Interview with common goldfish.
Interviewed by Laury Verdoux
Tottenham’s rising indie artist common goldfish is gearing up for the release of his debut EP, including some great indie tracks that are perfect for a summer playlist. The EP's lead single is called "On the Sidelines" and it blends together aspects of punk, indie, and psychedelia. The track's lively mix of modern and classic sounds is catchy, but it also explores a profound theme. We got to chat with common goldfish around his latest release.
Kat Terek
Can you start by telling us what's the story behind this unique stage name?
Its the story of a regular fish just looking for a good time.
Your new single "On The Sidelines" combines elements of psychedelia, punk, and indie. Can you talk about how you brought these diverse influences together in your music and what you hope to convey with this unique blend of genres?
I draw on multiple genres and eras to influence me and every song might be different. It’s also something that happens kind of subconsciously, and sometimes only after I’ve created a song, do I realise what inspired it. I think that was the case with On The Sidelines! Looking back there’s definitely elements of 60s/70s psychedlelia, but some 90s britpop and big beat also.
This is actually the first song I’ve released where I’d written it on the guitar, before starting the production/recording process. I had the chords and melody line already mapped out in my head. A friend had sent me a 60’s style drum loop they’d recorded themselves. After adding in some beefier kicks and snares, I was exploring a few different ideas. This idea came out pretty quickly and seemed to match the pace and feel of the groove instantly, and so I started to get some things down.
Within a few hours the track was largely recorded, and I stayed in the studio that night until it was done. There weren’t many changes made after that. It’s very raw, but I think that’s what I like about it.
What do you usually draw inspiration from and what's your creative process like?
In terms of inspiration, it can come from anywhere really. I’m generally always mindful of potential signals that might inspire a new idea. It can be as simple as a conversation I’m having with someone, reading an article or a book, or just a thought on a walk. In that moment I try and capture as much as possible through voice notes. This can create awkward social interactions, when you have to suddenly nip off mid-conversation to note something down. But it’s a small price to pay and worth it!
When I’m in the studio I usually start by making a beat (often cutting up old-school break beat samples) and play around with the bass, until I’ve found a good groove. Then it’s a case of looping the groove, and layering other elements moving from guitar, piano to synths, and getting as much down as possible. This is the point I usually draw on my bank of undeveloped voice notes! Vocals usually come last.
I use Ableton, and really like working in the Live view. It enables a really fluid production process, in which you can record elements and create arrangements without having to commit to a song structure until you have all of the elements.
Your music has been described as a blend of hedonism and nostalgia, touching on 90s house music, Madchester, and British psychedelia. Can you discuss how you incorporate these retro-inspired elements into your fresh and contemporary sound?
Again I’m not sure I consciously incorporate these elements to my sound. I think it’s just a function of loving these different eras of music! I think I’m naturally drawn to feel good and uplifting rhythms and sounds, and I think they were particularly feel-good eras for music. Artists like Primal Scream, Happy Monday, Blur , Fatboy Slim all big influences.
I think having a fairly broad range of influences helps me, in the sense that it creates a wider playground for new sonic discovery. I probably make music in a way that is more in line with electronic producers, i.e creating loops and beats on ableton and making music in a small studio. Then when applying more organic elements (used in Rock/Indie/Punk), it just sounds a bit different to bands recording in a proper studio. I think this combination of the two worlds may be why some call it fresh, I’m not too sure!
Can you tell us more about your upcoming debut EP and the inspiration behind it? How would you describe the overall sound and themes explored in the EP?
Yes! Its basically 4 ubpeat and uplifting tracks that I hope will take the listener on a journey through the eras. It captures the spirit of a psychedelic sun-drenched summer in London, and draws inspiration from 60s psychedelic rock, baggy sounds of the 90s and early house.
Its optimistic, its nostalgic but it touches on deeper important themes of loss of connectedness and increasing division online. It’s about people coming together through music.
What do you want people to take away from your music and what do you hope listeners will remember about common goldfish's music?
I want my music to make people feel good, letting go of the ego and unleashing the wild side. We shouldn’t take for granted the ability to spend time with our mates getting loose. For me life is about accumulating memories not materials. I want that to come across to anyone that listens and enjoys the music.