A Chat with Code E1 (25.05.23)
The musical project of Nick Cody in collaboration with remixer Black Star Liner, Code E1 is a genre-defying form of sonic sublimeness. We speak with artist Nick Cody about Code E1’s album Year of the Bat Cat, musical inspiration, future plans, and advice for new artists.
OSR: How did Code E1 come about?
Cody: My producer Carl Rosamond had a request from remixer Black Star Liner to remix one of my tracks. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but when it came back I absolutely loved that it now sounded like something David Byrne might create. He said, “You got any more?” and I said “Sure”, as during Covid I was busier than a one-armed window cleaner working in my studio. We worked up 34 tracks in 14 months, and 10 are appearing on the debut album Year of the Bat Cat which is just released on all digital platforms and as a CD. I am delighted with the results.
OSR: What inspires you to make music?
Cody: Inspiration comes from many sources, sometimes from life observations, sometimes from an idea that gets stuck in my head and sometimes a rhythm that comes to mind. I never know when an idea for a song will appear. Often, it feels like it’s an automatic process, and I’m like one giant data link from the heavens to earth for messages and sounds to manifest! Also, long-time friends in the music business like Martin Simpson, Jon Gomm, Jim Glennie and Tim Booth from James have been a massive catalyst for musical creation.
OSR: What can you tell us about your album Year of the Bat Cat?
Cody: It’s 10 very different tracks with great melodies and strong beats to spark the brain and tap your feet. My long-time great friend and vocal teacher Agi is on many tracks doing vocals and Ella Playford also features on ‘All Kinds of Crazy’. It’s a full-on pure pop album and great to dance to.
OSR: If you could change anything about Year of the Bat Cat, what would it be?
Cody: There’s nothing I would change, it’s 10 perfect tracks that fuse the beats and rhythms of Black Star Liner with my original song ideas. It’s rare to complete an album and be 100% happy with it, but I am.
OSR: What do you hope people take from your music?
Cody: I hope people feel totally inspired and energised and full of optimism for the future.
OSR: If you were stranded on a desert island and could take only one thing, what would it be? No phones or boats allowed.
Cody: Aside from my wife and two rogue cats Charlie and Phoebe, I’d take my Shimo Japanese custom-built instrument that helped me write many songs.
OSR: Describe Code E1 in one word.
Cody: Unpredictable.
OSR: What advice do you have for upcoming artists?
Cody: Stay true to your own ideas and don’t get distracted by what’s “popular” or considered “cool” in the current music business. Also, stay independent and don’t sign anything without reading the often very small print. Finally work with those who embrace creativity through collaboration, which is the ethos of Green Eyed Records (www.greeneyedrecords.co.uk), and avoid those characters who shy away from such sentiments.
OSR: What is something you predict will exist in 10 years that doesn’t today?
Cody: A return to truly valuing and properly rewarding artists both financially and in terms of artistic recognition and the end of Spotify which does no favours to assisting artists make a living.
OSR: What does the future hold for Code E1?
Cody: The Bat Cat in Code E1 has come like Godzilla to restore a much-needed energy to wake people up to realise that music is the force that connects all of us as one entity.
Many thanks to Nick Cody for speaking with us. For more from Code E1, check out his official website, Facebook, Twitter and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustianablecurator
