Scarlett Mill is a really unique proposition, bringing a trippy, psychedelic vibe to the rock genre that wouldn’t be out of place in the 60s. I found myself enamoured with their latest release, Sinking Man. It’s a really cool tune and one you need to check out if you haven’t already!
By Jane Howkins
You released a single titled Sinking Man. What can you tell us about the track?
The song is about a doomed man, who obviously has committed a terrible act towards his loved one. The lyrics tell the tale of his downfall after hiding out in Port Henry, a small harbour by the sea. The story is really about making irreversible mistakes in love and life, and how one needs to face the truth to prevent making even bigger mistakes.
How has the reception to Sinking Man been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
We are thrilled with all the attention we have been receiving, it is very encouraging the way reviewers and individual listeners react to the song. It can be found on familiar streaming services, including Spotify, Tidal and Youtube. But it can also be purchased via iTunes.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
Yes! We are already working on the next two releases, and will be continuing to do so as long as the songs keep coming to us.
Am I right in thinking you’re currently working on your second album? What can we expect from the release?
That’s right! Like the first album, Chronicles, which was actually a murder ballad in 7 pieces, we will be telling a story that will cover the full album. All songs are therefore part of that story, just like in the old days when concept albums were more common. So, our current single Sinking Man is the third song on the new album, and we’ve already released You’re Mine and Port Henry, opening this bitter love story. Even though it will be a concept album, our audience can expect a variety of styles and musical flavours, including glam rock in Port Henry, the early 70’s ballad Sinking Man, and the 80’s dark wave of You’re Mine. There’s more to come!
What is the writing and recording process like for Scarlet Mill?
Some of the songs come to us in dreams. We weave the music together, and we’re inspired by pop/alt rock as well as classical music, but also literature, poetry and stuff. Luckily we complement each other very well in the recording process, Erik being more of the arranger, and me (Jennifer) improvising sounds and words (a lot!), and making all the visuals. We both write the basic songs, there’s no real divide there. But we both feel our songs could not have been even close to complete without the other’s inputs. We are both enjoying our musical journey together so much, and simply can’t wait to share the next fruits with our listeners.
Your music has a dreamy psychedelic rock sound. What/who influences you most as artists? What have you been listening to recently?
Well, we have to confess, inspiration comes from many artists: Damien Rice, Tom Waits, Ricky Lee Jones, Leonard Cohen, Amy Winehouse, Nick Cave, David Bowie, Jeff Buckley and Radiohead.
Recently we have been listening to bands like The National and Matt Berninger, Low, Elliot Smith, Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan and PJ Harvey. We can go on for hours, we listen to music all the time.
What do you think is the biggest challenge in the music business at the moment?
It is great to have the opportunity to produce and release independently as bands, so many talented musicians can get themselves heard. This, however, also means it is very difficult to stand out and have your music heard…
Do you have anything else exciting lined up for this year?
All energy and devotion will be put into recording and releasing the next so many songs for our second album, and in preparing the visual art that will come with it. This we will keep for ourselves until the album is complete and ready for release!
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
We are not touring actually, but we might be inclined to do acoustic gigs in the future. Our priority now is to finish this album and fully benefit from the creative inspiration we’re sharing at the moment.
Any last words for the fans?
We hope you will keep enjoying listening to our music as much as we’re enjoying making it!