23-year-old London lad Oscar Scheller signed to Wichita Recordings in January, we get all the essential information from the newcomer.
Listening to Oscar, Vampire Weekend and The Drums come to mind, he’s not as twee, granted, but his music has that same jingly-jangly unapologetically indie vibe that takes you back to being fifteen, wearing denim shirts and band tees like a uniform and rolling your eyes at anyone at school who hadn’t heard of Morrissey. Or maybe not everyone had that phase. Regardless, the message to take from ‘Daffodil Days’ is, on the whole, a positive one, about the day you’ve been waiting for arriving finally. Emphasis on the finally, it’s been a long ride – it’s not that upbeat and reminds you that “you’re on your own” but also “that’s okay”.
With ‘Daffodil Days’ due for release at the beginning of next month, we caught up with Oscar for an equal parts glum and gleeful chat about songwriting, being an art school drop out and his musical picks for the moment.
When did you start songwriting?
I was always making up little tunes in my head but about 13 going on 14 years old was when it properly started after hearing Alicia Keys ‘Songs In A Minor’ and The Beatles ’Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club’. Not to mention all the Elvis my Uncle played next door. At 15 I got taught Buddy Holly’s ‘Words Of Love’ on guitar. Three chords was plenty for me.
What inspires you to write?
How sad and scary life can be, and how beautiful it can be too! Or just hearing an amazing or intriguing melody somewhere.
Tell us what ‘Daffodil Days’ is about?
‘Daffodil Days’ is about trying to transcend a depression and see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes those moments come from the most unexpected places.
How would you describe your music in three words?
Honest, melodic and melancholic.
We hear you’re an art school drop out. What happened there? What would you be doing if you weren’t a musician?
I had such a love/hate relationship with my course. It was very dramatic, like some kind of French New Wave romance. I got more and more disillusioned with the state of affairs in higher education and became increasingly more immersed in being musical and just writing and recording constantly instead of doing my art school homework. If I weren’t a musician I’d like to be a dog. Or a Renaissance Man.
Have you been sticking to your New Year’s Resolutions? Is there anything specific you want to achieve in 2015?
My one resolution was to go to the gym, which has been going terribly. I went to one really hardcore (and in hindsight) totally unsuitable class and couldn’t move for a week. So let’s just leave that one to the side for now. I want it all and I want it now! I wanna be on Top Of The Pops.
Is there any one person who’s inspired you musically or anyone you aspire to be like?
Lionel Bart and Kurt Cobain.
What’s been your favourite moment so far as a musician?
Playing a show on the Lower East Side, Manhattan. Only thing that would top that was hearing my song on the radio.
Is there anyone you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
Yes there are a few people that spring to mind. I’d like it to be a strong female voice. Rihanna.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Teedra Moses, Fake Laugh, Elastica, A.G Cook, Broncho and Tobias Jesso Jr.
Oscar plays five dates across the UK between March and April. ‘Daffodil Days’ is due for release in March on Wichita Recordings.
Words: Lily Walker