Welsh artist Paterson is an LGBTQ+ musician producing pretty folk ditties, such as latest release, Don’t It Feel Good. It’s a lovely stripped back folk song with a positive vibe – you can find a full stream at the end of this interview if you like what you read here!
By Jane Howkins
You released a single titled Don’t It Feel Good. What can you tell us about the track?
It’s a laid-back modern country ballad, completely acoustic – just my vocal and guitar. It’s really a reminder to myself to slow-down and appreciate the simple things like the sun shining and the birds singing and a good drying day! I worked with mentor Shelly Poole (from Alisha’s Attic, the chart-busting 90s pop band) and multi-platinum selling and award winning songwriter who has had hits with all sorts of incredible artists like Janet Jackson, Massive Attack and Jack Savoretti) on it. I was going through my worst depression for 20 years, but somehow I managed to cling on to my sessions with Shelly, even if I just spent the whole time crying! We picked Don’t It Feel Good to work on and somehow during the recording, the message in the lyrics worked it’s magic – in a way I was saved by my own song!
How has the reception to the song been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
People seem to really like the opening lyric “Nothing excites my wife like a good drying day!” and I think the message of the song is resonating with listeners. It can be streamed on all digital platforms and purchased on iTunes and Amazon
You also have another song that came out last week, called Like An Apple. What can you tell us about that track?
Well, it’s been causing controversy ever since I started playing it live! It quickly became known as ‘the raunchy one’ on my regular livestream – and I was banned from playing it a recent gig in a church, but I don’t want to be provocative for the sake of it. This song is important to me as an unashamed, authentic, portrayal of sexual intimacy between two women, and I released it on June 1st for the start of pride month. It does seem to divide opinion and I accept that it’s risqué, but it’s very tame compared to lots of modern music. At least it seems to be having an impact on people and listeners seem to be finding it sexy whatever their gender or sexual orientation, which I’m thrilled about! A man came up to me after a gig in South Wales – he was actually quite emotional and said it reminded him of the early days with his wife! After a show in London, another man told me “I’m 100% gay, but your apples made me horny!” I worked with highly-acclaimed producer & multi-instrumentalist Lukas Drinkwater (Emily Barker) on it and he has perfectly enhanced the song’s sensuality – with haunting vintage electric guitar, pulsing double bass and deft percussion combining to create an irresistible tango-esque vibe.
It’s available to stream and download here: https://songwhip.com/paterson/like-an-apple
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
Yes I’ll be releasing a live acoustic version of Like An Apple next week (it’s quite different from the studio version!) and then an acoustic cover, followed by another original single sometime in the summer.
Are there any plans to release an album or EP anytime soon?
Yes, I have an album finished – well it’s 7 songs which apparently means it’s an album! It’ll be coming out later this year.
Your music has a folky, Americana sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
I was raised on Simon & Garfunkel, The Everly Brothers and Bob Dylan. Some of the first music I discovered for myself and loved was The Cranberries and Catatonia. My biggest influence over the last 20-odd years would have to be Indigo Girls and more recently I’ve been listening to (and loving) Imelda May, Allison Russell, Ashley McBryde and Brandy Clark.
You’re something of a champion for LGBTQ+ artists. Are there any particular causes you’d like to draw attention to?
Well thank you for saying that, I do very much believe that it’s important for LGBTQ+ people to be out and proud to help others who may be struggling. Homosexuality is still illegal in many countries in the world and even in the UK, I know of people living in fear and shame and families divided, which is really sad.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?
Yes! Like I said I have lots of new music coming out and I’m playing at some great festivals and Pride events this summer.
You’re based in Wales. How is the local music scene faring at the moment where you are?
I live in the South Wales valleys and a there’s a lovely new venue nearby supporting original music – Bourtons Live Music Café Bar in Bargoed and a fantastic company called TIWN Media which recently put on a festival who do so much to support original music. But it’s not easy and it’s always a struggle to get people out to support live music. Even in Cardiff, I’ve been to see some well-known artists playing to a small crowd, or even having to cancel shows. It seems that Covid as well as the cost of living crisis is having an impact, as well as the fact that a lot of people only like to see covers bands or famous artists! It’s tricky! But we must keep going!
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
June 17th – Big Queer Picnic, Cardiff
June 24th – Pride Caerffili
July 7th – Bourton’s Live Music Café Bar, Bargoed
July 8th – Party In The Park, Pontypool
July 15th – Llanelli Pride
July 30th – Seven Stars, Bristol
August 5th – West Country Music Festival, Devon
August 20th – Queer Spirit Festival, Devon
September 2nd – Pride In The Port, Newport
September 3rd – Little Cheese Festival, Caerphilly
Any last words for the fans?
If you do like my music, you can support me for free, by following me on social media, sharing my music with friends who you think might like it, and even joining my mailing list – which you can do on my website, www.wearepaterson.com Your support can make a real difference to independent artists like me – thank you!