INTERVIEW: Gris-de-Lin — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Gris-de-Lin

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ONE of my big ambitions for this year…

is to highlight artists who have rare quality and spirit. Gris-de-Lin is a musician I had to know more about. She talks to me about making music and living down in Bridport, Dorset. I discover what the story is behind the new track, Muhammad Ali – it is from the exceptional album, Sprung. Gris-de-Lin discusses the album of the same name and whether tour dates will follow.

I ask which musicians inspire her and which new artists we should all check out; if the songwriter gets time to detach from a busy music career; what it was like recording music at a nursery school – Gris-de-Lin reveals her plans for the remainder of 2018.

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Hi, Gris-de-Lin. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey. Yeah. All good, thanks. I’ve been away a lot on tour recently, but I’m finally home and that feels pretty blissful!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I’m a singer/songwriter who plays a variety of instruments; creating music by the sea in Dorset. My influences are broad, so my music has elements of Post-Rock, Alt-Folk; dark Blues and glitchy Electronica, too.

Muhammad Ali is your newest track. Can you tell me about the story behind it?

Well. The song is based on a true event – a man who must’ve escaped from some kind of institution or hospital; snuck into my old flat and slept there overnight. In the morning, he’d scarpered through an open window and all that was left was a pile of clothes and his nametag ‘Muhammad Ali’.

This got me thinking about imprisonment and the mind – so, really, I’d say the song is about the human spirit and how our freedom of thought is the one thing that can’t be caged.

It follows hot on the heels of Sprung. The video for the song looks like it was a bit of an adventure! What was it like filming it?

Yeah. It was pretty epic trudging through the woods in high heels carrying a drum kit! I wanted it to have a fairytale element - which was why we introduced all the cuddly toy voyeurs watching from behind the trees. All my videos are very D.I.Y. and made with friends; so it’s fun to see what can be done with no budget and a little bit of imagination.

I believe the album, Sprung, will follow. What was it like recording the record? Is there a track from the album, you feel, stands out from the pack?

It was a special time recording the album; I got really immersed in it. I’d wake up in the middle of the night with lyrics in my head that I had to write down (and stuff like that)! It was kind of overwhelming at times, but exciting too.

I’d say The Kick is a song that stands out – it began as an improvisation but then took on a life of its own. The lyrics were taken from a report about a rugby match in the local paper, but they ended up becoming quite poignant for me (it’s all about getting your mojo back).

Is it true the material was recorded in a nursery school?! What was the reason for that? Was it conducive to inspiration, would you say?

Yes, that’s right. I think, sometimes, music studios can feel a bit claustrophobic…plus, as soon as you are in a studio, you can feel under pressure. The nursery school is a really nice big space, so it meant we could set up instruments, amps and equipment everywhere and never feel hemmed in. For me, the recording experience has to be enjoyable as I think feeling relaxed makes it much easier to get good takes and to capture special spontaneous moments.

What was it like working with Chris Hamilton (Torres/Kite Base) and Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey/Anna Calvi) on the record?

It was great working with Chris - as we were really on the same wavelength from the start. There were lots of crossovers in terms of our musical taste, but he also took me beyond my comfort zone and introduced brilliant elements of dark Electronica to the mix. Rob Ellis came in for a day to put drums on a couple of the songs. That was great, as I’d been a fan of his drumming for a long time. When he plays, he is a powerhouse!

Tell me about the artists you count as idols. Which musicians were you raised on?

Well. My parents were very into Folk music, so there was a lot of that playing in the background during my childhood. One of my favourites was an early Kate Bush record - it had scary sounds at the beginning, so I’d put it on and hide behind the sofa to listen. Joni Mitchell’s Blue was another in their collection which remains a stunning piece of work. I’m sure it inspired me when I was young. My mum was also into music from lots of different countries - and I think that’s, maybe, where my love of interesting rhythms stems from.

I wouldn’t really say I have idols – but I’m really inspired by songwriters whose lyrics manage to both tell a story but be personal too. Tom Waits and Nick Cave spring to mind here. Oh, and David Bowie, of course. When you look at the body of work he created and everything that came with it, visually, it’s kind of mind-blowing. When songs can capture the spirit of a time and place, that’s really special.

Bridport, Dorset is home. What is the area like in terms of music? Do you take a lot of influence from the setting and people?

I’m lucky because Bridport is a small town with lots going on and lots of creative people. It’s a quirky place – an alternative haven with friendly vibes. Its nature and seaside are really stunning - and that is a constant inspiration.

Who are the artists who opened your eyes growing up?

So many. Bands like Sonic Youth, Fugazi and Mogwai really inspired me by managing to be really atmospheric and heavy at the same time. Then, there are the Alternative songwriters who continue to inspire me with songs that seem to effortlessly weave narrative storytelling with personal reflection. I’m also hugely into interesting rhythm. In this respect, Talking Heads and Can are a big inspiration; along with Afrobeat artists like Fela Kuti and my Hip-Hop heroine, Missy Elliott.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Well. It’s gonna be great to play live shows following the release of the album. I’m now working on songs for the next album – busy recording demos at the moment. I’m also collaborating on a new album with Joe Gideon and Jim Sclavunos (Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds) which we’re hoping to finish this year - and there is a new album with Gemma Ray in the pipeline, too!

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

The great thing about living a life centred around music is that it takes you on some real unexpected adventures. Hard to find a favourite! The tour I did with the band, Tunng, was a very special time for me, though. I’d just gone through some big life changes and was emerging out of the darkness – and being on the road with them was a breath of fresh air.

It made me realise that music is not all about the graft but about letting loose and living in the moment, too.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I do think it’s getting harder to make a living from music and it saddens me that music lessons are being cut in schools. Terrible if music becomes the preserve of the wealthy who can afford it. Saying that; there will always be new artists who make their own path. There is a great quote from Patti Smith about creating a body of work that will speak for itself.

So; I’d say create and experiment constantly – and keep putting stuff out there!

IN THIS PHOTO: Chesca Dolecka

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

There is an artist called Chesca Dolecka I’m a big fan of. She has something really special: almost like a female Jeff Buckley in places, with really creatively-written music and arrangements.

Also (worth checking out) a band from Bridport called HUSH! I sang some vocals on their last single – kind of Dream-Pop but with a quirky darkness to it.

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

Music is pretty obsessive, so I’m not always good at switching off! That’s why it’s good to live by the coast, though. I’ve got a dog and you can’t beat a long walk along the cliffs or through the woods to clear your head.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

I’d love for you to play L’Amour Stories by Deerhoof - it always makes me smile!