Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with unsigned UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with unsigned Essex based singer Joe Turone to find out more…
Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I’m from Hertfordshire, UK – and I first got into music as a part of a musical duo with a childhood friend of mine. My dad was also a musician, so I was constantly surrounded by his music growing up – making this quite a natural transition. From there I was just another self-taught music-maker until I went to university in 2013 and got my degree in Audio Production. I then started writing and producing with other bands and artists, which eventually led to the birth of my solo project.
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
I listened to a LOT of Eminem growing up, I then discovered bands like Fall Out Boy and Linkin Park. I’m now inspired by the likes of Bleachers, Wilco, Bon Iver and Jon Bellion.
How would you describe your sound?
Self-reflective pop melodies, and textured production with a folkish sensibility. A lot of my upcoming album that is due to come out is riddled with acoustic guitars and drum machines. I often bill myself as Alternative/Indie-Pop.
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
I just released my latest song “Fly on the Wall” a couple of weeks ago, and it’s probably the most literal song I’ve ever written on the surface. It’s about a fly…. on a wall. In all seriousness though, every now and then, when I’m writing a song I’ll turn to Reddit in search of songwriting prompts. The prompt I found on the day I wrote this song literally said “write a song about a fly on a wall”. Moments later this became a song about a creature who doesn’t understand morals or emotions, who is watching a person having a bad day. The creature has questions and this song is its way of trying to understand.
What’s your local music scene like?
We used to have this great music venue in Harlow called The Square which was like the centrepiece for our local music scene. It closed down a couple of years ago, so ever since it seems like most of my local scene are now merging with the London music scene. Which is great as London feels like it’s the heart of the music scene in the UK.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months? Any albums or festivals?
I have a new album completed, my second solo project in fact. But I’ve decided to roll it out one song at a time, so LOTS of music and videos are on the horizon. I’m working on some music for podcasts and I’m also due to play a load of gigs too.
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
I would love to produce something with Jack Antonoff from Bleachers, and write with either Steven Fiore (Young Mister) or Simon Neill (Biffy Clyro).
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
I recently played a gig and halfway through my set I realised I had tissue stuck to the bottom of my shoe – and I could see people looking down at the tissue and I was completely unsure whether to address it or not. I didn’t, but after I tried to convince people it was “a part of my act” haha.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
I like to think my music catalogue has something for everyone, I’m inspired by so many different genres and musicians that a piece of that ends up in a new song all the time. So if you’ve heard of me – then thanks for listening! And if you haven’t – then check some of my stuff out, you might find something you love! 🙂
You can find out more about Joe via Apple Music, Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, Twitter or YouTube.
HOME 