A Chat with Chay Snowdon (22.10.20)
Emerging as one of the best indie-rock meets rock ‘n’ roll bands in the UK, Chay Snowdon is bound to make waves on both a national and international scale. A follow-up to their well-received track ‘What The Kids Want’, Chay Snowdon releases a new single TODAY! With a cheeky grin and sexy wink, he speaks to us about ‘Tough Guys Die First’, future plans and bad advice.
OSR: What is the backstory to ‘Tough Guys Die First’?
Snowdon: ‘Tough Guys Die First’ was really developed because of my love for the villain in a classic film. So I took this and put it in a more modern context. A lot of my writing is all observational and this tune is very much that.
OSR: What was the recording and writing process like?
Snowdon: It was certainly very different that’s for sure. We recorded straight after the lockdown was lifted, so to maintain social distancing we were in a caravan on the drive and one at a time went down to the live room. John Cornfield (the producer) was in the mixing room, we didn’t see him in person once I don’t think! ? It was still a very creative atmosphere though, so that really helped with keeping the ideas flowing. It was a fantastic experience!
OSR: Did you face any challenges when producing ‘Tough Guys Die First’?
Snowdon: I suppose the only challenge was maintaining social distancing when we were in the studio, which wasn’t too hard at all. So all things considered, it was a pretty seamless process.
OSR: The track is taken from your upcoming 2021 debut EP. What can you tell us about the EP?
Snowdon: It sure is! It’s the second single from the EP following ‘What The Kids Want’. The EP is called Are You Sitting Comfortably? Then We’ll Begin. I chose this title to really follow the classic film vibe that runs through it. There’s some new songs on there that no one has heard and some old ones that people will know from the live shows! I can’t wait to get it out there.
OSR: What is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Snowdon: I would say, to make the music I would want to listen to. Don’t try and make music you think people want to hear because that’s been done. Do what you enjoy and you’ll see the passion in that too.
OSR: What about the worst piece of advice?
Snowdon: To do a whole song in Spanish. I mean, I used to live there but come on, I can barely remember my lyrics in English! ?
OSR: If you were an animal, what type of animal would you be and why?
Snowdon: Hmm…I think a dog. I know that’s not too exciting, but I love dogs and I could literally sit around doing nothing all day. Sounds class. ?
OSR: What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Snowdon: I don’t like to admit it, but probably check social media and replay to any emails I’ve received but missed…and, of course, read the latest review from The Other Side Reviews!
OSR: Covid lockdown has been a nightmare for most people, but is there any upside to having to stay at home?
Snowdon: I think the upside would be that I had loads of time to write. Some tunes I’m definitely going to take to the lads and others I hope never see the light of day!
OSR: I read in The Guardian that the UK live music and festival sector is at risk of collapse due to Covid-19. What are your thoughts on this?
Snowdon: I think it would be a huge shame, definitely! But people love live music and the minute gigging can commence as normal I’ve no doubt UK live music fans will rally together and get back down the front.
OSR: What are your future plans?
Snowdon: When we can, we really, really, really want to go back out on tour! That’s number one for us. We just want to play live again so that’s our plans for the future. It would be amazing to play the EP live.
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Snowdon: Just thank you for all the support so far and cheers for listening to me ramble on! I hope you enjoy ‘Tough Guys Die First’ and the EP.
Thanks to Chay Snowdon for chatting with us. You can find out more about him on their official website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Spotify.
