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Jeremy Williams-Chalmers
Arts Correspondent
@jeremydwilliams
7:00 AM 25th May 2020
arts

Interview With Han Bloom

 
London based Han Bloom is a classically trained pianist and composer but decided to take the route of jazz/ prog rock/ alternative genres. Having just released her debut album, Higher State Of Mind, she has shown herself to be a distinctive artist with the ability to make poignant statements within her lyrics. We caught up with her to learn a little more...

First and foremost, hello and how are you?

I am being as proactive as possible in isolation by recording my second album.

Tell us about the record you have just released…

I just released my debut album on 1st May called, Higher State Of Mind. My album was a project that I wanted to set out and achieve as a solo endeavor. I had a friend from Holland, Eddie van Dorgen, who played some live drums on a series of the 13 track album as an instrumentalist I understand that this is something I could not achieve 'electronically' or in the 'production stage', as I wanted the vibe and dynamics of a live drummer to be a part of the sound-world. Also, as a pianist, I have a huge appreciation for the percussiveness in music and so wanted the overall instrumental arrangement to be percussive with lots of stacked keys, synths and pads. I am also kinda crazy about all things piano and keys related so my bias was tainted by getting 'keys-crazy' across the album.

In terms of the inspo for the album, I am a big fan of looking at things from multiple angles, as I feel this is the best way in shaping a 'well rounded' view. So I draw this from things like the way society is designed, interpersonal relationships and Western Culture. On tracks such as, 'London Town', I wanted to focus on the different kinds of people that exist in society in the verses; then to contrast in the choruses, I utilised this as a 'resolution' - that no matter what background one has, we all are equal, breath the same air and are all metaphorically speaking, 'reading the book of life'.

In other tracks such as 'Blasphemy' I focus on the expectations of institutions such as the government or the monarchy and how it is okay to reject their ideals, in order to focus on what feels right for the individual.

Then.... there's a bunch of 'girl power' love ballads and alternative rock tracks, if you like, on tracks such as 'Just Another Girl', 'Burn', 'Ego' and 'Limbo'. Although these tracks are about exes, I wanted to get away from 'self indulgent' writing that is something I learned to 'get over' when I studied classical composition at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, back in the day. I like experimenting with how far I can push 'popular' music in terms of the sound and content of meaning.

Additionally, I have some more humorous tracks on songs like 'Finer Things' and 'Ego' sort of touches on the irony of dating fuck-boys etc..

How do you feel when releasing a record?

Nervous! - Yet, also relieved to be getting it out there because it means I can get back to working on new material and playing live gigs.

What inspired the record?

Society, Interpersonal Relationships, Growing Up as a Young Person and Western Culture.

Tell us a little about your creative process...

It varies. I don't think there's a 'set formula' for writing. I like everything to come to me in an organic way. Someone famous once said something like, 'it's automatically easier to write a sad song rather than a happy song, because when someone is happy, they're too busy doing happy stuff!

And when they're sad, that's the time we wanna write'. I sort of try to be productive with my creative output, but 90% of it is sort of random idioms or ideas that I'll then record or write in my songbook, then revisit them when I am 'feeling' that vibe. Sometimes I write 5 songs in one day because life just rolls like that - you never know what is going to happen, no matter how good your planning skills are!




If the record were an animal, what animal would it be?

A Macaw Parrot - Swooping in and collecting a bit of jazz here, a bit of rock there, some electronic too plus classical - and pop! Then making a nutritious feast for all my pals by fusing those genres together.

Define your sound in five words…

Original, Alternative, Experimental, Fun and with some 'attitude'.

What was the first song that caught your attention?

Bobby Brown by Frank Zappa, because it's outrageous, obscene and a very clever song musically. Zappa is my God!

What was the first song you bought?

Pink - Just like a Pill or Mary J Blige - Family Affair. Singles were a big thing on CD in 2001. I consumed a lot of 70s music and classical back in the day before I had pocket money. I'm a big fan of independent women who do whatever they want because that's what I love to do. Also be rebellious and fuck da system!

And the first album?

The Hunky Dory Album by David Bowie on Vinyl, in a junk shop, when I was 7.

What was the best concert you have ever seen?

Probably any of the classical recitals I used to page turn at for my friends at music college. That or Foo Fighters at Oxygen Festival with my friends the summer before we were all going off to uni except for me, the weirdo, who was going to music school to do a more 'serious degree' than my school peers. LOL.

What did the experience teach you that you have translated to your own shows?

Utilising Muscle Memory when doing difficult solo passages and jamming on stage. Also just having a good vibe on stage with the audience. I think it's really important to put on a fun show, appreciate the people who turned up to see you and not take it too seriously. I can't stand it when musicians look thoroughly miserable on stage - like come on! Music is something that 'sparks joy' - which is why I hoard it and obsess over it.

What other artist are you most excited to hear from?

New bands in London. I like checking out the talent in London because there's always a great buzz across all genres. Some artists I am loving at the moment are Corey Henry, Erykah Badu, Marc Rebillet, Hiatus Kaiyote, Jamiroquai, Foo Fighters, RHCP and a bit of Lizzo.

If you could work with them, what would you hope to record?

An orchestral masterpiece for a James Bond Movie.

If you had to pick three artists to be filed next to, who would they be and why?

Wow - this is hard. If I had to choose the 3 artists who 'inspire' me the most, I would have to say Frank Zappa, Led Zeppelin and Stevie Wonder.

If you could jam with one artist alive or dead, who would it be?

One Artist - I would have to say Janis Joplin.

If you could have written one song by another artist, what would it be?

Spinning Wheel by Blood, Sweat and Tears. Or if it were a piece - Concerto No 2 by Rachmaninoff.

Someone is making a film of your life, who will play you?

Any Supermodel or alternatively, Withnail from Withnail and I.

Lastly, tell us one thing you have never revealed in an interview…

All of the above! Also that I am a recovering chocoholic. I am also looking for a manager and a label right now. If this helps to get the word out, I would be glad to collab.



Han Bloom Facebook Page