FRAMEWORKS

Frame

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How have you got to the place you are today in your career? What was the tipping point? I think its been important to try and remember why i’m making music. Its easy to look for external validation for what your doing, especially this day and age with data being so accessible. Wether it be play counts, social media comments/likes its been important for me to try and step back from that and remember that this should be a labour of love. To take my time and create something that I am proud of without fear or restraint.

Im not sure there has been a tipping point per-say, Musically I feel almost too involved to see the progression. As soon as I finish an album or EP before its released my mind is always on the next thing.

What is your approach to the world of music? Is there a process with writing for you or is every track different? I try to change things up a lot. In the past ive found myself slipping into habits, like opening a patch I know sounds great or re hashing a similar drum hit. Imagine Gold has been more creative in that respect as I have tried to break those habits and generate new ideas and sounds which has been really important in the overall sound of the new album. Its also proven to add a cohesive sound to the album cause i’ve been very conscious ofeach track.

Who would you consider to be your biggest influence? Bonobo has been a big influence for me over the years. His ability to re-create his sound and progress both musically and technically has been outstanding.

What is the greatest satisfaction that music has given you? I think music has probably helped me learn a lot about myself. Working so intensively on an album can almost be like therapy. Over the years music has given me a platform to share and express.

How far are you willing to go to achieve your professional goals? Difficult question! I think its about balance. I would go as far as I could before I realised that work was having a negative impact on whats important to me IE my family and my health.

What have been the biggest difficulties you’ve encountered along the way so far in your career? I think touring is probably where i’m furthest out of my comfort zone. Being away from my family can be a real challenge at times but again it has also been something that has taught me a lot about myself. I’m a strong believer that putting yourself out of your comfort zone and pushing those boundaries can help strengthen your personal ability to deal with difficult situations.

You recently released ‘Breaking Down’ from new album ‘Imagine Gold’, what made you choose this record to announce the album with? ‘Breaking Down’ is one of my favourites off the album. It kind of sums the album up for me, it has balance and displays a collage of feels that are represented in the album more.

What was the inspiration behind ‘Imagine Gold’ as a body of work? DO you think it’s your most accomplished album to date? Imagine Gold reflects a new chapter for me musically, after KINGS there was a lot of growth both in my production and writing. Starting on the new album I knew I wanted to create something understated, something that felt it had one foot in the past an one in the present. I wanted it to feel almost nostalgic, adding production that made it feel older than its years, Tape Saturation and analogue warmth. Moving away from those huge string lines and concentrating on delivering those emotions with more nuance. Imagine Reflects highlights my taste rather than my skill, 100 percent my best work to date.

Have there been any sacrifices you’ve had to make in order to pursue your dreams? If so, what have they been? I think with most creative endeavours you will have to sacrifice time in order to reach potential. Ive definitely sacrificed time to get where I am professionally but its also been justifiable. I think harnessing creativity can be a hard task and it doesn’t always hit you like a wave, Sometimes you need to get yourself into that studio wether your feeling it or not.

What other projects are you currently working on? Right now i’m working on a couple of tracks for a possible EP. Early days so don’t have much to reveal on that front but also working on some mixes of the Frameworks Live band that we recorded and filmed earlier in the year! There will be more on those in the coming months….

What advice would you give young people who have just started in this complex world of music? Have faith in yourself and your ability!

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS TO: Big thanks and love to everyone involved in the project, friends, family and those supporting…You all make a difference and make this possible. You know who you are and I am grateful.

Frame works