In the pulsating heart of the electronic music scene, A Little Sound, a rising star in the drum and bass realm, is making waves with an electrifying fusion of vocal prowess, DJ finesse, and an undeniably magnetic stage presence. Having recently released the eagerly awaited single “Back To Back (B2B)”, A Little Sound sat down for an exclusive interview to unravel the inspiration behind the track, share insights into collaborative ventures with renowned producers, and shed light on the evolving facets of an artist whose journey from YouTube acoustic covers to Ministry Of Sound signee is nothing short of remarkable.
Join us as we delve into the beats and melodies that shape A Little Sound’s sonic universe, explore the transformative power of collaborations, and get a sneak peek into the upcoming solo material that promises to redefine the artist in an exciting new chapter. From the early days of musical theatre to commanding stages at Glastonbury and Tomorrowland, A Little Sound invites us into a world where each performance is a meticulously crafted journey, and every note is a testament to a passion that transcends genres.
Embark on this musical odyssey with us, as we navigate through the highs and lows of A Little Sound’s career, learn about the influences that shape the distinctive “little sound,” and discover what lies ahead for an artist whose commitment to authenticity and love for the underground continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. It’s a backstage pass to the soul of the artist – the beats, the stories, and the boundless creativity that define A Little Sound.
Your upcoming single, “Back To Back (B2B),” is set to be released on October 13th. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the track and what listeners can expect?
“Back To Back” was written around the idea of never wanting that summer fling to end. It also focuses on the idea of going “Back To Back” with someone, or in DJ terms “B2B,” and how a relationship isn’t just for the feel-good season. Listeners can expect to be transported back into hotter weather, as this October release solidifies any deeper connections that they may have experienced over the past couple of months.
You’ve collaborated with renowned producers Harry Bryson and Brad Ellis on “Back To Back (B2B).” How was the experience working with them, and what do you feel they brought to the project?
Working with Brad and Harry separately has always been a dream! They both know exactly what a perfectly dreamy chord progression sounds like and have endless ideas when creating a song. When working with them simultaneously, the magic doubled, and we were off to an incredible start from the get-go. I treasure every second I get when working with the two of them in a session; it’s always so productive.
You’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with some incredible artists in the drum and bass scene. If you could choose a dream artist to collaborate with next, who would it be and why?
I think many vocalists would agree with me when I say that I’d love to work with the drum and bass legends Chase and Status. No matter what the year, whether drum and bass is at its peak, they have always managed to delve into an eclectic mix of genres and are continuously moving with the times. I have a Chase and Status song to link with every year of my teens, so to share a song with them would be an absolute pleasure and an honour.
Your live stream during the ‘Stay At Home Festival’ showcased not only your vocal talent but also your skills as a DJ. How did that experience shape your subsequent journey, and what made you venture into DJing?
This set is a super pivotal moment from the start of my career. I remember watching Katie (one part of the duo Koven) DJing and singing across the world before lockdown hit. After forming quite a bond with her and reaching out for some DJ/Vocal advice during COVID-19, Katie persuaded me to give it a go. I was asked to perform on the ‘Stay At Home Festival’ for Goat Shed and thought that it was a perfect time to put my practice into play. Luckily, it was received super well! Never did I think that after working on my craft while lockdown continued, I’d be playing my first proper vocal/DJ set to a full crowd of ravers in the main room of Motion; when everything first opened up again (thanks to Dazed).
You’ve worked with some big names in the drum and bass scene, including Kanine, Friction, Technimatic, and more. How do these collaborations influence your own musical style, and what have you learned from working with such experienced artists?
Luckily, I got to work with Kanine and Technimatic super early on in my Drum and Bass journey. They all took me to a level I could’ve never imagined, and Technimatic especially helped me hone in on my vocal technique when recording. Likewise, when working with Friction, I had travelled to his studio in Brighton to record the vocals properly and realized it was super important to record to a high level to reach a wider audience.
Your journey in the drum and bass scene has been impressive, earning accolades like the Best Vocalist Award at the 2022 Drum and Bass Awards. How do you approach your music to consistently stand out in such a dynamic and competitive genre?
I’d like to think that I portray my current likes and personality when writing new music. I’ve always been highly involved with every part of the scene and have experienced its many changes over the past 5 years. Although I’d never want to follow what’s considered “hot fully,” I do find I like to take influences from across dance music as a whole and enjoy moulding it into my own “little sound” if you will.
Your journey in the drum and bass scene has been quite remarkable. From your early days performing acoustic covers on YouTube to now signing with Ministry Of Sound, how would you describe your evolution as an artist?
It still feels very much like the start of my journey, as although my acoustic phase had a big part to play, I don’t think I started to feel like myself as a real artist until I found the Drum and Bass scene in Bristol. It feels so surreal to think that all of the hours learning covers have subconsciously contributed to my career now, and I really started to put the work in once I was writing original music that I could connect with.
In addition to your vocal work, you’ve embraced roles as a DJ, songwriter, and performer. How do these different aspects of your artistry complement each other, and what do you enjoy most about wearing these various creative hats?
I think this is super interesting, as when I was younger (in my musical theatre days) I was often referred to as a “triple threat” (meaning I could dance, sing, and act). So to now realize that I have found my own three skills that complement one another in an even more rewarding way is super wicked! I find that by writing my own music, I can perform them during my sets. To be in control of every song that I play, I realized that DJing for myself was the best resolution, and I LOVE having the freedom of showcasing everything all at once. It seems like a winning combo, and I learn something new every time I perform!
Your live schedule is packed with shows across the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. How do you prepare for your performances, and what can fans expect from your upcoming shows, including those at Glastonbury, Tomorrowland, and more?
Unlike a lot of DJs who can prepare bits of a set and play on the fly, I have to take a bit more time into structuring mine. I spend hours going through and planning every second of my show to ensure that I can get out in front and sing, as well as fitting in all of the other tunes that I want to showcase. I’ve always been a perfectionist, so I take pride in ironing out every fine detail right down to perfect key matches and ensuring that each transition flows how I’d like it to. This is a blessing and a curse, though, as a lot of the time I overthink a lot of my set and end up taking a lot more time on it than I might need to.
From my upcoming shows, fans can expect a full journey from liquid, through the dancefloor, to Bristol-flavored jump-up. I’d like to think that my selection is quite varied and that everyone can find elements of my set that they connect with. I also like to engage with my audience through the performance of my own songs, as well as connecting with the crowd on the mic.
With your recent signing to Ministry Of Sound, what can fans anticipate from your upcoming solo material, and how do you envision this new chapter in your career?
I’ve never been so excited about upcoming music! After years of writing, I can confidently say that in the past year of sessions, I have collaboratively written some of the best music I’ve ever produced. We are currently experiencing a healthy problem of being sat on too many demos, so I can’t wait to share them with the world. It certainly feels like A Little Sound 2.0, as I’m finally combining all of my favourite sounds from across the years and elevating them to the next level! It feels a lot more like me.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist?
I know it sounds silly, but I don’t look too far into the future. Setting goals often feels like a huge pressure for me, and I much rather prefer to live in the moment and ride the wave. As an artist, I hope to continue staying true to myself and expressing my love for the underground. So long as I am enjoying every minute, I’m doing something right! I feel grateful for how my journey has unfolded so far, so long may it continue, and I aim to constantly better the three skills that have led me to this point.
Thank you, A Little Sound, for taking the time to share your journey and insights with us. We love the “Back To Back (B2B)” single and can’t wait to see where your musical journey takes you next!
