So So Gay
Singer-songwriter Rupert Stroud recently released a charity single, ‘Always’, in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK. This suggests he is a very nice young man indeed. So So Gay therefore caught up for a chinwag with the Leeds-based artist.
So So Gay: Hi Rupert. How are you doing today?
Rupert Stroud: I’m very good thanks. I’m always good really – I have a pretty happy disposition, a positive outlook on life. I’m busy, which is a good sign when it comes to the music business I guess!
What can our readers expect from your album?
Well here’s a lovely quote from a reviewer at an online blog, which I’m far too modest to have written myself; ‘Chasing The Night is a captivating affair, Rupert’s vocals and compelling lyrics take the listener on an emotive journey into his world of frail relationships and longing, whilst his inventive use of instrumentation urges you to delve further. There may be countless singer-songwriters out there but few have the versatility or vision that Rupert Stroud possesses’. I feel that his words sum up the essence of Chasing The Night and it seems I achieved what I set out to do on this album! Hope your readers agree.
The charity single is obviously based on a very personal experience. Are all of your songs written from an autobiographical angle?
I’d say most of my songs are based on my experiences but quite a few are definitely influenced by my family and friends also. I draw a lot of inspiration from people around me, sometimes not even people who I know particularly well. I like to observe the way people behave. It fascinates me.
Who are your major musical influences?
I have so many. It’s hard to say who my major influences are as I’m always listening out for new bands and music. When I was a teenager I loved bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Oasis, The Verve and Richard Ashcroft’s solo work, RHCP, Nirvana, Jeff Buckley, The Doors, Bill Withers, The Temptations, The Commodores, The Police, Leonard Cohen, The Kinks, Elvis , Bruce Springsteen; all influences from my older brother’s and parents’ music collections. These days I listen
to anything from Elbow to Damien Rice, Coldplay to Radiohead, Arcade Fire to Kings of Leon, The Black Keys, Adele, The Foo Fighters, The Killers, Snow Patrol, Angus and Julia Stone, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Norah Jones, Lana Del Rey – I could go on forever really. You can never listen to enough music!
Are you planning to tour this album?
We are planning a tour for the north of the UK and a few dates to be set for London and hopefully Cambridge area too. This summer we’ll be visiting cities and towns all over to perform for my great fans! We are always looking for new venues to play so if anyone reading this would like to see us live in their town, please contact me either through Facebook or email me at [email protected]. Keep your eyes on the website for confirmed gig dates.
Rupert Stroud’s album Chasing The Night is released on 21 May.
http://youtu.be/ODmUPscxPlo
