Louis Cross' new EP “A Page to Tell” is a heartfelt collection of songs in which Louis talks about dealing with his disability, finding himself and his life's experiences so far. The project consists of 6 songs: “Better Light”, “Picture Frame”, “I Don´t Know”, “We´re All The Same”, “A Page to Tell” and “Life Can Tear You Down” and was released on the 18th of November 2022. All songs were written by Louis and mixed by Henry Broadhead and James Wyatt and mastered by Jim Spencer. The project, with its guitar-driven tracks, will take you on a heartfelt journey through its motivational and relatable storytelling and nostalgic melodies.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Louis Cross, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Hi Kamil great to speak to you. I first got into music when I was 7 years old learning to play the flute. I then started learning guitar in my primary schools guitar club during break time and performed some basic Christian songs during school shows. I then went on learning songs through YouTube and books and now have lessons from a flamenco guitar teacher and music theorist.
How do you balance your time in the studio with other commitments such as a part-time job, family, admin?
It is always a challenge to balance commitments with social media, songwriting, performing, releasing songs and then dealing with a part time job on top of it. I always scheduled everything I need to do for the week then use Google calender so I can see what I need to do each day on my phone.
Your latest release is 'A Page To Tell'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
I first wrote most of the songs before lockdown so it's been in the making process for a long, including trying new things at gigs and open mic nights. After lockdown in June 2021 I knew I wanted to release an EP of my best songs so I recorded at 2 different studios in October 2021 and April 2022. I wanted to bring other musicians on the project and collaborate with talented musicians in my area. I'd say by the end of recording the EP I really found my sound of country/Americana which is something I want to explore further.
Where did you get the inspiration for this EP?
The main inspiration of this EP is my experiences with my disability. Its a type of peripheral neuropathy that weakens the nerves in my arms and legs. I have had a complicated history with it which is something I wanted to show in this E.P. I really wanted to bring personal experiences that other people would relate to as well. I think it's boring when lyrics are vague and predictable so I like to write great lyrics with great phrasing and rhyming.
How long did you work on the 'A Page To Tell'? Was it an easy process for you?
So I started writing these songs in 2018 when I was 17 up to 2020 when I was 19, and created demos and recording ideas during this time. Then i recorded them in 2021 and 2022. I'd say the process has been long and enjoyable for the most part like getting to meet and work with new people, along with a couple of setbacks too.
How do you know when a work is finished?
I'd say once you have a foundation and structure in place then you off to a good start. It's no good going into a studio when half the song is done. If the song sounds good with just vocals and acoustic guitar then you can bring arrangement and other instruments in place to finish the song.
Can you write what was your best performance in your career? How do you remember it?
There have been a few great gigs over the years. I'd say the best two was probably zeros bat in Stalybridge Greater Manchester. There were a lot of people supporting me and singing along to my songs and really resonated with my music. The 2nd I'd say Eagle Inn in Salford for Sunday Best, it's an acoustic night every Sunday showcasing the best songwriters in the music scene.
How do you find yourself in the music business? When you started out in music, did you know it would be like this?
Id say the music business can be very difficult especially if you have multiple barriers in place.
Who is your favourite musician?
My favourite musicians are Ed Sheeran, Queen, The Lumineers, Bon Iver, The War and treaty and Southern avenue.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to develop my songwriting and composing skills and to collaborate with more songwriters.