Al Buchanan
... is a singer and songwriter from Middlesbrough, UK who has just released "1998", the first single from the upcoming album. After great releases like "Don't eat the daisies" or "Bringing me back to life" we are excited, how the album will sound like, due to the circumstance that "1998" sounds more than promising.
Who is the "human" behind the artist Al Buchanan and how did you get into music?
The human? Well I`m probably best described as a white wine drinking, music obsessed, slightly out there but good to have a few drinks with kind of guy. I`ve been pretty obsessed with music all my whole life. My mum bought me a drum kit aged 10 and as soon as I hit those skins, I was hooked.
"1998" is an impressive ArtPop meets Alternative Rock song, what's the story behind?
Thank you! It`s really about me moving from Croydon up to the North East as a kid, the people I met and experiences I had. I remember 1998 was an especially crazy year in terms of new people coming into my life and what I got up to so that`s why I picked that specific year.
It's your first single from your upcoming album, what can we expect from?
More of the same! I have around 5 songs completed and I`m finishing the second half of the album now. More vocal harmonies mixed with delay guitar, there`ll be a few heavier bangers on there too though.
How would you describe your songwriting process?
I tend to write the music first, I start on the guitar, then I have plenty of pedals that create a whole manner of crazy sounds that I love experimenting with. The vocals usually come later, but once I start getting the vocals down, anything can change, that`s what I love most about the songwriting process.
What makes a song, the lyrics or the music or is it always 50/50?
Ah I`ve had this debate many times with people. When I`m listening to other people`s music, I`m always drawn more towards the music, but since getting into songwriting full time, I find the lyrics are just as important.
You are from Middlesbrough, how would you describe the possibilities for Indie artists there?
It`s pretty good. We have plenty of venues to get out and play at in Middlesbrough and Stockton as well. The guys at BBC Introducing Tees are really good at supporting new artists from this area too.
What are your "All Time Top 3" songs, right now, in this second?
oh that changes from day to day..
The Cedar Room: Doves,
The Boss: James Brown,
Magnificent (She Says): Elbow
What are your plans for 2023?
New single `1998` is out on the 10th Of January, then album to follow later in the year, and hoping to get out and play live the rest of the year.
