Solomon Crook - Interview: Solomon Crook
Musical maverick Solomon Crook first caught New Zealand's attention in 2015 when he impressed the crowd at the national Smokefree Rockquest final. He's since released his debut EP Abandon Adolescence and the single The Day I Thought About Dying. Isla from Muzic.net.nz recently caught up with him to talk about his new single, and his musical journey so far.
Kia ora Solomon! It’s an absolute pleasure to interview you. Tell me a little bit about yourself! What’s the story behind the first song you ever wrote?
I can’t actually remember exactly; I think it was to do with dreams; one of the lines was “elephants with horns”. I remember the feeling though; I was so excited to create this thing that had come from within me.
Your new single is honestly… incredible. It’s such a crazy process to get to this point! How does it feel to have it out there for everyone to hear?
It feels great to have it out in the world, I’ve been so stoked with the response so far and seeing people truly connecting with the song feels so special.
I’m sensing Matt Corby/Jack Garratt vibes. Who would you describe as your
main influences?
Matt Corby is definitely someone I love and have listened to a lot over the past few years. Bon Iver is also someone who has been influencing my music creation a lot recently, especially his production and method of collaboration.
On that note, what is the most flattering comparison you’ve ever received?
Probably someone saying I sound like Matt Corby/Hozier, I was pretty happy with that seen as I love both their music.
You’ve said previously in interviews that a lot of your inspiration comes from introspection and internal reflection. Where do you find you end up writing most of your music? What’s the process like?
Most of my music comes from within my bedroom, but also on my home on the Coromandel where I have space to create and think. The process often involves me finding some inspiration or something that gives me a vibe to keep writing and developing an idea; this could be a production idea, something on the guitar or a vocal line.
Do you have a favourite musical memory?
I think a lot of my most favourite music memories are from times performing on stage with the band. One outside of that I will always cherish was the release party for my debut EP, Abandon Adolescence. It was such a special time with friends and everyone who was involved in the project.
Some of your songs are very vocally charged. You write the most beautiful harmonies, and they sometimes seem to take the place of synths. What was music like for you growing up?
Vocals play a huge part in my music and I love altering them to make them sound weird. I have always loved listening to music and dancing to it. My first involvement with it was probably doing hip-hop lessons when I was six. What I listened to when I was younger was heavily influenced by what my parents listened to and I think that has shaped the music I make today. We listened to Carole King to Bob Marley to Eric Clapton.
What’s one thing about your music you wish people knew?
I don’t know if there is anything, I like to keep mystery around some elements of it because I think the magic of music is when you can interpret your own meanings within it.
Who are you favourite kiwi musicians right now? Who would you like to work with?
Benee’s new stuff is very fun. Love Aldous Harding and her weirdness. Dave Dobbyn knows how to write a Kiwi classic so it would be interesting collaborating with him and seeing his process.
What are you hoping people will take away from your song The Day I Thought About Dying?
I hope that if people have ever felt isolated or lonely they can relate to those feelings in the song, and know they are not alone but also that there is a way out.
What’s next for you musically?
I am currently working on my second EP which is coming out next year! Also, a few shows over summer which will be fun, these include San Fran (Wellington), Joe's Farm (Whangamata) and Gardens Magic (Wellington).
Thanks so much for your time today. I’m excited to follow your musical journey - you’ve definitely got a few new followers from my flat alone. All the best for what comes next!
About Solomon Crook
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