London synth-pop darling Patchy recently released her sparkling debut album, ‘Illuminations,’ just this month. In celebration of the release, we had the chance to chat with the emerging disco-pop artist. Find out what Patchy had to say about her 80′s influences, how ‘Illuminations’ got its title, her future plans, and more. Check it out below:
Hi Patchy! Thanks for taking the time out to chat with Electrocutie. To kick things off, can you describe who you are as an artist for listeners who might not know you yet?
I’m a 26 year old female music producer and vocalist living in South London. I write songs, sing and produce them as electronic music. It’s a big mixture of styles ranging from throwback 80′s synth-disco-pop to 90′s pop and house/techno influences.
When did you begin creating music and what inspired you to take that route?
I began forming songs at a young age, around 6 on the piano, though I began properly producing and singing at the age of 19. I sang on a happy hardcore track at 18, and then went on to release a single with Piet Van Dongen on Manual Music, a Dutch deep house/techno label. They then decided to release my album ‘Illuminations.’ I was inspired by their minimalist music. I wanted to incorporate my own synths, pop style and vocals to create something fun and catchy.
Which artists or albums have influenced you as a songwriter and musician?
There are so many! To name a few fantastic songwriters and geniuses: Kate Bush, Carole King, Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, and folk artists like Nick Drake and Bob Dylan. Then more 80′s stuff like the Human League, Giorgio Moroder, Jean Michelle Jarre, and for the 90′s Nirvana, Skunk Anansie, and Aaliyah. More recent artists would be Magda, Ellen Allien, Grum, Ali Love, Royksopp, Junior… there are loads!
How did you get into electronic music?
I began using music software from a young age. I loved computers and had these very basic loop programs to play with. I wrote all of my songs acoustically on guitar and piano and then began turning them into the electronic format. I was excited to be able to create the whole thing: melodies, bass lines, synths and percussion.
Your music also has hints of twinkling disco undertones. Are there any disco artists who have inspired your music?
It’s probably a little bit obvious what with Daft Punk setting off Chic mania, but I’ve been in to Chic, Diana Ross and Giorgio Moroder’s 80′s disco numbers for a couple of years! I also love newer deep house disco stuff. I’m quite into Isaac Tichauer at the moment, along with Todd Terje, Maceo Plex, etc!
Your debut album, ‘Illuminations,’ is out now. What inspired the sound and mood of the record?
I was inspired by the sounds of 80′s Juno synths, house music, and glitchy percussion, as well ws Roland & Korg drum machines, 90′s pop, and dub styles. I combined all that with emotional songs written during powerful, fun, and hard times over the past 10 years.
Is there a significance behind the album title?
‘Illuminations’ came about when I was flying into London on my way back from recording the album in Rotterdam. The city was illuminated. It kinda reminded me of the electricity in the human brain. I’ve always thought it really beautiful.
Do you have a favorite or standout track on the album?
“Control”: It’s a song of empowerment.
What was the recording process like for you while working on ‘Illuminations’?
It was unusual! I produced the tracks myself initially. They were then sent over to Francesco Pico and Qbical, producers on Manual Music, who then took them and re-crafted them, putting their own stamp on them, while also bringing them up to a pristine standard. We didn’t have too much face-to-face time. It mostly happened over email, except at the end where I visited Rotterdam and we finished everything off. It was really special as we all got to spend time together perfecting what we had created together. Each track has a really individual feel because of that.
You’re a London-based artist, but your album was produced in Germany and The Netherlands. How have all of these different places influenced, if at all, your sound? Did you get to travel during the production of your album?
These places certainly had an impact on the sound of the album. I’ve always been in to deep house and techno music from living in Glasgow 8 years ago when I was gently introduced. I guess there are tastes of that especially in the percussion of some of the tracks, like ‘Brixtonia.’ Of course, Rotterdam and Berlin are big techno cities, so I like to think there is a little of that enveloped within the music too.
What is the songwriting process like for you? Does it start with a melody, a lyric…?
I usually start with a melody on piano or guitar and construct the lyrics around it. It seems to flow better that way. Solutions came very easily as I was quite heartbroken at the time! I used an acoustic auto-harp which I’d not played before. It was new and refreshing to play.
Do you have any goals or dreams for yourself as an artist that you care to share?
My dreams and goals aren’t big ones. I’m fairly contented, though as of today, I’ve decided I want an Andromeda Alesis Synthesizer and to make another album which I would produce myself. Actually saying that, it’d be cool to be big in Japan!
What is a live show like for you? Do you incorporate any visuals into your performance? Do you work with a full band or go it solo?
At the moment, I work with a live band. There are three of us. The sound is very different to the album as we often use live drums and electric guitar and synths. It seems to work rather well considering the difference from the electronic sound of the album.
Do you have any plans for a full tour once your album drops? Any plans to make a stop in the US?
I would love to tour the U.S. Let’s wait and see!
A special thanks to Patchy, her management, and Jo at Invader Music for coordinating. Patchy’s new album, ‘Illuminations,’ was released on June 3rd. Stay tuned for more information on Patchy and visit her on Facebook here.