Ahead of the Future Sound of Nottingham showcase on 2 July, we're going to be catching up with each finalist to find out more about them. First up is Isaac Bloomfield...
How would you describe your music?
My music is a mix of my 60s and 70s song writing heroes such as Ronnie Wood, Jackson Browne and George Harrison smashed together with modern life scenarios - AKA folk/alt country!
What was your reaction to the news you’d be playing the FSN final?
One of pure shock. I just couldn’t believe it. I’d played a gig the night before to about three people then to get the news that you’re playing Rock City the next day is totally surreal.
What can the Rock City crowd expect from your performance?
It’ll be just me and my guitar, so I’ll try and come out high energy and let them down gradually. I’ll be releasing a new single just before the final too, so it’ll be great to give that a run out.
Why did you enter FSN?
I’ve been knocking around the music scene for quite a few years, and it felt the time was right and the songs were right to give it a go. Whatever the result, it’s just an amazing opportunity to get to play the two greatest stages in Nottingham.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Funnily enough, Noel Gallagher has been my hero for as long as I can remember, so the chance to play alongside him would be the absolute highlight of my life. I’m also an obsessive Ronnie Wood and Bob Dylan fan. The song I open my set with was written by me pretending to be Bob for the day (sad, I know, but needs must in a writer’s block!). Aside from these, Charley Crockett, Dan Auerbach and the guys mentioned above are where my main influence comes from.
What Nottingham artists are you loving at the minute?
Bloodworm for sure. Great band and great live, they’re going somewhere for sure. Davoli is great too, he’s the best producer and songwriter in Nottingham in my opinion and I’m lucky I get to work with him. Also, I can’t not mention Girlband. I’ve known Georgie their singer for a while and she just absolute smashes it every time.
What are your biggest non-musical influences?
As a huge Forest fan, Stuart Pearce is one for sure. He was a bit before my time but even late into his career he always gave everything into everything he did. His resilience is also something I’ve always tried to keep with me, after missing the penalty in 1990 to redemption in ’96, it was everything he’d worked to come back from. This is huge for musicians as you get so many knock backs, it makes those steps forward so much sweeter. Similarly, again for his resilience and approach to work, our current manager Steve Cooper is a huge hero of mine and of course my Mum and Dad.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
I randomly got asked to support Jamie Webster at his sold-out gig in Derby last August. It was a mental night and he’s a lovely lad, plus I played well which always helps!
Any last words for LeftLion?
Keep an eye out for my new single out June 30th! And to follow me on Instagram to keep up to date.
The Future Sound of Nottingham final will take place on 2 July. No tickets or booking required. Crowd participation is part of the final vote.
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