweeping atmosphere, and his own shimmering vocals layered throughout, he is returning to the fold with one of his most compelling efforts to date here.
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 fell in love with was the tuba. I have great memories as a young child watching a brass band play in our village square every Christmas sitting on top of my Dad’s shoulders to see over the crowd. However guitar has always been my main instrument ever since I received one as a present for my 8th birthday and have loved it ever since.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
The music I listened to when I was younger was heavily influenced by my parent’s contrasting taste in music. My Dad always used to listen to country and soft rock while my Mum always listened to 90s house music as well as James Blunt and Sting. Growing up surrounded by so many different styles of music has definitely had an impact on the music I write now.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I actually owned two very different albums. One album was “All The Right Reasons” by Nickelback and the other was “JLS” by JLS. I used to listen to them both all the time.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
That’s easy for me ! I really wished I had written “Seven Days” by Sting. For me it has such a class to the sound and instrumentation as well as that unsettling time signature that keeps you guessing all the time. Sting has definitely had an influence on my choice of instruments as well as my lyrics.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Yeah I definitely have my own way of doing things. Everyone is different but I always write and compose the music before I even think about the lyrics. That allows my lyrics to flow more with the music I write.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I actually have a selection of artists I am listening to at the moment. The main artist that I listen to at the moment is David J. The other is James Kirby who I saw play live at my local arts centre and just fell in love with his style.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
That’s a tough one. For me, it would have to be between Sting and John Mayer, especially if it was in the O2 or Madison Square Gardens. I can’t imagine the rush of performing in such an amazing venue with either of them as they have both had such an influence on the way I write and play.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
For me, it’s seeing joy in the purest form on peoples faces as they are listening to your music. That connection with the audience over something you have put so much passion into is such a great feeling that is hard to compare with anything else.
And what is the most frustrating part?
If I had to name one thing it would be the legalities of releasing your music. It’s a lot to consider but it’s all part of reaching that point of releasing when you can enjoy your fans reacting to your song or your creation.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I’ve been one of the lucky ones to have so many great people around me over the years but the one piece of advice that has really stuck with me would be not to lose yourself along the way. I always want to remain myself so that people can focus on the music I produce and like me for who I am.
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Will Kelsey's new single 'Screens' is available to stream now. Watch the new video for it in the player below.