London-based indie-folk project Cross-Channel Music is doing something really interesting. Their track Oh my Lady mixes a lot of different genres together, reminding me greatly of the European folk genre. If you like your folk a little different, you really ought to check it out!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a single titled Oh my Lady. What can you tell us about the track?
I came up with it in the 90s (!) and it was dormant until lockdown. Paddy Milner – a fantastic blues pianist who plays with Tom Jones – agreed to play a piano part for the song. This changed the vibe quite a bit so I added a brass section, drums, double bass… and it became what it is now. Oh my Lady is a love song, which is unusual for me – I’m more of the tongue in cheek/slightly cynical type usually…
How has the reception to Oh my Lady been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
Good! People like the arrangements and great instrumental parts on it. The ‘late Leonard Cohen’ deep vocals are more hit and miss but they have their fans! You can find it on Cross-Channel Music’s Bandcamp page, for £1!
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
Yes, I have a gritty new song called G from salon and a more melodic one called Mr Harrison. Not sure which one will be next yet!
Do you plan to release an EP or an album anytime soon?
Yes, hopefully by the end of the year, but the focus is on gigs and moving house for now.
The track has a retro, jazz sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
The retro jazz sound is not typical at all! My main influence is indie pop, but I also have a taste for groovy music, rock, folk, jazz. As you get older you become more open minded about music genres, perhaps in a less organic and more intellectual way. Recent listens have been Fontaines DC, Stevie Wonder, Yo La Tengo and a three day obsession with Rosalia’s Despecha.
You’re based in London. What is the music scene like in your part of the world?
Walthamstow, where I live, teems with musicians. Paddy Milner, who played the piano part, is a neighbour. There is also Nick Haeffner who writes fantastic music. We collaborate and have coffees on a regular basis. Finally there is a great, aptly named monthly night called Eclectic shock at the Walthamstow Trades Hall, organised by Simon Spears. I would love to play it with Cross-Channel Music before I leave.
Last and not least Jim Wallis who plays the drums on Oh my Lady and mixed it. His concert at Cafe Oto with Modern Nature last year was certainly the best one I’ve seen in a long time!
You’re originally from France. What prompted the move to the UK?
Love. My wife is English.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Yes, we are playing on Friday 31 March at 93 Feet East, a club near Shoreditch in London. It would be great to play in York, so local promoters hit us up!
Any last words for the fans?
If you liked Oh my Lady, follow us on Facebook or Instagram for updates, there’s more coming up!