INTERVIEW: New music from CARMICHAEL

CARMICHAEL, the musical project of Scottish artist Harry Wright, unveils his captivating new EP The Lighthouse, immersing listeners in a world of blissful electronica and dreamy melancholia. Based in Leeds, with roots in Glasgow, CARMICHAEL skillfully combines soul-stirring vocals, ambient soundscapes, and techno-garage-inspired beats to create an intimate yet danceable sonic experience.

Drawing inspiration from acclaimed artists such as Bonobo and Four Tet, CARMICHAEL weaves together a mesmerising tapestry of organic electronica on his debut EP. The Lighthouse serves as an emphatic opening to his production journey, showcasing his talent for blending woodland hand percussion, rumbling bass frequencies, swooning vocals and captivating string and synth work.

The EP’s five tracks offer a cohesive and dynamic dance-focused electronic experience. From the opening song and title-track, “The Lighthouse,” CARMICHAEL sets the tone with a grooving beat, a combination of warm and sharp synth tones, and sparse yet impactful vocal lines. It becomes clear that CARMICHAEL’s intention is to infuse energy and colour onto the dance floors with his infectious sound.

“Everything,” the second track, takes on a spacey vibe, immersing listeners in a celestial soundscape before diving into a dreamy beat-driven landscape adorned with vibrant synth tones and euphoric sonic textures. The result is a stunning blend that transports the audience to otherworldly dimensions. As the EP progresses, CARMICHAEL showcases his versatility and production prowess. “Carry On” emerges as an epic electronic piece, featuring processed vocal lines, silky synths and driving beats that create an atmosphere of grandeur and intensity. It’s a testament to CARMICHAEL’s ability to craft intricate compositions that enthrall the listener’s attention from start to finish.

With “You & I,” CARMICHAEL takes a playful approach, infusing the track with uplifting melodic leads and shimmering tones. The result is an irresistible dance energy that inspires movement and uplifts the spirit, showcasing CARMICHAEL’s ability to balance moving moments with infectious rhythms. The EP concludes with “Remember?,” a mesmerising finale that takes the listener on one final electronic journey. Deep bass, punching beats and soaring, fuzzy vocal lines combine to create an immense and immersive sound. CARMICHAEL’s ability to blend various elements seamlessly results in a track that leaves a lasting impact.

The Lighthouse is a sensational introduction to CARMICHAEL’s artistic vision and his dedication to crafting a unique and engaging sound. With each track, he demonstrates his skill in creating sonic landscapes that transport the listener to different emotional and physical spaces. The EP is a well-crafted fusion of organic and electronic elements, revealing CARMICHAEL’s talent for melding genres and creating an atmosphere which is at once introspective and compelling.

With this release, CARMICHAEL firmly establishes himself as a rising talent in the electronica scene. The Lighthouse serves as a beacon, guiding listeners through a sonic journey filled with warmth, immersion and a touch of melancholic euphoria. It’s a remarkable showcase of CARMICHAEL’s talent and promises a bright future for this exciting new musician and producer.

We caught up with CARMICHAEL to find out more about his inspirations, his debut EP The Lighthouse and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with CARMICHAEL below.

Hey CARMICHAEL, how’s things?

Hey hey – all good here thanks!

Which artist first made a lasting impression on you?

Wow, that’s a tough one really as I’ve had so many artists from a really early age that sort of shaped my entire outlook towards music – listening to my dads records particularly the likes of Pink Floyd got me off to a good start however I’d have to say it was definitely my brother’s music collection that made a lasting impression as he showed me so much stuff that I still love to this day and if I was to pick one artist from day one that still inspires my writing I’d have to say Radiohead.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I was lucky enough to have a supportive family in which music was always a big part – my dad converted our attic into a wee DIY studio when I was about 10 and that’s when I started experimenting with different instruments – we had this 4 track tascam tape badboy that my brother and I would start writing tunes and recording onto and it kind of snowballed from there.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?

Aw man there’s so much incredible music out there at the minute – for my writing and production my big influences would have to be Bonobo, Fourtet, Bon Iver and Bicep – I think they’ll probably always get a bit of a nod in my production but right now there’s a conveyer belt of insane electronic producers just killing it – Overmono, O’Flynn, George Fitzgerald, Atrip, Jasper Tygner like I could literally sit here all day listing them all!

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

There’s lots of different avenues that spark my creativity whether it be different types of art or expression – that really feeds my workflow but I’d have to say for this project in particular my biggest influence has been my partner and my two young children – I think before I started a young family my work ethic and appreciation of time and effort were in the wrong place but now I feel like I’ve got purpose.

How do the Glasgow and Leeds music scenes compare?

Glasgow will always be home to me and the music scene has always been class up there – I miss it terribly but I want to make sure I get up there more and get involved as it’s popping at the minute – so many sick venues and events and talented folk. Leeds, obviously my new home – also couldn’t fault really in terms of a thriving scene. Some amazing venues especially for electronic music: distrikt, Belgrave, Hope House just to name a few are doing absolute bits – so now I’ve officially launched this project I can’t wait to get playing it out and getting stuck in to the scene!

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

I wanted to create music that could connect with a listener whatever the mood or setting really – like I wanted to my songs to resonate just as much on the dance floor as it would in the home but I mean yeah I think on a fat system at festival I think would be ideal!

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I took a while to find my path really – a lot of trial and error with different styles, instrumentation and messages – I’ve got such a range of influences that when I first started this project I’d be making all sorts of tracks – jazzy numbers, proper techno stuff and garage beats you name it I tried it at the beginning but I guess now it’s evolved into a consistent sound where I can still draw in these stylistic influences whilst keeping within that CARMICHAEL vibe.

How did you find making your debut EP ‘The Lighthouse’?

I loved creating a body of work. Initially I’d planned to start off just dropping singles but I found putting together an EP to announce my arrival was better suited to my creativity and I felt during the writing process the tracks naturally kind of sat alongside each other well.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

I guess the EP just explores life’s challenges and there’s a lot of personal references to my own experiences of trying to navigate through life. Overall I’d like to think there was an overall message of hope though despite there not actually being that many lyrics.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

There’s some mega albums out at the minute the past few weeks I’ve been running Overmono’s new one a lot.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I would just love for my music to make people feel something – whatever that may be – joy, nostalgia, emotional like my dream is just for a connection with a listener.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

How about Prince, Bicep and Radiohead

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

I’d say 1. just be prepared for set backs as the industry can be a hostile place at times but don’t let it affect your art and creativity. 2 just keep writing and writing as you’ll just get better every time and 3. Don’t take your time for granted.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?

So 2023 it’s all go. I’m currently focusing on live bookings – playing out DJ sets and I’m also working on putting together full on live show which I want to be up and running by the end of the year. I’ve got my next few singles ready to go so it’s just a case of getting release plans together for them and I’ve also got another full body of work at the writing stage which I’m buzzing about. I’ve got some exciting collabs pencilled in too so yeah I’m a busy boy this year! I’ll be announcing all of this in due course live dates and release etc. so yeah stay tuned I guess!

Listen to The Lighthouse below