Example Talks to CM

CM: Tell us a little about the new single 'Midnight Run' produced by Feed Me, was it important for you to get producers to do their signature bits?

Example: 'Midnight Run' is the new single which is out December 4th and is produced by Feed Me, it was the last track I finished for the album and it's about being out late at night partying and doing naughty things when you should probably be at home chilling, which I think most people can relate to (Laughs).

CM: Can you tell us a little about your very first musical experiences ? What's the earliest memory you have of discovering music?

Example: I think it would probably be listening to James Brown because my dad used to play a lot of it, not sure which songs in particular but James Brown was definitely played a lot in the car or in the house, maybe Phil Collins as well (Laughs). You know there was a real Motown mix, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, The Beatles.

CM: Do you think it is important for young people to train in music and what are your three top tips for success?

Example: If you want to become an engineer or a producer I don't think it harms to do that, there are certainly a lot of people who studied music in university and college. Flux Pavilion, who is a good mate of mine, graduated in music and obviously makes it now but plenty of people I know now didn't go to School but are doing really well in music so I think it depends on how much natural talent you have got and your willingness to learn. Three main points to success I would say firstly do everything you can yourself, make all your contacts yourself try booking your own gigs, you know produce stuff yourself such as the artwork, that's pretty important. Secondly, always listen to advice from your favourite artists or producers, if you ever get to meet them don't talk, just sit there and listen. I sat down and listened to Serge from Kasabian the other day when he did a talk for 40 minutes and I learnt a lot. Thirdly, I would say just really try and learn from the best and always do what you want to do, never listen to record labels or A&R's. If someone says you have got to change your sound to fit this, don't listen and do what you want to do and if you don't feel comfortable with it don't release it.

CM: Did you have any mentors?

Example: I learnt a lot from my mum and dad in terms of how to live and be a good person but I suppose Mike Skinner was for a bit when I was signed to his label. He helped me write songs and gave me advice but I am learning from my friends really, I take a lot of inspiration from the likes of Ed Sheeran, Tinie Tempah and Wretch 32, you know every time I see them perform I learn something.

CM: What are the main challenges you face in your career?

Example: Just trying to better yourself all the time, you have got to keep coming back and re-inventing yourself, and come back with bigger and better songs which is kind of hard.

CM: What is the one bit of music equipment you can not do with out?

Example: I'm not really a studio tech bod (Laughs) so ask the producer (Laughs).

CM: What is the biggest mistake you have made in you career that you have learnt from?

Example: I haven't really made any, I don't regret anything, I think I have done a lot of silly things but I have learnt from all of them and it has made me better and stronger.

CM: What's your studio food?

Example: Generally like Pizza, Dominos, Strada, Firezza, that vibe or if there is a nice Japanese place get a take away Katsu.

CM: Any sign of a live CD or DVD release and any more merchandise?

Example: Well I am doing an arena tour next year so maybe filming the O2 Arena London, that might be a decent gig to film but we will wait and see because it takes a lot of time and money and planning to do these things and I don't know if I have that time or that money at the moment (Laughs).

CM: Ok now finally I know how much love UK artists show to one another so who in your mind are the hottest UK talent (apart from yourself of course) that people should keep and eye out for in future?

Example: I think the next big artists to blow are probably going to be Flux Pavilion in terms of producers or Feed Me both guys I have worked with, in terms of an MC I think P Money is going to be massive and the next singer/songwriter is going to be Emeli Sande.

CM: Any final words?

Example: Just hit me up on Twitter and Facebook and come and see me on my Arena tour in April and thanks to all the fans supporting.

For the full interview go to http://www.pyromag.com/music/14950/example-interview/

Interviewed by Antonio Dellamura http://www.pyromag.com Twitter.com/AntonioPyroMag