Active on the local music scene for a while now, we put some questions to the rootsy singer-songwriter as he releases his latest EP...
For people who have never heard your music, how would you describe your sound?
Currently my music is quite jazz based. I would hesitantly describe it as ‘smokey jazz’.
Who do you think will enjoy your music? Which other artists might they like?
I think the new EP Song For Dreamers is very geared towards a diverse listener range. It has a classic, roots music sound to it, which I think will resonate with people who are more familiar with those eras. I don’t think it’s exclusive to those age groups though as the music has a very modern twist that I think a lot of younger, more obscure, music listeners will enjoy too. The music has a very Tom Waits, Nick Cave feel about it but also has flavours of Rufus Wainwright.
Why did you get into music and when?
Musical theatre was the first time I fell in love with music. I was coerced into learning guitar from a very early age by my parents of which I’m very grateful. After then it was a case of working my way up to writing and performing on stage.
What were you doing before you started making music?
I remember spending a lot of my youth creating within other mediums. Drawing and photography were my two vices during my early and mid-teens.
Who influences your musical style and content?
My relationship with music is very episodic. I fixate on a musician for a good solid month then a few weeks later I’ll write a cluster of songs with that inspiration in mind. One fairly recent addition to my playlist is Tom Waits. I’ve been listening to him now for a few years and toying with the idea of creating an ‘inspired by’ project. I think Waits has taught me a lot about songwriting and how they’re musically formed. The beauty of a song does not necessarily have to align with the archetypes of melody; harmony and rhythm.
What kind of music do you listen to?
In keeping with my unique relationship with music I am mainly listening to a lot of jazztronica at the moment, however, I’m also really getting into Sharon Van Etten which is a completely different vibe altogether.
What do you do in your spare time when not working on your music?
I don’t tend to get a lot of time off from music as it’s currently my full-time employment. I am however partial to film - I studied it at Nottingham Trent University - and I keep up to date as best I can with independent films and projects, mostly debuted at Broadway Cinema.
Why do you think it’s good to be a music artist living and gigging in Nottingham?
Nottingham is a thriving hub of creative people. Its unlike any other city I have been to. I’ve done two tours through Europe and I still haven’t found a place that compares to it. Nottingham has the right balance of a lot of factors that make it the ideal place to live for an artist or musician. It’s not too large but it’s only a few hours away from bigger cities like London, Birmingham or Manchester. It’s surrounded by small suburban towns and villages which means it always has an influx of new and young people.
When will your next gig be?
You can catch me playing at The Pelican jazz club on 30 November.
What can people expect from the gig?
I play two jazz sets at The Pelican – the food is great and cocktails are the best in town. I will have an incredible saxophonist with me.
Adam Peter Smith's latest EP Song For Dreamers is out now. He performs at The Pelican Club on Thursday 30 November 2017.
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