We caught up with Coventry based singer-songwriter Callum Pickard, who’s just released his debut EP, to talk influences and his plans for the future.
Hi Callum, what can our listeners expect when they listen to you for the first time?
Hi! Whilst I am influenced by a number of people, both current and established artists, I like to think that I am treading an original path. I guess you would describe my music as dream pop with a big slice of folk…but with elements of rock. To be honest though, I dislike pigeoning my music to a particular genre because it’s changing all of the time. For example my first EP was solely acoustic and raw. As for the new EP my songs have developed with a full band and I’m exploring a wider range of genres.
Who would you count as your biggest influences?
Well there are a few. Justin Vernon has to be number one just because of his originality, his finely crafted spiritual lyrics and splendid music. Lately I’ve been listening to Connan Mockasin whose psychedelic music really moves me. Then of course there is Tame Impala a band who are really making an impression. But I really enjoy some of the well renowned songwriters like Bob Dylan, John Prine, and Johnny Cash. Pink Floyd, Supertramp and The Moody Blues, deserve a mention too as I have listened to them all of my life…my dads favorite bands!
Your new EP is out soon, can you tell us a little bit about how it was recorded?
It’s taken at least a year and a half to produce…and we’ve finally sent it to be mastered! I’m hoping to have the hard copies available by the end of March. It will be available digitally later. It’s been much harder work than I anticipated but I’m sure it will be worth the effort.
Are you planning any live dates to support the release?
Not at the moment. Whilst producing the new EP I’ve been putting a band together. I am still playing solo but live dates with the band will come later.
You directed the video for ‘Blueprint’ yourself, is that an area you feel is just as important as the music?
Not really…it was just an idea. The music is my priority…I will leave the videos for others! In fact Blueprint has featured in a video produced by some students in California whilst Trading Hearts is being used as a soundtrack for a video that is being produced by Warwickshire College.
What do you think about the local scene in Coventry?
It’s ok but there just aren’t enough live venues in and around Coventry.
Do you have any plans for an album in the future?
Yes of course. But my next priority will be to get the band up and running. I will continue to write new songs so maybe the next venture will be a album.
If you could recommend one song for our readers, what would it be?
That’s a tough question. My favorite changes almost in a daily basis…and it’s often the most recent one! But if I had to nominate one at the moment it would be Blueprint….the title track of the new EP.
To find out more about Callum or to buy the Blueprint EP, click here.
