Inspired #174 - Will Killen
Photo credit: Declan Creffield
Last month, Will Killen shared his emotive and empowering single, ‘Bags at Your Feet’. We caught up with him about some of his musical inspirations and the importance of utilising music as a means of expression.
Who are your top three musical inspirations and why?
Bon Iver, Keaton Henson, and FINNEAS. Bon Iver is an artist that’s ‘all about the art’, which is what I aim to be: experimental, honest, bold. The same can be said for Keaton Henson. I love the way he expresses himself through multiple forms, and again, is more focussed on the art than the success. FINNEAS is a newer inspiration. I love his take on production and writing. It’s incredible how distinct his style is.
What city do you find the most inspiring and why?
Whenever I’m in London, I get the overwhelming sense of insignificancy. It sort of kicks in an urge to be less insignificant. So perhaps London. However, there’s few things I enjoy more than sitting in a coffee shop in the heart of Leeds, chipping away at musical ideas.
What were your inspirations when writing ‘Bags at Your Feet’?
When writing’ Bags at Your Feet’, my main inspirations are the aforementioned artists. I just want to express myself in the most honest way possible, and get the message of the song across. It’s a terrifying prospect to be so open, but the kind people who are with me on this journey make it very easy. I suppose they’re a huge inspiration of mine too.
How would you like to inspire people?
I aim to inspire people to write and express themselves, however that may be. There’s a lot of chaos in the world at the moment, and music/art is a great tool to put your mind at ease. I think it’s a tool that’s truly under-utilised.
Interview by Anthony Adams