Reflecting on loss and the interconnection of our lives, ‘Woven’ tilts your head back from the everyday to raise your line of sight and observe the bigger picture; it’s thoughtful, poignant and deeply moving.
I had a chat to Seaker – aka London-based artist Kiran Hungin – about the story behind the song, overcoming the fears and pressure of being an artist and the magic of performing intimate shows…
Interview by Annie Rew Shaw
Discovered via http://musosoup.com
Annie) Hi Kiran! Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Kiran ) Hello LITM! I am Kiran. I make songs under the name of Seaker. I live in North London, which is where most of the recording process happens. I have a dog.
I love your new single ‘Woven’ – it’s a really beautiful, atmospheric track. Can you tell me about the meaning behind the song and your writing/recording process?
I’m so pleased it resonated with you. This song is really personal to me as I wrote it as a gift for my mum. A close friend of hers became ill and we all felt the impact in our family. We were talking about life and how we are so intertwined with each other that somehow it feels like we are all made up of the parts of everyone we know and love.
When we lose someone it can feel like a part of us has gone with them, yet we hold on to them in our thoughts and they are always with us. To be honest, the whole love/pain thing is a bit of a head fuck. Emotions can get too much, and music is my way of trying to make sense of them in such a way that I can carry on with life without imploding. That’s what I was doing here. For my mum, too. I cried a lot while writing it as it made me think of all the people in my life who give me so much and make up parts of me. We are nothing without connection to each other.
If you could collaborate with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Ah, man, I hate this question, ha ha. Mainly because I can’t answer it. I’ve never been one to have favourite anythings as my mood can change 15 times a day, so it depends on when you’re asking me! As a safe option I’ll go with Leonard Cohen, as the depths of miserable tunes we could write together would be epic. I know he has passed on now but can I have him back, please? Others come and go, but Leonard is always there to offer me advice.
What’s been your favourite musical experience to date?
A few years ago I sang with Talvin Singh at the Indian Embassy, which was really special and a really unique experience. It was an honour to be a part of that performance. There was an event launching a beautiful book of unpublished letters belonging to Gandhi. I took some words from Gandhi’s favourite poet and adapted them in to a melody over Talvin’s beats and we performed to a silent room of intense staring (and my parents). That was a unique one and I’ll never forget it.
Again, I struggle with favourite memories or performances as some of the loveliest times have been singing my songs to a small yet friendly group of people who are really listening.
Any time people really listen is my favourite! I’ve played to bigger crowds in other bands I have been in, but sharing my own songs, even to a select few, is what I love the most.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given as a musician/producer?
Don’t get scared of yourself and think you need to be more like other people. Don’t compare yourself to anyone. When you’re low and questioning everything, call a friend who gets it and have a rant/cry/whatever you need. Write through your depressive times if you can, and if you can’t, just look after yourself and eat some vegetables. Believe in your work and remember that you matter, though it can feel like you don’t. Find like-minded souls for they will save you in your lowest times. Respect the musicians who help you out, and value their time. Back away when you need to as well. Sometimes it flows and sometimes it doesn’t. It doesn’t mean you’re a failure. Just keep going. This isn’t really one piece of advice is it? To sum up – be kind to yourself.
What’s your plan for the rest of the year? Is there more music coming soon?
More music for sure. Perhaps some collaborations I’ve been working on, if they make it out into the world. I’ve just started work on a new live set so also gigs. I’ve been guilty of putting a lot of pressure on myself in the past, so in general the plan is to breathe deeper and try to just enjoy the process. I’d like to write with some more people too, so drop me a line if you’re reading this and you fancy writing some emo songs.