What is your Full name?
Graham Iddon
How old are you?
I’m 27 years old
What is your genre of music?
Alternative rock/blues
Give us a little bio about yourself.
My name’s Graham, I’m a singer/songwriter from Aylesbury in Buckingham, UK. I go by the stage name of Raving Wild (although I’m generally quite approachable) and I earned the moniker through silly stunts that got a little out of hand on occasion.
I play guitar alongside the keyboard player Lawrence and use an array of loop pedals, vocal harmonisers and effects pedals to generate larger sounds than may be expected of a duo.
How long have you been doing music?
In terms of gigging I’ve been playing live for around 3 years or so, as for playing guitar and singing I have been learning since around the age of 12 but have only really taken studies seriously in the past few years.
What made you go in to music?
My brother suggested I spent my bought a guitar when I was younger, mostly so he could play it. I took to it and very much enjoyed learning the instrument however due to a severe injury I was incapacitated for some time. I battled on however and persisted although the learning process was lengthy as a result
Are you a signed?
I’m currently signed to Coffee Jingle Records, a swiftly growing independent label that support various genres of music.
Your EP ‘Kolmanskop’ is set to be released ’ what is the meaning behind the name?
The name ‘Kolmanskop’ is derived from the abandoned mining town in the Namib desert. I thought I would release a concept album using this as a metaphor for contemplation of the thoughts nobody hears.
Tell us more about the tracks individually.
‘Kolmanskop’, being the title track, is perhaps the track we experimented with most. I dehydrated myself for 24 hours before recording this to give it a desert feel and we recording individual sounds to make up a majority of the percussion. ‘At The Crossroads’ was a more simple, stripped back process which I recorded with my friend Kitty Roisin who provided some wonderful backing vocals.
‘Made Of Gold’, once again referring to mining and finding something of value in a place you’d least expect it, was written a few years previously to the other tracks although I felt it tied in with the theme. ‘Where Quiet Blooms’ was featured on BBC 6 Introducing Mixtape, I used some electric percussive techniques on my guitar to create a subtle beat and used various guitar effects for the first time in studio on the final track. As for ‘I Know Nothing’, which I feel is the darkest in mood, was written about realising how little I knew and what I learned from some friends I also consider mentors.
How long did it take to complete?
Without including the writing process it took just under a year to finalise every track for playback on multiple devices, this was produced by Lawrence himself in a private recording space.
Will we see an album?
At this point we’d really like to focusing our time on recording fewer but better tracks, there will definitely be more singles and EPs!
What instruments do you play?
I play guitar and sing most proficiently however I do play some keys too as with the technology available today I’ve found it to be a very adaptable instrument.
Who are your influences?
I love a band called Thrice, they have evolved so much over the many years they have been recording and playing which truly has been a journey to follow. Jeff Buckley is one of the most incredible vocalists I’ve ever had the privilege of listening to.
Will you be doing any gigs or a Tour?
We’re playing at Coopers Trading Company and at Wendover Celebrates along with a private fesitval which we can’t reveal the location of. You can catch us live on BBC Three Counties in April and we’re taking more bookings at all times.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
I find love is a well trodden path so I try to veer away from that as a subject or take inspiration from it, mostly it’s just finding the time to swirl thoughts around I feel. Perhaps just taking a word, phrase or concept and building upon it.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
I’d love to be comfortably working at gig venues, I’m not looking for fame or money but just to gig for a living in some classy or cool venues would be ideal.
What Music do you listen to when you’re out?
I like taking a walk with a bit of City and Colour on, either that or perhaps some songs by My Vitriol who are an excellent band that create wonderful soundscapes.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I’m either at my current job or I’m researching on how to improve my playing and vocals in my free time. If I have some spare time I may catch up with friends but other than that I’m always attempting to learn more.
What’s the best gig you’ve played so far and why?
It would be one of two, I played at Pinewood Studios and it was unbelievably grandiose. The whole venue was stunning in every detail and it was a privilege to be stood on the same spot as some of my favourite films had been created. Either that or Live In The Park in my hometown, the energy was superb and the crowd were all very supportive and receptive.
If you could collaborate with one UK Artist who would it be?
Hozier would have to be up there, after hearing ‘Take Me To Church’ I thought it exceptional that a virtually unknown musician had risen to fame by conveying a powerful, relevant message. It was refreshing to hear a song say something rather than just being made to make money. It was even better that it did both, hats off to him.
If you could collaborate with one USA Artist who would it be?
I’d love to just spend even five minutes in a studio with Thrice and be able to say I shared the same space as the band, once again they are another band that truly convey more than just notes and words. They have integrity it would be a dream to be there to observe the process of their songwriting.
Where is your dream venue or festival to perform in UK?
I’d really want to play at the O2 Academy in Oxford, several of my friends have said they’ve had a great time playing there and it gave them the opportunity feel the proverbial moment of the gig.
Where is your dream venue or festival to perform in USA?
Of all of the venues either large or small it would have to be the House Of Blues, every live performance I have watched there has been riveting and the atmosphere was tangible.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
It was actually a song by my friend Dan Chapman called ‘Oldest Old Oak Tree’, something plucked a heart string and resonated with his voice and the composition. If you like a song with a slower tempo and are a fan of great vocal I’d recommend having a listen to him.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Information is the most valuable commodity you’ll have as it’s the only thing that gains value as it’s shared.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Find your sound as soon as you can! When you find a style you enjoy, explore it as much as possible because the road is never ending.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
I always found the Chinese curse “may you live in interesting times” curious. It’s said on the assumption that interesting does not always mean beneficial, most people just presume that is what is wished. I try not to stick by making my interesting times chaotic ones but it does make me look before I leap.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
- Loop pedal
- Guitar
- Leads
- Microphone
- Most importantly – to warm up first
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
I’m on Twitter with the handle @RavingWild, Facebook on www.facebook.com/ravingwild or check out the website on www.ravingwild.co.uk for various sessions, promo videos and news.
