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Jeremy Williams-Chalmers
Arts Correspondent
@jeremydwilliams
8:54 AM 2nd December 2014
arts

Interview: Chris Selman and Simon Williams

 
Manchester-based pop duo Chris Selman and Simon Williams have had quite a year. Following the release of their critically acclaimed EP Loaded Gun, the band toured nationally and had their music featured on BBC Radio 6 Music, XFM and in numerous episodes of prime time soap Hollyoaks. To celebrate their year, we caught up with frontman Chris to find out about their creative process.

When did you first realise you wanted to make music?

In my early teens I started out in covers bands, playing the usual indie songs. I was about 16 when I started writing seriously - I had a band in college and wrote a few of our songs. It was great fun and I loved the feeling of being on stage.

If you could go back to that day, what piece of advice would you give yourself?

Work smarter. I used to completely buy into the old ideology that if I played enough gigs I'd get spotted and signed. It took me a long time to realise that I'd need to do all the other stuff myself, too - writing press releases, managing social media, contacting press and radio etc - not as fun as gigs but needs doing!



What is your writing process?

Normally I wait for an idea to come to me - I rarely sit down and try to write. I'm inspired by events in everyday life as well as reading stories about other peoples' lives. My songs generally lean towards storytelling, there's usually a narrative in there.

Where do you look for inspiration?

Lyrically, much of my writing comes from personal experience, but also from stories friends have told me or that I read about. Musically I draw inspiration from a whole range of artists - I challenge myself to continually listen to new music.

If your music were a person, what would their personality be? Where do you think it would live?

I've always been told that a lot of my lyrics are quite dark - it's not a conscious thing, I just find these easier to write. Though I like to think there's usually some cautious optimism in there, it's not all bleak. So, I suppose someone a bit introverted and introspective, but optimistic. They'd live somewhere quiet and beautiful - a small town in the Pennines I reckon!

If you had to cite your biggest three influences, what would they be?

Ryan Adams, Counting Crows and Sufjan Stevens. They all have beautiful, poetic lyrics, married to some wonderful melodies and they create songs that I can listen to again and again.

What are your three favourite records of the moment?

Counting Crows have a lovely new song called 'Possibility Days', it has some really poignant lyrics. I've recently started to get into The Gaslight Anthem - heavier than my usual taste but their song '45' is very melodic and again, lyrically strong. And the latest Arctic Monkeys single, 'Snap Out of It', is a great little tune, very retro.

What song do you wish you had written?

'When the Stars Go Blue' by Ryan Adams. Not only is it a stunning song musically and lyrically, but there was a cover of it which was a big hit in America, so I'd have got the all royalties, too.

If you could collaborate with any living artist, who would it be?

Sufjan Stevens is about the most eclectic and eccentric writer I'm aware of - a lot of his songs are ridiculously overblown. I imagine working with him would be incredible.

Touring is a big part of a musicians life, what are your tour must haves?

A good night's sleep is the main thing - it's impossible to have the energy to perform well without plenty of rest. Access to lots of water and vaguely healthy food is a must, too - it's very easy to resort to convenience food but a diet of burgers and crisps can leave one quite lethargic.

What makes a good live show?

Energy, passion and engaging the crowd. I've toured for long enough to have a decent bit of local knowledge about the towns and cities we play. It's important for building rapport - if you can get the crowd on side, they're more likely to listen and engage.

What has been your favourite performance to date?

Words & Noises is still very much in it's infancy, but Simon and I have been in bands before. We did an amazing show at the Manchester Academy early in 2012 - we played a great set, we were well rehearsed and there were loads of people there. Great atmosphere, loved every minute.