Interview: Arthur Walwin

Arthur Walwin is more than your average singer songwriter; not only does he write and produce his own songs at his home studio in Essex, he also writes and produces songs for other artists, with several UK and International artists recording tracks at ‘The Walwin Studio’.

Walwin’s built both a name and fan following for himself, including over 20K Twitter followers, and over 1 million combined YouTube views. His success includes his EP ‘One More Night’, and single from said EP, ‘All For You’, which earned him airtime on BBC Radio 1, as a BBC Introducing Artist.

There’s something incredibly individualistic about the 23 year olds strong, passionate voice – Walwin defines young talent, and I for one am very much looking forward to his future in the music industry.

I caught up with the lovely young man in question recently about embarking on his first solo tour, life as an unsigned artist, his admiration for Brendon Urie, and much more!

What’ve you been up to since your early 2014 tour finished?

A: I spend more or less every day in the studio working on new songs. I’m always deleting/re-arranging/shuffling ideas around, but I’m so close to having something that I can honestly say I love 100% and am happy for the rest of the world to hear.

Not only are you a singer, but you write songs for other artists too, what’s your favourite song you’ve written for someone else?

A: I rarely write a complete song for another artist. But whenever I’m working as a producer, the line between producer and co-writer is so blurred – so it’s hard to remember what I’ve help write and what I’ve not! If I had to narrow down favourites, it’s a dead tie between Go The Distance by Emma Blackery and Find Me by Hello Monroe.

What is your songwriting process?

A: I believe every song has a focal point. Some songs have that great hook in the chorus; some songs have that rad guitar riff; some songs have that one lyric that connects with people instantly. I like to find that point and start with it. The rest just sort of falls into place once you have that.

Do you ever feel a sense of regret that you didn’t record a song yourself after hearing the finished version?

A: Sometimes! Haha. Occasionally there are just certain melodies that happen off the cuff and I’m like “damn, why’d I give that one away?!”. It’s all a part of the process though.

How did your BBC introducing success come about?

A: The lovely team at BBC 3 Counties put my track forward to the Radio 1 guys and they loved it! I owe a lot to Gareth, Kelly and all the folks down in Luton. They really believed in me and have actually pushed every project I’ve been a part of.

‘All For You’ made it in to the BBC playlist, with a lot of radio play, what were your honest expectations of it?

A: Honestly, I had no idea. The introducing slot was still new at that point so I didn’t really know what to expect. They’re actually so supportive in pushing new acts. It was so crazy to hear Fearne Cotton playing my song inbetween Taylor Swift and Fairy Tale Of New York. I’ll never forget that time.

Who influences you the most?

A: As cliché as it sounds, I always write about what’s going on in my life. A couple of years ago, it was tough relationships and trying to understand girls. Now I’m at a different point in my life, so I write about realising how young I am and how I intend to enjoy the heck out of it whilst I can.

You’ve toured with Pigeon Detectives and Marcus Collins to name a couple, what’s your favourite tour to have been a part of so far?

A: I went out on the road recently with some good buddies of mine called StakeOut. We’ve made so much music together and known each other years, so it was great to play together finally and tour the country.

You recently toured with fellow Essex singer/songwriter Taylor Ames, how did that come about? Are you good friends?

A: we are indeed! I’ve known Taylor for the longest time. Always admired what he does with songs and recently we’ve had the platform to make some great songs together and go out on the road.

If you could work with one musician, who would it be?

A: I have mad respect for Brendon Urie. The way he puts songs together has always been something I admire. It’d be a pleasure to work with him.

As an unsigned artist yourself, do you have any advice for others trying to break in to the industry?

A: Respect your craft. Sure, a lot of hits on the radio are made up of 3 or 4 chords; but don’t restrict yourself to knowing only those 3 or 4 chords. Learn your instrument inside out and be the best player/singer you can be. Also, make time for your fans. You’re lucky to have them. They don’t have to be your fan, so it’s an honour that they’ve chosen to be.

Finally, what can we expect from Arthur Walwin in the next year?

A: I just wrapped up the video shoot for my new single, so that should be coming your way very soon (with more songs to follow shortly after). I’ll also be going out on tour again, only this time with my full band – so expect to see us in some bigger venues all across the UK!

You can access Arthur Walwin’s music here.