We chat to rising Bristol based artist, Henry Green, ahead of the release of his forthcoming EP, “Real”.
If you recognise the name Henry Green, that may be down to legendary Norwegian producer, KYGO. His remix of Henry’s cover of “Electric Feel” by MGMT has been listened to on Soundcloud an astonishing 9 million times.
Far from just a cover artist, Henry released his debut EP “Slow” in 2015. The four tracks that appear are intimate, minimalistic and simply stunning. His unique vocal tones and beautiful songwriting has resulted in a personal invite to support London Grammar and has helped him to establish a dedicated fan base.
Teasing us with new track “More Than This”, he is set to release his new EP “Real” in early February. We caught up with the 21 year old to find out a bit more about the man behind the music.
In your own words, how would you describe your sound?
Layers of natural, acoustic sounds laced with electronics and synthesizers.
Who are the bands/singers who have most influenced you?
I grew up listening to all sorts of music so I think many artists have influenced me subconsciously. I’m mainly inspired and intrigued by electronic music but I listen to a lot of folk, jazz, soul and classical too.
You have a very unique and beautiful singing style. Where do you think this came from?
I have no idea really! I could never hold a note growing up but as I started to write more I became increasingly comfortable with singing. I’ve always written in a way, lyrically and musically, that fits the softness of my vocal so I think it’s helped create my own style. I think I just slowly started to understand what my voice was capable of and tried to write with it in my mind… but also trying not to limit myself because of it.
You’ve had your cover of MGMT’s “Electric Feel” remixed by KYGO, and you were personally invited to support London Grammar. What was it like having these big names in the industry showing support for your work?
It’s really nice and a huge motivation. To know that artists that inspire and influence me are also enjoying the music that I’m making, it makes me want to keep producing new material. I’ve learnt so much from playing with other artists, watching their movements and sometimes collaborating too.
“I think I’m beginning to paint a clearer picture of the sound in my head. I’m constantly learning and developing ways of translating my ideas and creating the music that I know I want to make.”
You’ve just released your new track, “More Than This”. Can you tell us a bit about it?
The track follows a similar theme to the rest of the EP. It’s about breaking routine, reconnecting as human beings and living with freedom. I think we stick to the script far too often and I wanted to write about moving in a different direction.
Speaking of your upcoming EP (“Real”, which is out in February), what can we expect from it?
I self produced the EP, with the help of a good friend, Jack Shuter. I was desperate to take the reigns with this EP and place belief in my own production ability… so it was recorded, produced and mixed between home and the coastal town of Falmouth. I made so many strong memories whilst making the record, met and worked with some really beautiful people… it feels like much more than an EP.
Has your style changed since your 2015 EP “Slow”? If so, how?
I think I’m beginning to paint a clearer picture of the sound in my head. I’m constantly learning and developing ways of translating my ideas and creating the music that I know I want to make. I want to move people in different ways and vary the sounds/techniques that I use in my songs. I think this EP is another step forward and a clearer portrayal of myself.
What is your songwriting process?
It changes all the time. I’ll quite often start with a beat, sample or loop that I like and build a song around that but sometimes I prefer to sit down at a piano or with my guitar and just play.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?
Probably Nils Frahm. I met him in Berlin whilst I was out there doing a few writing sessions. I’m such a huge admirer of his work but I was far too nervous to ask for a collaboration.
What have you got lined up for 2017?
I’m taking more time to focus on creating new material. I’m hoping to work with loads of new people but also continue creating with the close friends who were involved in the last EP. I’m playing an EP release show with Tamu Massif on 17th February at St Pancras Old Church in London and hope to follow it up with a few more shows!