Lee Switzer-Woolf is an interesting artist, combining modern indie-folk with a unique, electronic style. His sound is well shown through his new release, Ototoxin, which we reviewed recently. It’s well worth a listen if you haven’t checked it out yet – why not check it out at the end of this interview?
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new song titled Ototoxin. What can you tell us about the record?
Ototoxin is a one off single. It was actually one of the first songs I recorded for my second album Annihilation Signals, which came out 6 months ago, but even though I really liked the track it didn’t quite fit in as the album came together. It’s great to have it out there in world though.
The song itself is basically a love letter to pain medication. I’ve had some back problems, and as someone who suffers from health anxiety, I have a pretty complicated relationship with medication – it can make me pretty psychologically uncomfortable. But there is also something undeniably powerful about anything that can take your pain away, and it’s easy to lose yourself to that. Ototoxin is a song about the toxic relationship that creates.
How has the reception to Ototoxin been so far, and where can the track be purchased?
It has been a really lovely response. Surprisingly so. In just a couple of weeks, it has become my most streamed song since my debut single. Some people seem to have really connected to it, and that’s the best you can hope for as a songwriter.
Ototoxin is available on all streamers and to buy from Bandcamp. I’ve got some tees and badges on there too. Find your link of choice at www linktr.ee/leeswitzerwoolf
Do you have any more singles planned for release? Are there any plans to release a full length album soon?
This one is a one off. My second album is only 6 months old, so I’m in no rush to release new music, I’m hoping that anyone discovering this song will go back and check out my back catalogue. But I’ve started working on some ideas for album 3 already, so, you never know.
Ototoxin has an electro-folk sound. What/who are you most influenced by? What have you been listening to recently?
Bright Eyes, the weakerthans and Vllagers are big influences for me. But right now I’ve been listening to Boygenius, Andy Shauf, Christian Lee Hutson, Big Thief and The National and Aesop Rock’s new album is incredible.
There is an awesome independent label in Oxford who put out my stuff called All Will Be Well. They have an incredible roster that is leaning more and more towards electronic music and that’s been a real influence to me. I’m trying to learn from them as it’s a new world to me. A couple of months ago I got to work on a remix for Bruno Muerte, a track called The society of the spectacle. That was such a treat, and I highly suggest checking them out.
Also, Aden Pearce, who mixes and masters my stuff, has released two singles with an album coming soon. Beautiful, folky goodness. Everyone needs that in their lives.
You’re from Reading. What is the local music scene like at the moment?
Reading is having what feels like a bit of a resurgence. It has felt a bit lifeless since Covid, but now it seems to be thriving again. The punk scene is really growing, and The Purple Turtle has been hosting some really good shows of all genres. From my folky side, I think there’s still a lot of room to grow. There is a lack of intimate spaces and the scene is quite band heavy. The danger there is you get pushed to pub gig / open mic territory and I don’t find that very comfortable.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?
No! Haha. Sadly, not. It’s been a really positive year though, so I’m quite happy to be pushing my creativity into other areas for a while, and doing a bit of writing but without putting any pressure on it.
Are you excited for the holiday season and Christmas? How do you normally celebrate?
Yeah, I love a bit of Christmas. I have a 7 year old son, so it is a lot of fun. We’re having Christmas at home this year, I’m really looking forward to it. My wife is an illustrator and she paints our window with some kind of Christmas scene, we watch a lot of movies and I use a small toy elf to justify eating all the snacks in the house once everyone has gone to bed.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Not right now, but earlier this year I shared a mini tour with two acts that I love: Page of Swords and Jack Cade, and we’re talking about how we can repeat/build on that in the New Year. Oh wow, they both have new music out too! Add that to your homework!
Any last words for the fans?
Thank you to anyone that has checked out my music this year. Let’s have some more life-affirmingly sad nights together in dark basements in 2024.