Meet Roe Green, one of the semi-finalists of Nusic's FSN 2017...
How would you describe your music?
Mate, it’s pretty pongie pop. Stinks of cheesy licks that make me feel like I’m slick. It’s music that you hear and go, “Yeah that's alright that, pretty catchy.” Then you forget for a bit. Then I wriggle back, snap and crack you back on track to the catchy, hooky tune I once tried to convince you I was interesting with at that gig one time where you remembered that tune from. Remember? That was what I was on about.
What was your reaction to the news you’d be playing the FSN final?
Unexpected, really. The funny thing about it all was that I really wanted to enter, but I didn't have any tunes recorded that I felt represented my sound. So on the Sunday, deadline day, I decided to make and send a song, all in one. When I got the news that it had worked, it almost felt like I’d cheated a little. Lots of other artists would have sent songs with a lot more craft and mileage then mine, which does seem unfair. However, on that Sunday I came out with a song that I sincerely love and I’m proud that it represents me. The news felt humbling and I'm whole heartedly thankful. Whether made in a day or a decade, I’m honoured the sincerity was appreciated.
What can the Rock City crowd expect from your performance?
Nothing more then my best. I entertain, oh that is I. Be raising up those gazing eyes. I’ll jab, I’ll whine, I’ll wince, I’ll shine, I’ll play anything I want just expect to be mine as I charm you, darn you, but nothing too obscene because after all, what did you expect from Roe Green?
Why did you enter FSN?
I’ve been a part of it all before and quite frankly, I owe an awful lot to the opportunities that sprung because of my involvement. We’re lucky in Nottingham; we have a great community for music and musicians, and Nusic does a great job bringing it all together and are like the uncle to the big, musical kid that is our city. Despite all the obvious exposure and promotional benefits of it all, it does genuinely feel like Nottingham’s annual hug to us meandering musicians.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
I just love a good, positive personality. You can hear people's sincerity and nuances laced in music. When you express yourself musically, you are applying your thoughts, feelings and essentially your consciousness into your compositions. For me, as long as what I take from it sounds like a fun, groovy, honest soul, then I’ll hop on that pole.
What Nottingham artists are you loving at the minute?
Josh Wheatley is doing great. We've known each other for a few years now, and he just loves playing and you can really see that. Revenge Of Calculon also sound great. My brother performs under the name Komino and despite it sounding obviously bait, if you love you electro-pop, he literally has it covered.
What are your biggest non-musical influences?
Being functional. I get lazy. Keeping myself doing things I engage with everyday, including work, allows me to keep my rhythm, my flow and make sure I pay attention to myself so my creativity can reward me. It’s important to tend to what you need to do. It gives you the freedom to enjoy what you want to do.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
In the space of a week I’m playing this and Live At Leeds Festival with an unofficial official Dot to Dot lumped at the end of it, so I guess now.
Any last words for Leftlion?
If this interview was too informal, I can always do it again.
The Future Sound of Nottingham final takes place at Rock City, Sunday 7 May, free.
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