Introducing Interview: Caswell

South London artist Caswell creates rich electronic soundscapes, oozing her soulful, crystal-clear vocals and soaring melodies. With her new single ‘Animal’ out now, we caught up with Caswell to find out more…

Hi Caswell, welcome to Gigslutz! Can you tell us a bit more about your solo project?
I’ve been writing and recording a lot over the past few years, building up a sound with a handful of producers I really click with. I write a lot on the piano so keys are a reoccurring feature in the music, and my live set up is currently quite stripped back – a Rhodes piano and a few programmed beats.

Your new track ‘Animal’ is out now – can you tell us a little bit about the story behind the song?
I started writing ‘Animal’ after an incident where my impulsiveness had gotten the better of me, and I began reflecting on that lack of self control. As humans we think we are so much more evolved than animals, but I think we still have those animalistic tendencies inside of us and sometimes they take over. That being said, I think reconnecting with your instincts and intuition is a positive and empowering thing, and I explore that in the song too.

You’ve previously been compared to Jorja Smith, but who would you say are you main musical influences?
Throughout my life I go through different obsessive phases with certain bands/artists and listen them to death a bit! I would say the main ones that really stuck were Nina Simone, Kate Bush, Radiohead, Tame Impala, Devendra Banhart, Jeff Buckley, Frank Ocean and Erykah Badu. But it’s hard to pick!

‘Animal’ seems to deliver quite a strong message – where do you generally seek inspiration for your creations?
Almost all of my songs have been sparked by a personal emotional reaction to something. The root or initial lyrical idea will come from something happening around me, even if it’s something a friend said on the phone or a stranger said in Pret – if it relates to me, I’m inspired to write about it. Sometimes I’ll write a song and not really know what it’s about, and when I listen back a few weeks later with some clarity and distance I’m like, ‘oh, I get it now’. The subconscious has a lot to say too.

I’ve heard you grew up in quite a music-loving family, but what was it that made you decide to become a musician professionally?
I feel like when we were kids being a pop star or movie star was always kind of the dream for everyone, but for some of us it just stuck. I started writing when I was about 10 and formed a girl band band out of my group of friends. Even at that age my mind was made up that I was going to apply for The BRIT School at 14, and when I started studying there that was it.

If you could collaborate with any musician, past or present, who would it be and why?
I’d have to say Jeff Buckley. His voice is insane and his songwriting is everything. The fact he died so young and didn’t get the chance to make more music is heartbreaking.

And, if you had to pick three words to describe your sound, what would they be?
Ooo that’s tricky. Downtempo, ethereal, soul/pop/jazz thing. Is that cheating?

You’re already becoming known for your captivating live performances – has one particular show stood out as a highlight for you so far?
I’d have to say one of my favourites was a low-key pub gig I did a few months ago. The atmosphere was just perfect. I burst into tears whilst singing about my brother and I’ve never had such a big emotional reaction singing live before, I’m usually too racked with nerves, but it’s getting better!

Huge thanks to Caswell for answering our questions! ‘Animal’ is out now, find out more about Caswell at her Facebook page.