We were lucky enough to catch up with the superb Newcastle based artist Pisco for an interview. He has released his stunning single ‘Thnx 4 Waiting’, in June 2020. Check out our interview below!
Tell us about yourself?
I am a Newcastle based music producer/singer-songwriter. I have taught myself how to produce over the last three years. Prior to this, I was a guitarist, who achieve a classical guitar scholarship at the Conservatorium of Music in Newcastle is 2016. After getting that I decided that I wanted to be more than just a guitarist and vocalist, so I started learning how to produce.
What is your songwriting process?
Firstly something will come into my head, for example maybe a melody or some sort of lyric or flow. I try then to record it / lay it down on a new track. I then expand on the idea, layer it & keep working on it until I deem it’s finished. Sometimes it can be a long process, day after day adding new thing then changing etc, or sometimes I get lucky and everything just falls into place.
This new track ‘Thnx 4 Waiting’ was one of these lucky times. I remember making the melody with the horns, and I just sat down with my headphones for an hour or two listening to the melody over and over. Then the next thing I knew, I was layering it with guitar and added a ‘Something Good’ – Utah Saints vibe and just went with it. And it turned out awesome! I feel the tracks I make are a little towards the trap, house and electronic vibe, but I do not want to be stuck in the one genre.
So I like the challenge myself and change it up. I make music depending on how I am feeling at the time, so it’s important to me that I lay down the foundations of the idea that comes into my head before I call it a night and work on it the next day.
Tell us about your latest release?
My latest release ‘Thnx 4 Waiting’ I tried to make something completely different from my trap vibes I normally love. I got a lot of inspiration from the house scene, which seems to be blowing up around the world lately. It seemed from the track ‘Something Good’ _ Utah Saints
What message do you think your music conveys to your fans?
I’m hoping that my ‘Like Rodman’ EP I am working on portrays the difficulties of being original, and how being yourself no matter what is so important. Just like Dennis Rodman, he didn’t let anyone change who he was, and he rode with it. “Individualism is infectious.”
Who are your musical influences?
My number #1 would be Post Malone, also, Flume, SLUMBERJACK, Maala, RL Grime, The Kid LAROI, Marshmello, DJ Snake, Drake, Freddie Mercury, Chance The Rapper, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and John Butler.
Who are your non-musical influences?
Dennis Rodman & Micheal Jordan. The way Denis Rodman just does what he believes in and loves, and won’t let anyone change him and doesn’t care who judges him. His way of thinking is very different and unique, and I love it. Micheal Jordan’s mentality that won him six championships. I want that mentality towards the music and work I do. If you believe in yourself and what you make and do, then don’t stop, don’t quit and don’t ever give up
What is your funniest gig moment?
My first big gig at the Cambridge Hotel in Newcastle, I was so so so nervous but also excited. I remember in song number 6 or 7 I was getting some confidence and really enjoying and getting into my live performance (I believe that you need to put on a show for the audience, and give them as much energy as you can so they can give that same energy back. Because in the end, they are paying to see a show, so you better put on a show!) Anyway I was really getting into it, and I remember the beat was about to drop and I had my eyes closed really ripping it until I tripped on my guitar chord and nearly ended up on top of my drummer and his drum kit.
What do you think are the biggest obstacles for bands/artists today?
The biggest obstacles in the music industry when starting out, in my opinion, is #1 trying to find your sound, & #2 marketing and selling your music. Also trying to get your music heard and your name out there. Social media obviously helps, but it’s such a difficult task to get your music heard and to get a steady and healthy fan base.
What advice would you give to other bands/artists starting out?
Learn as much as you can, ask as many questions as you can work with as many different musicians as you can and try and find your sound. I am still trying to find my sound, and I’ve been producing for three years.
What are your hopes for the next two years?
Within the next two years, my three main goals are to hear myself on the radio (one of my biggest goals), and also complete and put out my debut EP ‘Like Rodman’. Lastly, to play at a music festival (hopefully, they will be back up and running by that time).
FV Music Blog June 2020
https://www.instagram.com/piscomusic/
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