A Q&A with ttwig
Nostalgic psych-indie rich with colour…
What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
‘Hang Ten Colors to Catch the Sun’. When I first moved to Los Angeles in 2019, I went out one night to a bar in Venice. It was a surf-themed bar. It was a pretty quiet night if I recall correctly. I went to go for a whiz and when I entered the bathroom I noticed the walls were covered with cool surf posters. One of them read: Hang Ten Colors to Catch the Sun. I thought it was such an awesome combination of words. It also fits incredibly well with the concept of the record; how life and all of its complexities, emotions and experiences are like a wave. To this day I have not been able to track down the poster. Legend states it was actually never there…
What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
I suppose it was just navigating when the right time was to put it out. This music has been done since 2020 and I released my debut as ttwig in 2023. I moved to London last year and life was “lifing” pretty hard, so this release kinda feels like it coincides with me finally feeling settled in my new home.
Who produced the release – what did they bring to it? If you produced it yourselves what do you enjoy most about producing your own material?
This record is totally self-produced and mixed. My friend Dylan Kidd contributed the bass, some guitar, synth and percussion on ‘The Astrologist’, and another friend, The Growth Eternal, played bass on ‘Disappear’. I think an artist’s sonic identity lies within how they produce and mix their own stuff. Their ear is what makes them special, so that always comes through in the end, which is tight.
What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
I hope my music inspires people — whether it is through feeling seen or heard through the lyrics and sounds, or inspiring others to make their own music or art. It’s a beautiful cycle.
How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
I will usually start fiddling around on the guitar with some chords and mumble along until something appears, but this record has a bit more synth work on it. That being said, I typically start with the melodic portion of the song and build it from there. I really try to get out of my own way and let the music tell me what to write. It’s a very intuitive process and one of the few areas of life where I don’t overthink too much.
What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
I always find myself going back to Radiohead. The way they capture emotion in their lyrics and music has always moved me. They have such a visceral sonic identity and push the envelope creatively with each song.
What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
The whole world! Would love to host SNL to put my accents, impressions and characters to work as well as be the musical guest.
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?
For this record, I would say ‘Ride the Wave’. It’s a journey which really encapsulates what the whole record is about.
What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
Really looking forward to playing live more and connecting with people. It’s really important to me to have more of a physical presence. I’m trying to escape the matrix.
Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Listen to your heart and eat some chicken wings tonight. You’ve earned it.
Find out more about ttwig at ttwig.net
