A Q&A with John Blaylock
Rooted in melody, shaped by honesty and lifted by community, here’s an interview with Manchester’s John Blaylock…
What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
I’ve had the same guitar for 20 years, a Martin Dreadnought. I’m proud of some of the beautiful guitar parts on this record, mostly fingerpicking and all played on that guitar. So “Sounds of the Dreadnought” seems very appropriate.
What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
Living in Manchester and recording in London two days a week meant a lot of driving up and down the M6. In fact, when I thought it was all done and dusted I realised I’d sang one word wrong. That was a 400 mile round trip just to go and re-sing one word!
Who produced the release – what did they bring to it? If you produced it yourselves what do enjoy most about producing your own material?
Double grammy winner Guy Massey produced it alongside Helen Boulding. They brought some great ideas and also brought in some great musicians like string players and an incredible drummer (Freddie Shead).
What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
I just want them to enjoy it in the same way that I enjoy listening to so much of the music that I love.
How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
It always starts with a great melody, then writing a lot of different lyrics for that melody, finding something cool lyrically that sticks and then rewriting all the other lyrics to fit that cool one.
What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
Growing up in Manchester it was inevitable to be influenced by the Manchester bands, but The Stone Roses, Oasis, The Charlatans and Inspiral Carpets were my favourites. At home my dad got me into Bob Dylan and Paul Simon. This record is probably a mash up of all of them
What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
I really wanna play the Albert Hall. It’s the best venue going in my opinion. It will be amazing to start touring internationally but I’d hate to do it in just a tour bubble like so many bands do. I wanna get out and see the places as well as gig there.
If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
Check out ‘Violets’, it’s got a great fingerpicking part, honest lyrics, heartfelt vocals and an anthem of a chorus, spot on, out now!
What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
To be able to play huge gigs with a great backing band and have loads of my singers from The Daytime Singers on stage with me.
Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Nice one.
More info: john-blaylock.com
