Q&A: SOLOMON CROOK
Raised in the Coromandel, alternative artist Solomon Crook has released his latest and first fully self-produced track ‘morning’ following the tremendous success of his debut EP ‘I & You’. Drenched in warmth & nostalgia, ‘morning’ highlights Solomon’s out-of-this-world vocal ability and paints a beautiful picture of driving into a bleeding sunset with the windows down. No worries, nowhere to be.
WE'D LOVE TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR MUSICAL JOURNEY SO FAR FROM WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED MAKING MUSIC!
I began writing music at high school! With my friends, we formed a band and played jangly indie guitar music. After school I studied music in Wellington for 3 years; over this period I released my first EP. I am now based in Auckland, I have a studio space in Grey Lynn where I work on not only my music but others too.
WE JUST WANTED TO TAKE A QUICK THROWBACK TO YOUR DEBUT INCREDIBLE EP 'I & YOU' WHICH WE COMPLETELY FELL IN LOVE WITH! WHAT WAS THE OVERALL CONCEPT OF THIS EP AND WHAT WERE YOUR MAIN HIGHLIGHTS WORKING ON IT?
Initially there wasn't a concept for this body of work. However, as the songs came together it clearly reflected my life at the time. The songs explored my primary relationship at the time; capturing feelings of intimacy, vulnerability and intensity. The music also reflected the feelings expressed in the lyrics.
YOUR LATEST TRACK 'MORNING' IS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE MEANING OF THIS TRACK AND THE INSPIRATION BEHIND IT?
'morning' was written at the end of the summer 2021, after taking a road trip with my partner around the East Cape. This was such a magical trip it really left me in awe of our country.
AMAZING! WHAT WAS THE WRITING & PRODUCTION PROCESS LIKE FOR 'MORNING'?
After finishing the writing of 'morning' early 2021, I didn't do much with the track until later in the year. As summer approached it seemed timely to revisit it. The production for the song flowed easily as I worked on it one spring day at my studio in Grey Lynn.
DO YOU HAVE MORE NEW MUSIC ON THE WAY SOON?! IF SO, WHAT CAN WE EXPECT?
YES! I've got more music in the works. It's feeling more stripped back than anything I have released so far which is exciting. Taking things back to their essence.
WHO WOULD YOU SAY ARE YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATIONS IN MUSIC?
At the moment I would say Adrianne Lenker. However over the last 2 years I would definitely put Bon Iver at the top.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE NZ ARTISTS RIGHT NOW AND ARE THERE ANY SONGS IN PARTICULAR THAT YOU ESPECIALLY LOVE?
Recently I've enjoyed BAYNK's new album. Other favourites are Arjuna Oakes and Serebii (new EP 'Even When You're Gone') and artists who are yet to release but I'm excited for them give their music to the world.
WE LOVE THOSE TRACKS TOO! WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT NEW ZEALAND? DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVOURITE PLACES TO TRAVEL TO OR LOCAL SPOTS THAT YOU LIKE TO VISIT?
NATURE! A favourite spot of mine nearby is Whatipu at the Manukau Heads, West Coast of Auckland. This place is so sacred with a real aliveness.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS YOU’VE LEARNT AS AN ARTIST, AND WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER ARTISTS OUT THERE?
One of the main lessons I've taken from songwriting is being able to let go of ideas and move on. This then carries through into life. Not getting too hung up on songs can allow them to have new life.
WONDERFUL ADVICE! LASTLY, WE END ALL OUR INTERVIEWS WITH THIS QUESTION - IF YOU COULD SAY ONE THING TO EVERY PERSON IN THE WORLD, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
What makes you happy?
Thanks so much Solomon! Make sure you keep up with him on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify or Apple Music.
