In our interview series A Closer Look we highlight the story, inspiration and motivation behind releases from both new talents and established artists. This time our special focus is on London-based singer-songwriter and producer Steven Bamidele whose latest single Kaleidoscope feat. Brighton-based Scartlett Fae has really resonate to many. Time to get to know him better. We asked him a few questions, once again in collaboration with our friends from Curious For Music.
What was the starting point of your career in the music industry?
I’ve been writing songs in my bedroom since about 2004/2005 – but my (very soft) entrance into the industry happened in 2012, when I met my first manager and started my ‘Mirror Signal’ solo project.
How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard of you?
Emotional, psychedelic soul for introverted people with headphones
You’ve just released “Kaleidoscope (feat. Scarlett Fae)”, your first track since your debut EP “Uncrowded” back in 2021. What can you tell us about the song?
I was going through a lot at the time of writing. My girlfriend was there through all of it and the song is about her. Some inspirations for the track would be Kaytranada, Jai Paul and Tyler the Creator when it comes to the drums/groove.
Vocally I’m inspired by Nick Jakim, Little Dragon, Solange, Emily King, Marvin Gaye, James Blake – too many to name! I did an in-depth breakdown video of the song which any interested readers can find below.
What do you want listeners to take from your music?
This new batch of songs that I’m starting to roll out are the most introspective I’ve written. There are some lyrics that hit a nerve purely by writing them down, so I just hope the songs find people that will resonate with them in a similar way. If I have a message I guess it’s a mental health one – which I feel like a lot of artists are starting to write about now. Taking time to examine how you feel and why you might feel that way can be healthy, and it’s even healthier to talk about it, whether that be with friends, family, a therapist (I haven’t done this, so slightly hypocritical), or through art.
What’s the best piece of advice you were ever given? (related to music or not)
Too many to really comprehend – and most given by my mum. But some of the best advice my mum gave me was about money. She wanted me to be accountable for what I spent. Could I point at something I was proud that I bought, or could I explain how my spending improved my wellbeing in some way? If not, then I should look at that and make a change. I’m only really taking heed of that advice now.
What do you have planned for the rest of 2023?
I’m releasing a lot of music over the next few months, and we have some exciting live shows that I’m yet to officially announce. In the meantime, I’m doing a lot of writing for my next project, and producing a few things for other artists. Also just rehearsing, rehearsing, rehearsing.
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