HOME

Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with unsigned UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with unsigned London based singer Chris Pidsley to find out more…

Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I’m originally from Gloucestershire but moved to London in 2018 for work. I first started playing music at primary school, playing clarinet in multiple youth orchestras and bands. I started guitar when I went to secondary school after being inspired by the film School of Rock and began writing songs at around 16 when I became all angsty and hormonal. My family is quite musical as well so that definitely helped.

Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
Growing up I was really into the old rock bands like Led Zeppelin, Guns N Roses and of course The Beatles. As I grew up I expanded my music tastes to more modern bands and fell in love with all kinds of genres especially pop-punk bands like All Time Low and Fall Out Boy. Recently I listen to anything and everything! Artists that have inspired and influenced my own songs of late include Rex Orange County, Cavetown and The 1975.

How would you describe your sound?
I think my style crosses multiple genres. I’m mainly acoustic lead indie-pop but there’s influences of pop-punk in there as well as more acoustic singer-songwriter vibes and even some more jazz inspired bedroom pop as well. I like to always explore new sounds and just experiment with whatever I’m feeling that day.

What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
My latest release is my debut EP “Daisies.” It was written over the past year and all its lockdowns. The main themes are about summer nostalgia and loves both past and present. The songs are influenced by artists such as Rex Orange County (the jazz influenced maj7 chords and tongue-in-cheek lyrics), Ed Sheeran (a more acoustic approach with heartfelt lyrics and light melodies), Cavetown (acoustic guitar meeting electronic drums and a bedroom pop feel) and The (more upbeat with use of drum kits and an indie pop band sound).

What’s your local music scene like?
Before the pandemic the local scene was amazing. Both open mics and headline gigs were everywhere and I tried to play as often as possible. I’ve met multiple musicians doing the same circuit and created lasting relationships with them as well.

What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
At the moment i’m focusing on the release and promotion of my debut EP. I have an EP launch gig coming in August as well as my first full-band gig! I’m looking forward to playing the new songs and hopefully picking up some fans along the way. I also have lots of songs in the pipeline for future releases which I can’t wait to work more on and hopefully collaborate with fellow musicians.

Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
In a perfect world I’d love to collaborate with my favourite artists like Cavetown and maybe even a different genre like Loyle Carner or Dominc Fike, something that would provide an awesome new flavour to my music. I hope to keep collaborating with local musicians as well as I find great new ideas can come form multiple minds!

Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
I’ve had multiple performances to limited crowds and even just bar staff before! A few times I’ve had to make up the words to some of my songs as I totally forgotten them but then end up liking the made up lyrics better!

What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
I make music I love and I just want people to find some relatability with my songs and enjoy what I put out there! I have no idea what I’m doing but I love what I do!

You can find out more about Chris via Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, Twitter or YouTube.