Having already released a marvellous array of bright and sweeping releases these last few months, emerging New Zealand-based artist learningtodive has now returned with his latest gem 'Falling Leaves'.
Lifted from his forthcoming new EP 'Norwegian Pop', which is expected to arrive very soon, 'Falling Leaves' shows him in one of his most captivating guises yet. Jam-packed with sweeping auras and a breezy demeanour from start to finish, he is showcasing the very best of his work on this one.
So with the new single available now, we joined him in a chat to find out more about his background and inspirations so far.
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What was the first instrument you learned to play?
The violin at the age of 5. I played regularly until I was 17, then stopped for a while, but I have very recently just gotten back into it. I also just bought my first trumpet, so am learning that too, aiming to develop both these skills for live shows.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I think it was ‘The Passions’ and their album ‘30,000 Feet Above China’. It’s kind of patchy, but it has some incredible singles on it including ‘I’m In Love With a German Film Star’
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
Haha, I was in a band in 1983, when I was about 19 called ‘Big Wide World’, that drew heavily on inspiration from English synth-pop bands such as Depeche Mode and China Crisis. We made it on the radio, got a fair bit of airplay, but we fell apart as I started losing my way in my life, and we broke up around 1985. Luckily you can't find any of our material on Spotify!
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
By Prefab Sprout! It’s just such a lovely simple song, beautifully written and arranged.
What has been the most thrilling moment about creating your own music?
Not so much a thrill, as a satisfaction, that I finally have a completed body of work out! Has been a long time in the making, and at times I really didn’t think I would make it here.
And what about the most frustrating part?
That some people are taking my creativity as a personal affront, when it’s most definitely not. It is just me expressing abstract emotions and my thoughts on society.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
Normally you’d want to share a stage with one of your favourite musicians, but they're all just so good they would make me look terrible. Not sure I'd do it. I'll just hang out in the crowd.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Hopefully alive.
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learningtodive's new single 'Falling Leaves' is available to stream now. Check it out below.
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