In this edition of #CREATORTALK, we speak to Portsmouth-based musician Ollie Goodwin (@olliegoodwinmusic_ on Instagram). #CREATORTALK is a series of articles and interviews, with a focus on the creative industries and the the talent working within them.
PW- Hey Ollie! How’s it going?
Haha everything is going well, super busy!
PW- So, first thing’s first. For those who don’t know yet, how would you sum up who you are and what you do?
Okay so I’m a singer/songwriter from Portsmouth, UK. I usually play and write alone. I play a lot of acoustic, ambient and fingerstyle guitar with percussive elements, and sing songs that reflect my life or mind frame.
PW- You’re currently working on new music, following a short break. What can we expect from the new project?
You can expect a few full band songs, with cool beats and big harmonies, as well as acoustic stripped back songs. I’m planning to get a load of music videos down for a number of songs from the new album as well as plenty more shows.
PW- You recently debuted some new tracks at a gig at The Loft in Southsea. How was it playing your new music for the first time?
If I’m honest it was quite nerve-racking playing an entirely new set list, all with songs I’ve written in the past 8 months. But it was great fun to finally perform them and I look forward to the next time!
PW- As an artist, who do you draw most inspiration from?
When it comes to the music I write, I find it hard to associate it with inspiration from an external source. It’s more the way I’m feeling at the time, which determines how a song may come out. I used to play a lot of heavier music like metal and pop punk, and I feel little elements of that style reflect in my guitar playing.
PW- What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Highlight of my music career to date was probably playing Butserfest 3 years ago
PW- This blog focuses heavily on creativity and the real person behind the art. How does creativity affect you on a day to day basis? Do you get super inspired out and about, or is it more of a focused effort, where you can shut off from the world and just think?
I guess all of the above haha. Sometimes I write lyrics on the move, things pop in to my head at work or at the gym, and I always write them down and build from it later. When it comes to writing instrumentals, that usually comes from me just sitting on the end of my bed playing guitar and just randomly coming up with something. Every now and then I’ll sit and go out of my way to try and write a song, but I suffer with writer’s block a fair amount, so it doesn’t usually prove productive.
PW- We all know that being creative can sometimes be as much of a curse as it is a gift. How do you best cope on the “off” days we are all so used to? If you’re just not feeling it, for example?
I wish i could say I cope well with the off days but most of the time it’s a disaster. Most of my songs come from these dark patches, and playing my guitar does make me feel a little more myself when I’m feeling a bit lost. But most of the time, if I’m not feeling it I have a tendency to run and hide. Bury my head in the sand if you like.
PW- There’s a lot of talk in the industry about declining budgets across the board, whether it be in production, music videos, press etc. How important do you feel it is for artists to keep creating this content, and taking control of their brand?
Without the artist there wouldn’t be anyone in the production of music. I feel it’s a mutual need for one and other, it all goes hand in hand. I don’t think anything should be cut, people still need to make a living, but I feel there should be more collaborative schemes to help artists get the help they need for traditionally expensive stuff like recording and videos. And in return, the artists can help promote the company with the videos, shows, social media etc.
PW- And final question! It’s more of an invitation actually. Use the next few sentences to self-promote the hell out of what you’re up to, what we can watch/ listen to- no judgement!
I have 2 very old music videos on youtube, Painted Black and Grown Apart. As well as 5 old recorded tracks on Soundcloud. But the new songs are coming very soon! Keep an eye out 🙂
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