Q&A with Lewis McLaughlin
It’s been a fruitful year for Resonate showcase artist Lewis McLaughlin. We caught up with him to discuss his recent debut album success, his music industry pet-peeves and some exciting projects incoming for summer [including a possible slot of the worlds most famous music festival].
Lewis McLaughlin - you are one of Scotland’s most exciting folk artists who has music in his blood. Coming from a musical family how was that shaped you as a musician and songwriter?
My family are the reason I do what I do today. Being exposed to music from a very early age, I learned it like one might learn a language. It just comes pretty naturally to me. My dad plays guitar and my mum sings and writes so I’m basically a by-product of them! My folks have always been massively supportive of what I do and I have a lot to thank them for. In terms of my writing, my mum loves language and writing so growing up talking about and enjoying language definitely shaped my relationship to it. I count myself very lucky to have come from such a creative family. My brother Euan is also a full time musician, so working with him and seeing his career progress is really exciting.
That moment when you released your debut album, how would you describe that feeling in 1 word?
Overwhelming (in the best way (nervous laughter)
Listening to your debut album, there seems to be lots of different sonic influences coming from folk, traditional and jazz angles. Who are the artists that have most inspire your sound?
I guess coming from a background in trad music is a massive inspiration to my sound. I had a healthy diet of Dylan, Joni, John Martyn, Waits etc. growing up as well as loads of more Scottish folky bands such as Breabach, Mike Vass. My life changed when I first discovered Bon Iver, they have such an incredible mix of folk, pop, jazz and indie. I’m so inspired by the sounds they get, always keeps you on your toes! I think they are a massive influence on my sound still, as well as modern bands such as Sylvan Esso or Ben Howard.
‘Feel The Ground You Walk Upon’ was released on Monohand Records who also represent Fiskur and Jillorean. What is it like being part of a label family and how did this relationship come about?
I’ve known Andy for a while, through the scene in Glasgow. He’s worked with a bunch of folk I know. I took him some early versions of the album tracks back in December 2020, and since then the idea of an album slowly emerged. When we were in the process of making the record, he mentioned he was thinking about starting an indie label, and offered to put the record out on it. I’m so chuffed to be working with him and Jill and Ross make some brilliant music, I’m so pleased to be part of this wee community!
Debut album ‘Feel The Ground You Walk Upon’ available on Bandcamp
You performed as part of the Resonate Live showcase in 2021, how was that experience and returning to the stage after a tumultuous two years for the music industry?
Resonate was my first gig back with the band since 2019, so I was understandably very nervous. The band were rocking though and everyone at the showcase was so friendly and made us feel comfortable. I definitely was feeling pretty edgy on the build up to our slot, but as soon as the first note started, all of that went away, and I lost myself in the music! Such a nice event, I’ll be coming along next year too!
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
I feel like artists are getting overwhelmed with social media at the minute. It’s a full time job to keep up a presence on all the different social media channels, and can end up burning you out a bit. I know I’ve had to take a step back from it all in the past because it got too much for me. Some people are more suited to using social media maybe, but still I think it’s at the point of becoming a problem, as the more you put up online for free, the more your art gets devalued. Don’t even get me started on Spotify…
What’s next for Lewis McLaughlin?
I have bizarrely and excitingly made it to the final of the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition, so me and the band will be heading to Somerset to perform at the live final at the end of the month. The whole thing feels very surreal, Glastonbury seems like something I would maybe possibly one day manage to find a way to play at, but I have a good chance this early in my career which is incredible! Apart form that, I’ll be at as many music festivals as I possibly can this summer, and just playing as much as possible. Keep an eye out on my social medias, I’ll be coming to a town near you soon!
You can grab yourself a copy of ‘Feel The Ground You Walk Upon’ on Bandcamp here. And make sure you follow Lewis on socials for all the latest announcements - Facebook / Instagram / Twitter.