Rob Bravery‘s debut single ‘Knock Out Ginger’ received acclaim from the likes of Q Magazine and The Line Of Best Fit, and now – with new track, ‘Me, Myself and The Scurvy Knave’ – he’s proved once again his talent for alluring pop hooks, haunting harmonies and pristine production. We caught up with Mr Bravery to find out more…

Hi Rob, how are you and what have you been up to this week?

I’m not entirely sure (on both counts). Bits of writing, rehearsing…

Your latest single ‘Me, Myself And The Scurvy Knave’ is online now, what can you tell us about the track?

It’s a moody, strange piece that keeps modulating for some reason. Lyrically, it may come across as quite bleak. But for me it’s more a comfortable exploration of life’s meaninglessness.

The latest track, as well as your debut ‘Knock Out Ginger’, have been well received (with the likes of Q Magazine stating it as being ‘fit for a king’) – how does it feel to be getting this sort of praise this early on?

It feels wonderful. As you say, it’s early, but we all need a bit of praise from time to time (prefer it constantly). I figure praise on the internet is easier to take gracefully than in person.

With all this excitement around your early tracks, can you tell us about your album?

Well my album Esque is kind of me going round the houses a bit, stylistically. I attempted to hone in on a different (tried and tested) writing style per track – the trouble with that is no one really notices. But it felt good at the time: I was lucky enough to work with a great team of Danes, ‘The Suppliers’, in West London. We’re all real proud of it!

How would you summarise your music?

It’s starting to sound more and more like the embittered murmurings of a disillusioned middle manager who’s been continuously overlooked for a promotion he didn’t want in the first place.

If people were to come and see you live what could they expect?

Right now it’s kind of me and a piano, but I’m working toward a more accurate representation of the recordings, with what can only be described as a live band.

What would you say led you to make music in the first place?

Maybe see question 2… Plus all the usual stuff: listening, enjoying, starting to emulate stuff you like and then building it into something that’s yours.

Who do you consider as your influences when it comes to making music?

I think it depends on which stage of the process with me. Whilst writing I tend to draw from lyrical/chordy types like Randy Newman, Judee Sill, Rufus Wainwright. But when it comes to presenting/recording my songs, Radiohead always seem to creep in there.

Are there any other current artists that are catching your eye at the moment?

Not sure I’m qualified for this one, not that I don’t stay abreast of it all – I certainly try. There are lots of exciting bands with obscure names, sometimes just odd statements like ‘I drive forklifts’ … I like St. Vincent, Father John Misty, Stolen Violin. And whatever Stephen Malkmus is doing is usually great.

What else can we expect from yourself throughout the rest of the year?

I’m working on visuals for each individual track on the album, which will emerge at some point, plus the album release, London shows, possible UK tour and maybe the odd festival slot. I guess it depends on how the album is received.

Thanks for answering our questions, Rob!