A Chat with Will Newman (11.03.21)
Since his entry into the music scene in 2018, Will Newman has been sharing his intimate and unique sound with the masses. Hailing from the UK, Canterbury to be exact, Newman is grabbing attention from a global audience with his genre-defying music. We speak with the man himself about his single ‘Crazy’, remote recording, phobias and future plans.
OSR: Can you tell us about your new single ‘Crazy’?
Newman: ‘Crazy’ is about reflecting on who we can become in those hot-headed relationships where we stray from ourselves. Maybe we become involved in something exciting and not good for us, and there’s something addictive about the arguments and make-up activities. But it’s also acknowledging, wow, I’m better on my own, but I don’t half miss the way we got hot-headed, argued and felt that passion.
OSR: If you could change one thing about ‘Crazy’ what would it be?
Newman: Maybe just to add another couple of lines for an alternate chorus, to really drive that vibe home and give a bit of variation. I’m of the ethos that nothing’s ever finished, so don’t hold back for something to be ‘perfect’, you know?
OSR: What was the writing and recording process like?
Newman: This was written in July 2020. I just find some chords and things I like, imagine up a melody, throw that in and then I spent quite a while just driving around absorbing the songs. That’s my main process, let’s make this as great as we can before we try lyrics. And usually, I’m doing something random and the words come to me in a self-evident way. But recording-wise, just my little home setup and I try to lay down rough vocals too where I can on a demo.
OSR: What do you hope people will take from the single?
Newman: Just that you aren’t whatever that person told you you were, or who you were in that toxic relationship doesn’t define you forever. It’s a subtle warning that grass always feels greener and it seems like a great idea to jump back into something where it’s comfortable, but what is there to learn in the loneliness of not doing the easy option?
OSR: Do you find remote recording more difficult than in the studio?
Newman: Remote recording is all I’ve ever done. I have pretty cheap equipment and try to be sustainable in my practice. If y big label came onboard or some other funding came about, I’d love to jump into a studio. I think it’d make it feel even more legitimate for me.
OSR: What are the pros and cons of remote recording?
Newman: The pros are the ability to just do it within five minutes of an idea, there’s no delay in getting it down and capturing an idea before it disappears. I guess my record won’t be as high quality as you can get at a big studio and audiophiles will hear imperfections a lot easier with room noise and mastering. But for now, it’s where I’m at and I think you don’t have to have a huge studio or the best kit to make great music.
OSR: Do you feel it is important to constantly experiment with your sound to hone or evolve it?
Newman: I’ve definitely evolved my own sound now, so if a track isn’t vibing well I can say that doesn’t sound like “me”. I definitely know what I want to go for now. I think it’s important to always change. A big example is LANY, who were writing synthpop and have now added in some big drums, a more stadium rock-esque sound and country elements. I look up to John Mayer and he really is the chameleon of songwriting, something I aspire to be. Let’s not get tied down to one genre, let’s keep people guessing.
OSR: Do you have any phobias?
Newman: Raw crumpets. Maybe getting stuck in a small tunnel or cave or something.
OSR: What is your favourite season?
Newman: I love the summer. My mood just lifts and I feel at one with nature. Being outdoors is a huge part of my life, it’s when I write my best music.
OSR: Do you have any future plans?
Newman: I’m cracking on with this album for summer 2021. I’m pursuing bigger deals, trying to grow my brand and make sure I have fun while I’m doing it. I have no intention of straying from music, this has been a constant in my life since 2005/2006, it’s not going anywhere!
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Newman: Please don’t hold yourself back for fear of judgement or fear that you aren’t good enough. Two years ago I’d never even sung before because I’d told myself I was bad, and now all this stuff has happened for me because I just said f*** it. Those things we really want are within our grasp, we just have to persevere and allow ourselves to be pushed out of our comfort zone. If I can do it, you can do it.
Thanks to Will Newman for chatting with us! You can find more about him on his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
