Welcome to the feature where we talk to musicians about some of their favourite things about the industry. Today we speak to the indie band Wild Horse. The band have been gaining a lot of recognition for their music, with their previous singles becoming ‘BBC Tracks of The Day.” The band is formed of three members, brothers Jack and Henry and their friend from school Ed. They have recently released the track Tangled which is al about the struggles of trying to make a long distance relationship work. They have also been one of the first fifty bands to be announced performing at Great Escape In Brighton this year. I caught up with the band to find out all about their favourite things about the music industry.

What is your Favourite:

Song you have written

That’s a really difficult question. I really like most if not all of the songs I’ve written. I’ve written hundreds at this point, so it is really difficult to choose, and it changes all the time. It’s probably one of the ones that’s unreleased at the moment. Saying that though, I do think our latest single “Angles” is our best song that’s been released to date. But my opinion changes day to day

Lyric:

Again, a really difficult question. All the lyrics I write are from the soul, so I’ve never released a song with lyrics I don’t like. I will say though that the opening line on our song “Joy Ride” is probably the best opening line I’ve written. “She said it was her first time…being taken for a joy ride”. I think it sums up the subject of the song really well. It shows there’s multiple meanings to the song as well and I feel like that line draws you in. So that one is definitely up there with my favourite lyric at the moment.

Musician:

There’s so many to choose from so I really don’t think I have a favourite. Maybe Prince? He was extremely talented in every way. I mean obviously Freddie Mercury is in there. Keith Richards, Mick Jagger. Stevie Nicks. Florence Welch. George Harrison. Aretha Franklin. There’s too many to choose. Out of more modern-day artists, I’d say I have a lot of respect for Taylor Swift. She obviously works incredibly hard. To be able to simultaneously re-record your old albums as a F – you to her old management who screwed her over and release new material at the same time shows a crazy work ethic that most people simply do not have. You can tell she’s really devoted to her craft. She’s a brilliant songwriter as well.

Film or television show:

I don’t really watch a lot of TV. When I do, I like to watch sitcoms. I’m a big Peep Show fan. I’m really into a tv show called Benidorm at the moment. It’s brilliant. I’m also an avid watcher of Eastenders but I’m not really into any other soaps.

Venue to perform at:

There’s been loads of good ones, but we played a venue recently which stands out to me. The Blues Kitchen in Manchester is probably my favourite venue, in fact it’s probably everyone in the band’s favourite. The staff are so lovely to you there they looked after us the whole time and included a fantastic rider. The stage and lighting were brilliant. We’d definitely be very happy to gig there again. I also really like the Old Fire Station in Bournemouth. Again, the staff are really nice and the stage is huge which is what I like. And any O2 Academy is always a brilliant gig as well, (we have recently played several).

Item to take with you on tour:

I have two essential items really, other than the actual musical gear of course. I’m a singer so it’s really important for me to keep my voice strong and healthy so I can be at the top of my game for the whole tour. I’ve found having a flask filled with honey tea has been really helpful in keeping my voice healthy. I have a flask of it with me everywhere I go on tour.

I also have a pre-show trick as well. After vocal warmups and sometimes throughout the set, I’ll just have a little shot or two of vodka. It clears your throat right out and allows your vocal chords to really open up. Since discovering it, it’s been a game changer. Now I have a little bottle of vodka with me when I go on tour as an essential.

Instrument:

I play quite a few instruments. I play guitar, bass, keys, a bit of drums, banjo, ukulele, and I’ve recently been teaching myself to play the saxophone which has been interesting. I’d have to say though that my favourite instrument will always be the guitar. It’s such a versatile instrument that you can do so much with. After nearly 10 years of playing it I still discover new things all the time. It’s also the instrument that really first got me into music so for me it will always be my favourite.

Song to play live:

That’s another question which changes almost daily. I’m really enjoying playing our song “Fire” live at the moment. It always gets the crowd going. We’re also ending our sets with an unreleased song called “Baby!” currently, which is just really fun to play. It’s a fast paced barnstorm which really ends our shows with a statement which is what you want really. I’m also really enjoying “Footprints in the Sand” as well.

Album by another musician:

For me, one of the best albums of all time will always be Thriller by Michael Jackson. Everything about it is perfect. The grooves, the song writing, Quincey Jones on production. They just captured gold dust and put it on a record. Basically, my goal as a musician is to make a record as perfect as that.

Memory of tour:

We’re on our first UK tour now. It’s been an absolute blast with so many memories made already. The best memories of tour for me have honestly been meeting and speaking to people who have come out to see us. It’s mental to me that people on the other end of the country from us come out and pay to see us and our music. A lot of the places we’ve been to on this tour have been our first visits there and people have still come out specifically to see us. And to see strangers sing your songs back to you. There’s no better feeling.

Era for music:

The 70s or 80s I think. It was really thriving back then in every way. New things were being tried out and loads of timeless songs and albums were created. Saying that, I think the 2020s so far have been really good for music too.

Part of making a record:

My favourite part is probably that bit for every song where you realize it’s all clicked and come together. The feeling of, “yeah this is how it’s meant to be” gives you a great sense of achievement. I really enjoy the whole process of making a record but for me that is the part that tops it.

Thing about performing at festivals:

Getting your music out there to new fans who’ve never heard you before and also being introduced to loads of new music yourself. Also, the vibes of festivals are always really nice and fun. Especially in the summer.

Quote:

I don’t know really. I’m quite into manifestation and spirituality but I don’t really have any quotes on it. I meditate quite a lot which I find helpful. I guess maybe something like “dreams don’t work unless you do”. It’s cliche but the sentiment of it is true. I’m a hard worker and always try to our work everyone else so maybe something like that.

Thing about the music industry at the moment:

Spotify and streaming services have their disadvantages for sure, but I really like how easy it is for people to discover new music now. Before you would have to go out and actively buy music, so people would only listen to who they’re already fans of. But now, you’re able to stream new artists all the time. It’s also destroyed the concept of genre which I really like too. Before people would only buy rock music or were strictly rap or r&b fans. Now people are fans of any type of music, as long as it’s good. I think that’s allowed artists, including our band, to be a lot more creative and free with the music we make.

Thing about this year so far?

Without a doubt, my favourite thing of this year so far has been our UK tour. I’ve always wanted to go on tour, and this has been our first one. It’s been a dream. I love it and I can’t wait to do it again. It’s definitely what I’m meant to be doing. It can be knackering in places but it’s so rewarding. It’s been the time of my life really and we’re putting together another tour so hopefully it won’t be too long before we’re back on the road again.

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