Interview: C Duncan
Scottish artist Chris Duncan is a musician that you should not pass up. His highly anticipated third album entitled HEALTH which came out on March 29th through Fatcat Records. This very personal album is a big step for Duncan, and creates a comfortable and catchy environment for the audience. Read more about him below.
How did you develop your sound?
It was all through trial and error. I’m influenced by so many different styles of music - pop, classical, disco, jazz, soundtracks, choral music etc… and I wanted to try and incorporate all of this into my own music. With each record I make I want to expand my sound and try something new, not only to keep the listener interested, but to keep myself excited about making music.
What does it feel like to release such a personal album?
It was quite daunting at first. I have never made such a personal album so I was anxious about how it would be received. However, now that it is out in the world I am very proud of it, and I’m pleased I put so much emotion into the record. Ultimately I just want people to be able to relate to my music, and being so open lyrically will hopefully help people connect with it.
This record was described as entering territory you had previously felt uneasy exploring. What pushed you to feel more comfortable exploring these areas?
Having recorded my first two albums at home, I wanted to leave the comfort of my home studio and try out something totally new for me - recording in a real studio… I wanted this album to sound bigger and brighter than my previous works, and the way to do this was to get the professionals involved. Whilst touring the UK and America with Elbow, I got to know their keyboardist and producer, Craig Potter, and it seemed only natural to work with him in his studio. Thematically, this album was way out of my comfort zone too. I had never expressed myself so freely in my music, and the only way to become comfortable with that was to just accept that others would be able to hear what I have to say.
This was your first album where you worked with other producers, engineers, and musicians. What was this experience like? What did you learn from it?
It has been absolutely fantastic! I never imagined that it would be so fun to work with others, and to have others around to bounce ideas off of. It was also really exciting getting more musicians involved as it has always been a dream of mine to have strings and choir on my record - and now I have it! The biggest lesson I learnt was to allow other people to get involved in the process of recording my music. Everyone has their own expertise and talents and it was because of this that Health sounds as big and luscious as it does.
Why did you decide to name the album HEALTH?
The album title was inspired by the songs that are on the record. I used the process of writing the songs as therapy in a way, and it was a great outlet for me to reflect on what was going on in my life. The making of this album was extremely cathartic and so many of the themes revolve around mental state and health.
What song off the new album are you most excited to share with fans? What’s this song about?
I’m most looking forward to people hearing ‘He Came from the Sun’. It is by far the most epic and narrative song I have written and it touches on themes of sexuality, struggle and healing.
You have a UK tour in April/May. What are you most excited about for this tour?
I really can’t wait to be back on the road again and meeting lots of new people. I spend so much of my time alone writing music, that the time I get surrounded by others is very important to me. I’m also looking forward to sharing the new live songs with people.
What do you find inspiration in?
All sorts. Sometimes music, sometimes art, sometimes places. It all filters into my music in one way or another.
Why should people listen to HEALTH?
Because it has a curious title… And because hopefully there’ll be something on it for everyone to enjoy and relate to.