Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with unsigned UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with unsigned singer Conrad Ashton to find out more…
Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
Received my first guitar aged 5 actually and it just progressed from there, my folks are big music lovers and I was hammered with Elvis, Buddy Holly, The Beatles, The Stones, Dave Clark 5 and even ABBA and Motown so a great mix and definitely sounds that make up what I do today!
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
Basically what I was raised on in particular The Beatles and definitely The Who in particular.
How would you describe your sound?
A modern evolution of what music used to stand for! I forget who came up with that it wasn’t me! But I like how it sounds for sure!
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
‘Those were the days’ and it is a full band version of the song of the same name that was on my August 2020 ep ‘No post on Sundays’ basically a song about reminiscing on the past and being strong going forward but I believe it could have multiple meanings and as always with my music it’s whatever the listener wants it to be about.
What’s your local music scene like?
Non-existent really but Newcastle is fab 25 mile north of me and where I like to play original material isn’t really welcome around the local area I live people, just want covers and things like that which is cool but if you wanna go as far as possible and escape the 9 to 5 like I do gotta spread your wings man! That’s why I loved living in Leeds, such a great hub of creativity and until Covid was great to still make the 160 mile round trip to play there.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
After ‘Those were the days’ I am not sure hopefully keep the discussions going with the independent labels, things went a bit flat with Covid and yet another lockdown but I’m sure someone will have me!
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
If we’re talking alive then definitely in no particular order Paul McCartney, Ronnie Wood and Mick and Keith, Weller and either of the Gallagher brothers, oh and Elton John probs, none of that will happen but nice to dream!
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
Not really, only if something goes wrong, I’m pretty self-deprecating haha but I’m all business and a bag of nerves all the time but I love playing live, what it’s all about really!
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
That I’m passionate about making people happy with my music and I hope it can help other people. I write with a lot of passion for life and I hope it can be a soundtrack to their lives and like I say to help people.
You can find out more about Conrad on his website or via Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, Twitter or YouTube.
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