What is your names?
William Poyer
What is your genre of music?
Americana / Folk / Rock
Give us a little bio about you as a band.=
William Poyer is a singer/songwriter whose sound conjures up the modern world with a nod to the days of the Mariachi and the Gold Rush of the Wild West. Inspired by the likes of Ray LaMontagne, Shovels & Rope and Jason Isbell, William’s songs have been described as a blend of real-life storytelling with an intimate folk sensibility, driven by strong rhythms and melodic hooks. Having left his native Wales in 2013 he embarked on a journey of discovery, looking to hone a sound unique to him. Three years of living in Mexico helped him find the sound he was searching for.
What made you go in to music?
I had suppressed my desire to pursue music for many years, instead focusing on a more sensible career. However, after a few years I knew that I owed it to myself to do what I love.
Are you a signed?
I am signed to Spiritual Records from London, UK. A small independent record label with an amazing track record featuring some of the UK’s most exciting Rock/folk acts
You have released your new single ‘Sign It From Me’, tell us more about the single.
‘Sign it from me’ is a song I’ve had for a little while. It’s existed in a few incarnations but never quite felt right. To get to this version I decided to try and get as close to the live sound as possible, so took the band into the studio and recorded it in one take.
What is the meaning behind the single?
‘Sign it from me’ is a farewell. A goodbye to ghosts of the past. The people and ideas that can haunt a man as he gets older. Sometimes we need to put things to rest before we can grow and move on, and this song is my farewell letter to those ideas.
Describe the track in two words.
Anthemic goodbye
What was the writing process like?
Pretty fun and quick. I had the rhythm first. I loved the groove immediately and quickly came across a bunch of chords that created a sound that connected with me. Once those chords started to invoke the feeling, the story followed pretty organically. I think I wrote the verse and chorus in less than half an hour, and then spent a few days writing the lyrics and coming up with the bridge section.
What was the recording process like?
As I mentioned, I had recorded the song a couple of times before, but I think it needed time to develop. After playing the song live for a year or so it became a staple in my set and I had a much better idea of how it should sound recorded. I wanted to try and capture that live authenticity and therefore decided to take the band into the studio and capture a live take.
Who did you work with on the single?
We self-produced the track out of Orpheus studios in East London. The band comprised of myself on vocals and acoustic guitar, Martin Newbury on drums, Steve Shirley on guitar and James Le Huray on bass. The track was engineered by Richard Campbell and mixed and mastered by James Le Huray.
Will we see a music video for the tracks?
This song will have a lyric video. I’ve been collaborating with an amazing director in Mexico called Jose Grageda for a number of years. A relationship we build during the years I was living out there. Due to Covid-19, it doesn’t look like we will be traveling any time soon so he is working on a beautiful lyric video as we speak.
Will we see a EP or Album and if so what can we expect?
There are no immediate plans to release a record. We have another single prepped and ready to go, and currently looking at recording options to get some more songs released this year. Hopefully early 2021 will see the release of an album.
Do you have any online shows coming up?
August 1st for Spiritual Records. You can find that live stream on The Spiritual Records facebook page.
What else can we expect in 2020?
At least another two singles and some cool videos. Other than that, we will be writing and recording to be ready to get back to work once live music can come back safely post Covid-19. Fingers crossed!
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
Nothing I can talk about just yet, but hopefully working with one of my favourite acts in the studio soon.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
I’d certainly be open to the idea. Having a young family doesn’t give me an awful lot of time to experiment with co-writing very much, but never say never.
Do you play any instruments?
Guitar, bass and I’m always trying to learn a bit of piano and drums.
Who are your influences?
Tom petty, Ray Lamontagne, Fleetwood Mac, Nathaniel Rateliff, Bruce Springsteen, Chris Stapleton
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
I’m continuously inspired to write. It’s my favourite thing in the world to do. So much so, I find it really hard to rehearse for gigs because all I want to do is work on new material. I’ve continuously got 5-10 ideas that I am working on simultaneously and it all comes pretty naturally. I try not to think about it too much and let the process be as visceral and subconscious as possible. At least at first. I find most of my best ideas come from that place, and then the latter part of the process, finishing lyrics and arrangement require a more conscious approach.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Still making music and hopefully working with some great players and producers.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I work for a brewery in London. So, day to day I’m running around trying to get great beer into cool bars, and then it’s family time. I’m incredibly lucky to have a beautiful supportive wife and very cheeky 15-month-old son. With work, family, and music it only allows a few hours a night for sleep.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
Ray Lamontagne’s Jolene. I’m not sure what it is about the song, but it definitely hit me hard during the period I was starting to take song writing seriously. It’s a truly beautiful song and performance.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Compromise is like oxygen. You can’t live without it.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Record and play! Practice makes perfect, both in the studio and on stage. Time is of the escence, use it whilst you have it.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“It is what it is”. As humans we have tendencies to dwell on miniscule details, but life can get pretty intense. Sometimes it’s important to except what’s happened and move on.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
The Joiners Arms pub in Bishopston, Swansea, South Wales. A cracking little village pub located at the end of a windy road in a beautiful valley in the Welsh countryside. Locally brewed ales and funny locals, what more could you ask for.
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first? Home / The Washing machine. Then the pub?
2/ Who do you see first?Family of course
3/What do you eat first? A Sunday Roast!
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Musical equipment, Cigarettes, Phone Charger, Merch, Headphones.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Of course.
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