Jake Morley is described as by Flyinshoes as “a one-off, making sounds and writing songs that sound like no-one else I’ve ever heard. His music here is truly infectious” and so he finds himself at Hootannany on the 22nd of September and has managed to speak to us…
Many Fish to Fry has had a bucketful of plaudits, how was the process of making your debut album and did you expect to get so much critical acclaim for it?
Critical opinion should be the last thing on anyone’s mind when they’re recording an album. I loved being engulfed in the process of a million tiny decisions that add up to a finished record. Totally thrilling. For a first attempt I’m really happy with it, and if others agree that’s cool too.
On your blog you have talked about gigging as much as you can in the UK, what are the pros and cons of gigging so much?
You can find cons to anything if you’re looking for them. Yes you’re travelling for hours to play for 30mins and travel expenses, but I have no time for moaners. If you want to make music like this you have to get out and play to people. If you don’t like that then do something else, or audition for X Factor.
You get a lot of attention for your style of guitar playing, do you think it detracts attention from your music?
There’s only one real way I can prevent that, and that’s to make sure every note I play adds to the song, and if it doesn’t then it’s gotta go. I want to be judged on music and intention, not guitar techniques.
In the past you have found it difficult to define your music, but can you tell us what makes you stand out and why people should come out to see you?
I’ll leave it to others to define the music – I’m a musician not a PR man. All I’d say is I don’t think you’d regret coming to see us. Go check out a few videos on YouTube and see if it’s for you.
For people that have not heard you, what track best represents you and why?
I can’t answer that. Wait til I’ve recorded another 17 albums – that should sum me up pretty well.
By Chris Lemon
Thanks to Jake Morley and Tony
