Synthonic Talks About Creating His Brand New Album “Lampin’” + More
Intro:
Today’s interview is with England’s own Synthonic, who just released his vibey new album “Lampin’” this year! After training in both the piano and the tuba at age 7, he continued to explore the world of music through a variety of ensembles & the opportunity to earn a music performance degree at Kingston University. Synthonic’s recent performances at venues like the Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues festival have greatly elevated his name. He encourages listeners to enjoy the laid-back & funky vibes of the new album. Before reading our brief conversation, make sure you check out this new Synthonic single below.
Me: What was the creative process like while making this new record? How'd you get inspired?
Synthonic: The creative process for me always starts with something new and different. A key I've not written in for a while, a different chord or chord voicing, a specific drum sound or even sample, or just a new toy that I've acquired (such as a new synth or VST). My last purchase was an original Hammond.
Did you draw inspiration from any specific genres or artists for this release?
My influences come from Herbie Hancock to Stevie Wonder, Anomalie to Jamiroquai, Snarky Puppy to Cannonball Adderley. I think you can hear bits of everything that I have played and listened to over the years.
That’s awesome! From there, how would you describe your current overall sound?
My overall style is obviously funk. I've been a gigging jazz pianist for many years, but I have always been drawn to funk, soul, and RnB. I also love using different production techniques and an electronic vibe, so I guess it's an eclectic mix of all of those genres.
Are there any key themes or messages you hope listeners take away from the album?
Laidback, funky, chill vibesssss. There's a lot to take in with the horn arrangements, to the reversed EP on The Quirk, vocal samples on Tonight and I Said I'm Sorry, crazy synth solos....
And, what was the most challenging part of creating the song during the recording process?
I guess the most challenging part of this album has been the online paperwork, interviews, and promo. It has been almost endless. Writing the album was the easy bit!
In the very beginning, how did you come up with your current stage name? And has it changed at all over time?
I thought long and hard about my stage name, throwing all sorts of ideas out. Then this kind of just hit me. It was always going to be a synth-based writing project, so having the word synth in it just made sense. I also checked to see if had already been taken, which it hadn't. Someone has since copied it though!
Nice! Are there any upcoming releases or plans that you're comfortable sharing with the readers?
The plan is to now write a load of new tunes over the summer with many featured musicians and drip feed them as singles over the coming months. I'm looking to fix a few more gigs and festivals too, so watch this space.
And finally, in your own words, why should a new listener check out this release today?
You should check it out, because it's funky, it's new, it's fresh and Synthonic is about to blow up!
