A Chat with FRNDS AS CMPNY (09.04.21)
Melding elements of indie-rock and commercial pop, FRNDS AS CMPNY has a unique, eclectic sound. Featured in Lost in the Manor and online radio stations, the London-based artist is reaching audiences across the globe. We speak with FRNDS AS CMPNY about ‘Who Killed Paradise?’, early memories, future plans and more.
OSR: What drew you to music?
FRNDS AS CMPNY: Music has always been my solace while growing up, as well as a teacher in some respects. I grew up an only child and my company has always been the voices and sounds coming from the stereo.
OSR: What can you tell us about your single ‘Who Killed Paradise?’?
FRNDS AS CMPNY: ‘Who Killed Paradise?’ was my wake up call to the first world. An alarm/warning to whoever listens. In my mind, it is asking us were you there and if you were what did you do when it was crumbling in front of your eyes. Covid-19 brought a lot of things to light. The most obvious was that we were in a situation where the blind were/are leading the blind. That our society is so fragile when just a little pressure is involved.
OSR: What was the writing and recording process like?
FRNDS AS CMPNY: The writing and recording progress for me is quite therapeutic and has an ease of flow. I normally write while laying in bed then go into my studio and just write what’s on my mind at the time. Whether starting with a melody, a specific lyric or the music.
OSR: What is the backstory to the music video for ‘Who Killed Paradise?’?
FRNDS AS CMPNY: It is about a man who represents society who finds himself trapped in some type of facility. Filled with nightmares of destruction and experiments and he’s fighting for his insanity. I couldn’t help but touch on our current situation being Covid-19 and being put in lockdown; that feeling of stifled and suffocating was paramount for me. I wanted people to feel uneasy watching it. So, they could grasp a little of what is going on inside his mind. I wanted those few moments of stillness and tranquillity to be golden and then we take the viewer through the motions all over again.
OSR: Why did you choose to film an official music video for the track?
FRNDS AS CMPNY: We were in lockdown and I thought these lyrics need to be seen. Honestly, the majority of the time I always have images when I write. This time I had some of the equipment myself and was in lockdown; it was Boxing Day, so I got creative.
OSR: Did you face any challenges when recording the video?
FRNDS AS CMPNY: Honestly, recording the video was not a problem at all. I just went tunnel-vision that night/day. I had images in my mind for so long that I guess when it came to the nitty gritty parts it was all made simple.
OSR: If you could change anything about the track what would it be?
FRNDS AS CMPNY: With this song in particular there is nothing I would change; maybe the drums a bit more in your face, but honestly with this song I was satisfied.
OSR: What inspires you to make music?
FRNDS AS CMPNY: Life and the world around me make me want to make music. Telling stories and settling a scenario with sounds, vocals and lyrics. There is nothing better.
OSR: What is your earliest memory?
FRNDS AS CMPNY: My earliest memory is probably having a boiling pot of soup spilt over me accidentally. I was at my nans playing hide and seek and decided to hide underneath the kitchen table at a family function. My cousin came under the table and I came out from under the table. I knocked the pot with my head and that was that. I was rushed to hospital and I still have a scar on my shoulder as it was down one side of my body.
OSR: If you could perform with any artist who would it be and why?
FRNDS AS CMPNY: I would love to perform with FKA Twiggs because I believe she uses every part of herself for her art. She is not just about the music, it is visuals too. I also love Tyler, the Creator, Childish Gambino and a new artist called Teezo Touchdown. Also, I’ve always loved The Wombats – lyrically and their sound. ‘1996’ and ‘Greek Tragedy’ are still two songs I listen to.
OSR: Do you have future plans?
FRNDS AS CMPNY: To keep enjoying making music and stay true to me.
Thanks to FRNDS AS CMPNY for speaking with us. For more from FRNDS AS CMPNY check out his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
