Hi Cosial. How are you doing and what have you been up to lately?
Hello! I’m good thank you! Recently I’ve just been travelling a lot. I feel like 80% of my time is spent on trains honestly. I’m at university in Manchester two days a week, and then usually back for gigs or other music related things over the weekend! I don’t mind the journeys though. I’m also in the middle of this EP release, so I’ve been doing lots of prep for that, which is exciting!
In your own words, how would you describe your sound and style?
I’d say bedroom pop is my sound, kind of laid back, with intimate and intense lyrics. Most of the stuff I’ve done so far has been very DIY recording and releasing wise, which is very bedroom pop. Lyrically, I love to try and pinpoint a feeling that’s otherwise hard to articulate or explain. I’m not sure how well I actually do this, but all my favourite artists have that in their music.
You’ve just released your debut EP titled “Sports”. What is the story behind the EP and its title? What themes and ideas influence your music and writing?
It’s called Sports as the main theme behind it was constantly feeling like you’re second place, ‘on the bench’, and just watching life happen around you. This empty feeling of being in a constant chase for something really drives the EP. I’d say my writing so far has mainly been me, very messily, navigating my teenage years. It’s all very dramatic, possibly toxic and definitely romanticised, but being 18 just is.
We’re fans of your music & remember your live set at Mosaic Tap last year. What have been career highlights for you so far?
I’d say being chosen for Generator First Notes and Tees Music Alliance funding and mentoring are definitely highlights for me. Knowing that people believe in you enough to actually invest in you as an artist is really really validating. I also remember this one moment last year when I first started gigging, I think it was my third gig, there was a couple people watching that were singing along to Tide. I was just completely baffled at that.
Do you have any plans for the year ahead that you would like to share with us? Also, what would you like to achieve in the upcoming year?
Yeah! I have a few songs ready to go, I’m just kind of figuring out a plan post-EP wise. My single with Generator First Notes is coming out around June time. In the upcoming year I’d like to get more refined as an artist, I think. I’ve been at it for a year, but a lot of stuff is still relatively new to me. I’d just like to really find my sound and develop as a writer and musician.
What advice do you have specifically for other north east artists? And what advice do you have for artists in general?
Oh god, I honestly don’t feel in a position to be giving advice! But I’d say definitely apply for all opportunities you can, even if you feel like you’re miles off actually getting them. Funding, gigs, residencies – if you want it just go for it! The worst that can happen is you don’t get it. Sometimes I’d stop myself from going for things like that because of the lingering imposter syndrome that came with it. Another piece of advice I’d give is to always celebrate your progress. Often, I find myself brushing off little victories because I feel like I should be chasing something bigger or better.
For me, a lot of stuff that might feel normal or ‘not a big deal’ in the music scene is stuff that 15-year-old me would be absolutely mindblown at – I think it’s important to acknowledge this. Be proud of yourself!
Lastly, what artists are on your radar that you would recommend others listen to & see live?
Ooo I love this question! Bigfatbig was the first local music gig I’d been to, and I was just absolutely shook at seeing them perform. Their debut EP is also so amazing – hoping to see them live again soon. I supported BROCKHOFF in December and instantly fell in love with her music, I’ve been listening to her ever since! I’d absolutely love to see her live again. Mt Misery is another one I love to see live, lovely music from lovely people!
Follow Cosial: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
Northern Music Collective 