Discussing ‘Patterns’: A Conversation with Martin Callingham
Introducing Martin Callingham and his upcoming album ‘Patterns,’ which is to be released on May 24th via Undergrowth Records. Based in Bristol, this indie folk musician offers a refreshing take on storytelling through his music, blending honest lyrics with subtle and graceful melodies. Ahead of the album’s release, Martin has already unveiled the lead single ‘Treehouse,’ accompanied by a beautiful animated music video by Martyna Silonczyk. Join us as we chat with Martin about the essence of ‘Patterns.’
‘Patterns’ marks your first full-length release since 2015’s ‘Tonight We All Swim Free.’ How has your music evolved since your last EP, and what themes or experiences influenced the creation of this album?
‘Patterns’ was recorded in fits and starts mostly between early 2017 and late 2019. We finished mixing the day before we all got locked down in 2020. So, the music probably evolved somewhat during this period as much as it did in between this album and the last. The main difference is probably working with different musicians, players drifting in and out according to availability and life changes, etc.Â
What was the inspiration behind the title ‘Patterns’ for your album?
Behavioural patterns can pull you subconsciously along a looping path – within a given situation, or more generally – sometimes providing false comfort in chaos. The album ‘Patterns’ takes its name from the penultimate song on the album.
With Jim Barr of Portishead and Get The Blessing handling recording and mixing duties for ‘Patterns,’ how did his involvement impact the overall sound and atmosphere of the album?
Jim was brilliant, providing a safe space for ideas and pitching in with a few of his own. J&J Studios is a great place to record and about a three-minute walk from my house. With a couple of the earlier bits of the album being recorded elsewhere, Jim managed to pull it all together and make it sound like a cohesive collection. He’s also a terribly nice man.
Can you tell us about the process behind the animated music video for ‘Treehouse,’ the first single from the album? How do you feel the video enhances the storytelling of the song?
Martyna Silonczyk is a supremely talented animator. She created the video for ‘Scully,’ the first release from Patterns, which I was really pleased with. Having worked with Martyna before, I just sent her the song and let her interpret it in her own way. Usually there’s a bit of back and forth with these things, but I pretty much just let Martyna get on with it. I think the resulting video is perfect.
What do you hope listeners will take away from ‘Patterns’?
That’s not something I’ve ever given any thought to. I hope people like it in their own way. The video to ‘Treehouse’ tells a different story to the one I had in my head when the song was conceived. And that’s alright with me. It’s not mine anymore, in a way. So, if listeners to the album take something away, whatever it is, then great!
Now that ‘Patterns’ has been released… what’s next? Are there any new projects or collaborations on the horizon that you’re particularly excited about?
The next album is essentially written. There are just a few little bits to figure out. It will be a bit more experimental, brief pop songs wrapped in quite lengthy instrumental pieces. I’m really looking forward to getting started on it later this year.
And, finally, a fun question… If you had to choose one track from ‘Patterns’ to be the soundtrack of your life, which song would it be and why?
Oh, there’s not much fun going on in these songs, really. I’m not sure I’d like any of them to be the soundtrack of my life. Could I opt for ‘The Oogum Boogum Song’ by Brenton Wood?
Thank you, Martin, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. We appreciate your time and eagerly anticipate the release of ‘Patterns’ on May 24th. We’ve also been excited to hear about your upcoming projects and the experimental direction you’re taking with your newer material. Best wishes for your future endeavours in the music world, and we can’t wait to hear more from you!
Presave Martin’s new album ‘Patterns’ below and be sure to keep up to date with any news via the socials.
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