Artist Name: Tragicomics
Hometown: Manchester/Liverpool
What project(s) are you currently working on?
We have a series of singles planned for release throughout the year, and we’re busy working on artwork and videos for them. And finally getting out to play some festivals! We haven’t done that in a while. I think Toby (guitar) is also working hard on an exciting crochet project, but I couldn’t possibly comment on that.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
Like many other angst-ridden and overdramatic teenagers, I spent most of my time on the twin pursuits of writing flowery prose and navel gazing. And then in my early teens, having started learning guitar, I started exploring song structure and melody. And lo! Suddenly I had all three elements of being a pretentious songwriter. After that it was just a foregone conclusion, really. Making sense of the world and my emotions through song is the only thing that settles my soul. It would be foolish to pursue anything else. We all feel the same.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
I make a mean bowl of pasta. Seriously, I very nearly owned a Pasta Van. It’s a long story.
What is your favorite downtime activity?
I was a fan of video games Before They Were Cool and they are a useful distraction between working on songs. I also cook overelaborate meals, that take several times longer to make than they do to eat, for no other reason than I enjoy throwing things into pans and occasionally narrating in the style of Jamie Oliver. Sad but true.
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
Given the opportunity, I would give Louis Theroux a really good cuddle. Does that count?
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
Accrington Stanley (not a meme I’m actually from there for real)
What is the last movie that you watched?
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. I think Nicholas Cage was in it.
What is the last album you listened to?
And In the Darkness Hearts Aglow by Weyes Blood. It’s remarkably good.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Metal Machine Music by Lou Reed. If I have to listen to one record forever I will go mad. Might as well just embrace it ASAP.
What is the greatest country song of all time?
Lovesick Blues, I reckon. Or possibly Folsom Prison Blues (doesn’t everybody say that?)
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
I love Bristol and frequently forget how pretty it is. We’re looking forward to visiting Paris and some other European hotspots in the not too distant.
What is your favorite meal?
Give me a Caesar Salad, made in the traditional way and in its mostly unhealthy incarnation. Give me two. Then leave.
Who is your dream duet partner?
I would crumble into pieces of joy were I given the chance to duet with Emmylou Harris or Gillian Welch.
Who would you like to go on tour with?
Anybody who has a decent beverage selection on their rider.
What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
To make music that means something to somebody, somewhere, in the same way it means something to us. Songs are just an ancient language. A connection. If somebody finds something in our music that moves them, then job done. Also to get those sweet, sweet streaming royalties (Spotify does not pay artists a reasonable recompense for their work).
Thankyou and goodnight.