It’s always exciting discovering the debut single from a new artist, particularly when it’s as good as Pinsleep’s tune Styrofoam Ball. The track is perfect for anyone into their pop a little different, as it sounds really unique! Why not check it out after after reading this interview?
By Jane Howkins
You released a single titled Styrofoam Ball. What can you tell us about the track?
Styrofoam Ball is my debut single. It’s a happy song about the end of the world, or rather a combination of a song and a piece, as the narration is led both by the violin and voice. I am primarily a classical violinist, but also a singer, songwriter and producer. This is song is representing my own journey as a musician, a venture into a new world where I blend different musical ingredients.
How has the reception to Styrofoam Ball been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
So far, Styrofoam ball has had a good welcome and I received lots of positive feedback from listeners, especially regarding the storytelling and the unexpected mix of violin, voice and electronic layers.
It’s available on all major platforms, including Spotify, Deezer, iTunes or Amazon music. There is also a music video filmed at the Conway Mill in Belfast available on my Youtube channel (Pinsleep).
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future? Do you plan to release an EP or an album anytime soon?
Yes, there is more music to come – soon I will start releasing songs from the debut album which I wrote, recorded and produced by myself. I started thinking of production as my creative tool and explored it during the pandemic. I was learning from artists like Isobel Anderson, as a member of the Home Recording Academy. Later, I was supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to receive a series of masterclasses with a producer and versatile musician, Chris Ryan (Robocobra Quartet).
These steps have led me to take over the creative control and now I can share my own work directly from my ears to yours- a beautiful thing and a responsibility at the same time!
Your music has a unique electronic sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
With regards to the electronic sounds, the artists that definitely have influenced me are Aphex Twin or Squarepusher. But I am actually often more influenced by paintings that the music itself – dark art, especially by a polish painter called Zdzislaw Beksinski is often fueling my need to make music. Its complexity and strength has an effect on me and is a constant source of inspiration.
Recently, I’ve been listening to Stefan Wesolowski’s album, Rite of The End, which is intensely, beautifully sad (which I like a lot). I was also exploring music from the Archive 81 series by Geoff Barrow and Ben Salisbury – a very unique soundtrack for a horror series, definitely worth recommending.
What do you think is the biggest challenge in the music business at the moment?
One of the biggest challenges I am facing is reaching and growing an audience when most of the communication happens through social media – it sometimes feels like we were reduced to a short movie or a picture, through which we are expected to ‘sell’ our ideas, values, who we are. There are also some amazing benefits to this situation, of course, so it is a challenge but an exciting one.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?
There are some potentially exciting things I have planned for later this year, however some of them are pending and depend on funding, so I would be happy to reveal more once they are confirmed.
You’re based in Belfast. How is the local music scene faring at the moment?
I’m exploring the Belfast music scene and it seems to be a good time for new initiatives – for example, I was performing at the opening concert of a new, ongoing series of Experimental Nights at the Accidental Theatre organised by Moving On Music and Handmade Music Belfast. I am very happy that we can have such events, especially the regularly occurring ones. They have a chance to grow roots and become a part of the city’s musical bloodstream, which I hope will happen with this particular series, as it is totally worth it!
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
In the nearest future you can meet me and hear my music live in Belfast, at In the Black Box on the 21st of May. Hopefully there will be some tour dates to be revealed soon, as I’d really like to meet and make more fans in real life!
Any last words for the fans?
Thank you, Aga/Pinsleep