Having already earned his stripes as a proficient and progressive artist during his days in The Bombergs, producer and frontman Chris Blaydes, aka Blaydek, has spent the last few years enjoying life as a solo artist and now returns to deliver his latest sweeping single, ‘Don’t You Have A Thing Now?’
With its warm and inviting atmosphere, the song feels like a very British approach to the dream-pop sound. While Blaydek’s style remains true to the scene, his lyrical content feels far more connected to the average person, giving it an engaging vibe. We got in touch with the man to find out about his background and what he hopes to have in store for the months ahead.
Words by Chris Bound
Discovered via http://musosoup.com
Chris) Hi Blaydek, how are you today?
Blaydek) I’m probably 8/10 at the moment to be honest, man.
How would you describe your sound?
If I was a chocolate bar I reckon you’d find us in big Sainsbury’s. Not the little high street ones. I’m not a dairy milk. Big Sainsbury’s. Like some boutique brand that just hit the chocolate big time, signed a good deal with the man. Popular choice, liked by the masses, but only known to the ones who look on the bottom shelf. Obviously I haven’t signed a deal with the big man, and I am living in virtual obscurity. That’s just a description of my “sound”, yeah.
Like, you know, sex appeal, but without the six pack. Actually I tried out for a boy band once but didn’t have the body. In musical terms, think The War on Drugs meets Washed Out.
And what artists have influenced you the most over the years?
I am a big fan of Jonathan Richman. His stage persona is unique and his lyrics always make me smile – they’re so sweet. Similarly, Jeffrey Lewis, but he’s a bit weirder (he also makes great comics). They both have the ability to make me see the world through their eyes. And both of them are uplifting lyricists.
Sound-wise I probably started at Radiohead many moons ago, like so many did. But I love the early Nineties indie bands like Pavement. I love Ty Segall. He’s got that great balance of trashy, fuzzy garage rock but still writes a decent hook. Great live show too. Helado Negro as well. He’s making some beautiful stuff. Also Sufjan Stevens. I love his delicate vocal cords
And, of course, Kevin Parker/Tame Impala. What indie kid wouldn’t be inspired by that gent. He’s an amazing producer and engineer. I heard he lost half of his equipment in the California wildfires! Did you see that?
Can you tell us how your latest single ‘Don’t You Have A Thing Now?’ came about?
I actually scrapped the song. I was working on it for ages, trying to get a balance of guitar and synth sound, and I became so sick of it, I just started working on new stuff. I think my mate heard it on my Soundcloud demos and he encouraged me to mix it and release it.
And are you planning to make it part of a larger release, such as an EP or album?
Nah, man. Just singles probably. If I’m completely honest with you, I’m new to this. I’m not gonna pretend like I’m some undiscovered big shot who’s got their “sound”. I’m still working through developing musical ideas, and releasing singles is the best and quickest way to explore it. I used to think that the album was the ultimate goal – like the truest artistic expression (yawn!) – and it still is but you have to build momentum. I wanna try some ideas out with single releases. I want to try out trashy shit first, and then some out-and-out pop hits. Then find something between the two. I would love to be as prolific as King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard one day.
I’ve just released a mini EP, ‘Moon/Anything’, which is real atmospheric, synthy, and reflective. But in a month’s time I’m releasing a single called ‘Supermarche’, which is about the abundance of everything at all times – which is ironic, considering what the shops were like a month ago! It’s a not-too-serious, catchy, fuzz-pop record.
The lockdown has affected everyone’s plans right now, but what are you doing to stay productive throughout it and are you still able to work on new music?
I’m trying to use my Instagram as a little art project. I just decided to make a dedicated account for it a couple of weeks ago. Making silly videos. Making animations and videos for my music. Trying to make my social media fun. I don’t understand who would engage with just shitloads of pictures of me looking serious, standing against a brick wall. I like to make myself laugh and be ridiculous. Embrace and show everyone all the mistakes. If I make myself laugh, then hopefully fans will enjoy it too. So that, as well as writing and producing new tunes. Trying to remain optimistic.
Finally, what advice would you give to other artists trying to stay productive during this crisis?
Entertain yourself first. Stop worrying about what you think you should be doing. Only compare yourself to yourself, not to anyone else. If something’s better than what you previously did, that’s all that matters. Watch Star Wars if you want to. Also do a bit of light yoga. If you fancy.