Introducing #171 - Carmen McLean
Let us introduce you to Leeds based singer-songwriter Carmen McLean - who has just released her chilled style ballad ‘Bloom’. The track deals with finding comfort in the reality of dying - by using moody guitars with raw vocals layered with stunning strings, creating an atmosphere to allow the mind to explore further into the song’s theme. Carmen took a moment to talk to us in more depth about her music.
Hey Carmen, how are you dealing with being creative during a troubling time for music?
I have always been such a ‘get up and go’ kind of person, so I knew when we first entered lockdown that I wanted to use my time to write and create and record, and do things I have never done before. Being creative was so soothing to me throughout this period, and gave me a sense of purpose, and goals to work towards - without that I would have felt so lost. That being said, things have been so uncertain this year, and there are so many local venues on the brink of shut down - it feels like in many ways everything has come to a standstill. Like many musicians, I struggled with my motivation during this time. I think it’s healthy to try and have a balance and not feel perturbed by unrealistic standards of productivity and creativity. Everyone is different, and there is no right way to be creative. I have started volunteering, I have started baking, and these things alongside my music bring a healthy sense of balance and calm when I most need it.
You are based in Leeds, what are your favorite things about the city?
I love the atmosphere of Leeds - it feels so electric. The music scene is vibrant and diverse. Moving to Leeds has been amazing for me as a musician, as there is pretty much a band or artist playing live music in the city every night, guaranteed (pre COVID of course). I love the Armories Museum, and the Docks are wonderful. One minute you’re in the city, 10 minutes later you are by the river. I love getting away from the hustle and bustle, and the river is such a tranquil place to be.
Your newest track ‘Bloom’ is out now, can you tell us what the track is about?
Bloom is a song I wrote a few months ago, about a dear friend of mine who passed away. He passed away over four years ago, but I was only able to write about it until this year. For me, it signals the point at which you have accepted their death, and come to terms with it. In Bloom, I explore how a person's body becomes part of the Earth again - becoming part of the flowers, part of the ocean and the ground. I try to find beauty and comfort in this morbidity, and hope that my friend has found peace by becoming part of the Earth again. ‘Bloom’ is such a hopeful word, and I have tried to capture that hope, with the idea that whilst death brings pain and sadness, you can seek comfort in the beauty of nature. I hope that this song will comfort others who may be struggling with the death of somebody close to them.
The first song you wrote was when you were nine years old, what was that track about?
It was called ‘Nobody Girl’, and it was about a homeless lady I saw once whilst walking back from a ballet lesson. It is charmingly simple, but I find myself playing it often at open mic nights and gigs. It is very special to me, as it was the catalyst for my songwriting, and I love drawing back to it and seeing how my songwriting has grown and formed stylistically with my experiences.
What are your key musical influences as an artist?
I love Andy Shauf. He is a great songwriter and artist, and I feel a lot of influence from him when I write. I also enjoy listening to artists such as Billie Marten and Lianne La Havas. They really inspire me, as they normalise soft vocals and dynamics. In an industry where it feels like a competition of who can sing the loudest, it is refreshing to hear soft and delicate voices. Hozier is another influence for me, especially his first album. It is a paean of beautiful folky goodness, and the way his guitar playing leads his melodies is a writing style that I have adopted and I love.
Now this track is out there, what next for you?
At the moment, I am playing things by ear (pardon the pun). I haven’t set myself any goals, I don’t care about streams or getting famous, I just want people to hear my music. As I have the time right now, I am currently recording my next single, which could potentially turn into an EP, I think it depends how this single goes, and also how live music looks, as I am desperate to get out and get gigging. As soon as live music is back on, I will start gigging with my newly-formed band, and I can’t wait! I love writing, recording and releasing music, and I’m so excited for what the future holds.