Lewis Watson recently performed his first US show at The Bardot in Hollywood. His second E.P. Another Four Sad Songs, is available now and features the songs "Even If," "Sink or Swim," and "Once Before."
Check out his website for song samples, tour dates and news!
Lewis graciously took time to answer questions about the new E.P, the joy of sharing his music and the excitement surrounding his first US performances .
For those who might not be familiar with your music, what three words would you use to describe your sound?
Acoustic, chill and personal.
This your first working trip to the U.S. and you are performing your first ever U.S. shows how are you feeling and what can the audience expect from your performances?
I’m really excited. I recently saw Tom O’Dell and his band perform at the Bardot and the crowd was very attentive. I’ve played a lot of open mics in the UK and know how hard it can be to grab a crowd and I find with a band it’s a lot easier, not to take anything away from him, because he’s an incredible performer, but it made me wonder if I’ll be able to grab the crowd so it made me a bit anxious.
What can the crowd expect? A very nervous Englishman singing some songs.
What did you learn about yourself while writing the songs for the Another Four Sad Songs E.P.?
I need to start writing happy songs; that was one of the first things I realized. I enjoy songs I can relate to and I think I tailored these songs so anyone can listen and relate to the music. I also thought more about my songwriting than on my other EP, which I think is a good thing.
How did the title Another Four Sad Songs originate?
I released an independent EP with the title; It’s Got Four Sad Songs on it BTW that was a title I hoped would grab people’s attention. This second EP rolled off from that and I think it’s a title that people can be like, “what was the first set of four sad songs?” I wanted to keep it out of the box and honest but not cliché.
Of the four songs on Another Four Sad Songs, which was the most difficult to write?
“Once Before” because it was a sh*t situation and something I wouldn’t want anybody else to go through so to be put back there while writing it was difficult.
Did you decide there would be four songs on the E.P. before you began the project?
I think it’s a perfect EP length; it keeps people interested without getting bored and it also acts as a teaser to material but is also enough material for people to enjoy.
Did any songs not make it onto the E.P. that you thought would?
I did write a few other songs during the process of writing the EP but I think I had it in my head it would be these songs. I may have knocked a couple of songs off but it didn’t upset me because those songs will be used in other things.
Did you start knowing what the theme of the EP would be, or did it develop over time?
I think it was a subconscious given that just happened. Many of my songs are relationship based so I think the theme was always there. These songs seemed to write themselves. Thought process and planning is a great thing but it can also take away from the organic feel of music.
Who are three lyricists or poets that have inspired/influenced you?
When I was younger, I was heavily into Rudyard Kipling who opened my eyes to the open word. Musically, Matt Corby because of the way he delivers the lyrics hits home for me. You can tell he is serving his heart out. Dallas Green also, because he opened my eyes to acoustic music and I think his writing is fantastic.
What does being brave mean to you?
I wouldn’t consider myself a brave person but before I go on stage I tell myself I really want to do this and cant imagine myself doing anything else so being brave is overcoming nerves and fear but also thriving off it and using it to move forward.
Many times artists are asked what’s next; instead, what are you savoring most right now?
It’s this--that my music has taken me other places than my hometown. I’m here in the states purely because I wrote some songs and I sing them. It’s a luxury, and I’m lucky to be able do this. I know so many people who have never been to America and can’t afford to come on holiday and I get to be here on a work trip, it’s a great thing.
Where can my readers find you online?
https://www.facebook.com/lewiswatsonmusic
http://www.youtube.com/holyloowis
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