Self-professed 'elder-emo' Walwin has just released his new single 'Famous'. It offers listeners an insight into the music industry, outlining the glamorous exterior while diving into the struggles and pressures artists face when trying to make it in such a competitive field.
We sat down with him recently to chat about what 'famous' inspirations and influences he has - see what we did there?!
Hi Walwin, Thanks so much for chatting to us today!
Can you remember what performance or artist you saw that made you want to be a performer?
Yes! It was actually that song Hero by Chad from Nickelback and Josey from Saliva that they did for the Spiderman movie. I remember watching that when I was around 11/12 and thought it was so sick how he was playing guitar on top of this building. Literally started learning guitar the next week.
Who would you say is your biggest inspiration musically?
If we’re narrowing it down to one, then overall it has to be Mayday Parade. Their style’s always been something I’ve resonated with throughout all their albums. I’m gonna quickly mention Say Anything though, because Max Bemis’ lyricism and super direct way of communicating is something I’ve admired and tried to emulate for the longest time.
How often do you write music?
Passively - daily. I’m always voicenoting or doodling ideas. It’s such an ingrained thing for me. But like, and actual writing/recording session is maybe a monthly thing for me. I have a whole process which involves several hours of drum programming and nerdy things that aren’t particularly ‘exciting’ so it takes a while for me to work up the mental capacity to sit down and do that.
If you could learn a new instrument what would it be?
If I could play the cello, I’d be so gassed. My friend actually gave me one a couple of years ago and I just assumed because it had strings and a neck that I could figure it out. Unfortunately I was very wrong and it’s currently in my loft. But one day!
What one song do you wish you’d written?
My answer to this always changes, but right now I’d have to go with Just Pretend by Bad Omens. Easily the best chorus of the past few years.
If you could duet with one person - dead or alive - who would it be and what song would you want to do?
I’m gonna have to pick my celeb crush Demi Lovato because we would absolutely smash a heavy version of their song Falling Over Me.
If you could pick someone to be your musical mentor who would you pick?
I need John Feldmann to teach me how to be a dope producer whilst also being in a super successful band. That’s where I’m trying to be.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve been given?
One thing that I’ve always taken on board is something Brendan from Wheatus told me back in 2016. We were on tour and I asked him if it was frustrating when casual fans would scream for Teenage Dirtbag every night and wouldn’t really know any of their other songs. He said that a lot of bands don’t even have that 1 song that people love and connect with, and that you should be super thankful for having something like that. Since then, I’ve never taken any of my songs for granted, because somewhere out there, someone’s digging that song and you can’t be mad at that. At the end of the day, it’s still my art and just because you have an emotional connection with my old stuff over my newer songs isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Thanks for chatting to us, it's been a pleasure
Find Walwin online:
Watch the video for 'Famous'
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