Chris Mossop is a singer-songwriter from the hills of Scotland, Penicuik to be exact. Blending the sound of Damien Rice, Bruce Springsteen and even David Grey, Chris has a distinctive and unique voice engaging with all audiences. Chris took a moment to speak with us about his latest single ‘Candle In You Still Burns’, how he discovers new music and his future plans.
Why did you choose to enter the music industry?
I wanted to pursue my passion and do something that I wanted to do as opposed to doing something I felt I should be doing.
What can you tell us about your latest release ‘Candle In You Still Burns’?
This is a much more slow-paced and built up song compared with some of the other stuff I’ve done. The inspiration to it started when I heard a very good talk given a few years ago. The person giving it made a really good analogy of likening hope to a small flame. At the time, it didn’t seem like there was much to be hopeful about because of some tragedies in the news. He made the suggestion that to get the fire going again you need to be delicate with it and believe it was still possible otherwise the flame would go out completely. So, I took that and ran with it and ‘The Candle In You Still Burns’ was born.
What was the recording and writing process like?
At the time I recorded this I recorded four other singles at the same time. It was the first time working with producer Julien Baraness at Mattison Studios. The recording process was fun, nerve-wracking and exciting all at the same time. It was my first time experimenting with other musicians and writing other accompanying parts to songs. You’re always questioning your judgement through the process. You just need to be able to trust the person you’re working with and, thankfully, I had that with Julien.
What do you hope people take from the single?
Honestly, I would love it if people were able to relate to it in some way.
Which is more challenging for you – music or lyrics?
Maybe lyrics. Honestly, it can be either of the two. Sometimes the words come easier, but other times the melody is more challenging. It just depends how my brain is working at the time.
Describe ‘Candle In You Still Burns’ in three words.
Hope. Emotive. Gentle.
What, do you think, is the best way to discover new music?
Find a good hot-spot/venue that has a good reputation for music and go to it. If you go long enough, you will meet other likeminded who will no doubt recommend people to you.
What does 2020 (and beyond) hold for Chris Mossop?
Well, as I write this the world is currently in a pandemic so it’s made things a bit interesting shall we say. In the short-term, I’d like to establish my live-streamed gigs and interact with new fans. In the mid-term, I want to get back in the recording studio and collaborate with more musicians on the next releases. Long-term, I’d like my music to support me enough to be sustainable so I can do what I love and have a family at the same time.
What advice do you have for any person planning to become a musician?
I’ve been to a bunch of music seminars and heard people get asked this question a few times and I’ve always felt people give quite general answers like “work hard” and “be good”. I’m going to try and give something more. I’d say start by writing down the dream goals, then the attainable goals over the next 12 months. After that, give yourself a structure to work to; for example, write down what you can realistically achieve in three months. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t achieve everything you write down, just make sure you get some of it completed. One more thing, book yourself into some music seminars like BBC Introducing – they’re good for learning and making good contacts.
Do you have any message for our readers?
Thank you for listening to the track and if you want to get in touch, give your feedback on the single or my music in general, it would be great to hear from you. Finally, from the great words of Bill and Ted – “be excellent to each other”
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