Psych folk outfit Great Silkie released their latest EP And Now via London independent Crocodile Laboratories towards the end of last year. The four tracks on the record see the band, comprised of Sam Davies (Vocals, Guitar, Piano), Rhys Timson (Backing Vocals, Guitar), Andrew Saunders (Backing Vocals, Bass), and Charlie Salvidge (Backing Vocals, Drums), moving a few steps from their folk roots by adding elements of experimental rock and psych-tinged indie while retaining their lush vocal harmonies. Produced by Toby Kidd of Joyzine faves Hatcham Social, it marks an evolution in the band’s sound.
We asked frontman Sam Davies to create a ten-track playlist celebrating songs that have influenced his music – check out his selections below and listen to the full playlist here.
What is your earliest music-related memory? What do you remember being played at home when you were a child?
As a child we had Moon Safari by Air on cassette. Which I would insist was played during any car journey. And when it finished would turn straight over and start again. Before I even knew anything about music I knew I loved what I was hearing.
What was the first album that you ever bought? Where did you get it and do you have any recollection of the experience?
The first album I ever bought myself was Gorillaz first album. When I was 7. Mostly what I remember is my best friend and I playing the CDrom game that came with it. Which is pretty much just driving the car in the video of ’19/2000′.
When did you really start to develop a passion for listening to music? How did that come about and what were you into at the time?
My uncle bought me The Small Faces Essential Collection. I think at the first inkling of me being that way inclined. Which was probably one of the best gifts exactly what I needed to hear at that stage of life to send me into everything else… Small Faces > The Who > Kinks > Pink Floyd >> Syd Barrett! > Soft Machine > David Bowie > Eno….
What was the first gig that you went to? Where was it and what was it like?
My first gig was either Santana (actually one reason I started playing guitar) or it was “T.Rextasy” the T.Rex cover band. Both around when I was 10. But not sure which was first. So will go with Trex as the the one point I remember is the singer pointing out me and my friend Ellie (on our respective parents shoulders) singing along word for word with every song.
What are your memories of starting out making music? What was the first song that you learned to play?
The first song I actually remember properly learning, rather than just sitting around with my guitar on my lap, hopelessly twanging along to things, was ‘Pinball Wizard’. We had the video of Tommy which I used to watch ALOT.
What was your first band/musical project? What music was influencing you at that time? What are your memories of playing your first gig and are there any recordings out there?
Apart from being in school bands that don’t warrant any real mention. The Voyeurs (Charlie Boyer & The Voyeurs) is the first proper band I was in. I moved to London November 2011. When I was 17. The Voyeurs formed, played our first show and were signed January 2012. I have very found memories of that time and learnt a lot in such a short amount of time. And particularly of doing this song with Charlie.
How did Great Silkie start? Who is in the band? What was the first release and what are the memories that it brings if you listen to it now?
Great Silkie started as The Voyeurs trundled along with a third album. Up to this point I had only ever written music but not lyrics/ was to scared to sing. The first person I asked to be in the band was Andrew Saunders (bass, backing vocals) pretty much after first meeting. At first we had a couple of drummers (Roberto, Elian) but when Charlie Salvidge finally joined everything fit into place. I do think the three of us singing together is a strong point of the band. To be honest I don’t really like listening to this. I can hear how not confident I am and the kind of head space I was in at the time. It gets a lot better after this…
Which band/artist do you think has had the biggest influence on your music over the years? What is it about them that inspires you?
This is a tough one. As I often have said “this is my favourite…” or “this is the best album ever” to many different bands. But honestly Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci would have to be my choice. They are the only band I can say I have every album/EP/single that it’s possible to get a physical copy of and they have meant more to me than most. They have personally soundtracked a lot of my adult life and the album How I Long To Feel That Summer In My Heart IS one of the most beautiful albums ever.
Who are some of your favourite current artists? What do you like about them?
Not that I don’t listen to new current acts, living under a self imposed rock. I am trying to change that. But I’d say the best current band that I truly like is Moon Balloon. And it’s not because the singer/songwriter Rhys Timson is also in Great Silkie now as our second guitarist! I liked them before that.
You have a new EP out now, how has your approach to making music changed since you started out, and how has your sound developed over that time? Is there a particular song on the record that epitomises what you’re aiming to achieve or that is particularly special to you at this time for any reason?
As lyrics/ singing was the last thing I did, I always used to write the music completely first then write to that afterwards. Which I’d say the main change is now I do write lyrics on their own and even start with that then write music to them. So just slipped around really. Also after the Voyeurs I wanted Great Silkie to reflect my more quieter/Folk influences.. so pretty much got rid of all my guitar pedals and was very strict about that. But now I’ve come around to my younger 18 year old self’s stance again. So I’d say the track ‘Who Are You Now’ is my favourite one on the EP and closest to the direction I want to go in.
Great Silkie’s And Now EP is out now via Crocodile Laboratories – download via Bandcamp or stream in all of the usual places
Great Silkie: Facebook / Instagram
Crocodile Laboratories: Instagram / Bandcamp
Article by Paul Maps
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