Inspired #210 - Re Teu
Re Teu has just released the orchestral version of his track ‘Isle Of Dogs’ - a song about hope and fears it can create. He took a moment to talk to us about the hustle of London and the inspirations behind his music.
Who are your top three musical inspirations?
My absolute inspirations are Bon Iver, Hozier and Ben Howard. Which can often be confusing as they don't necessarily have the post-rock element that my music has but they are able to create music in such a beautiful way it always leaves me wanting to understand the music more.
Is there a certain film that inspires you?
Interstellar hands down is my favorite film of all time. I am a huge fan of astrophysics and space travel so that paired with Hans Zimmer delivering the most atmospheric and haunting score just makes me want to have my music also give such feelings of Hope, Distance, and Adventure. However John Williams has also inspired me so much so it is really hard to say at times.
What city do you find the most inspiring?
I equally find London, Nottingham and Cornwall very inspiring but for different reasons. London has that hustle and bustle lifestyle to really make you want to go for it, Nottingham has the strongest music community as there is not an overcrowded feeling there, letting everyone really come into their own. And Cornwall... well that;s just pure absolute bliss. Peace and relaxation which is something I always go for.
Who is the most inspiring person to you?
After thinking about this question I don't know If i can answer it, there are different people that I look up to for different reasons and it's almost like I use all of those different reasons to create the ideal person in my mind and try to be that person.
What were your inspirations when writing your new single?
When creating the original single it was very much a song birthed from fear and worry. The worry that you would not "make it" in whatever field of work you're working in before it's too late to show your loved ones. This is a bad fear to have but one that I have in music so I guess the song will always be relevant, constantly chasing something but doing it for the love ultimately.
I then decided to create an orchestral version to further celebrate this song and make it into a song of hope and joy, and that it's alright to not put so much pressure on yourself.
How would you like to inspire people?
I would like my music to inspire people in ways to feel empowered and free. To make it fine to feel some sort of anger and conflict at the same time as feeling bliss and peaceful, as this is what life is and I want my music to emulate the same thing.