Indiescoveries Interview with Subtlety!

Ghost: Can you tell us about your journey into music? How did you get started and what inspired you to become an indie artist? 

Subtlety: I believe I was fortunate enough to grow up in the generation X demographic. Record players in the household were just as important as cartridge players in cars. Fortune would have it, that after the baby boomer period, my parents filled the house with music from to comedic albums like Flip Wilson, the American comedian. Heck we even had a Muhammed Ali album; I AM THE GREATEST-Cassius Clay. To this day Elton John’s double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road remains one of my favorites and I’m sure it influences my songwriting subliminally.

Redirecting my choices from singing in working in cover bands to writing music, developed organically I suppose from taking up piano lessons. I had never previously been interested in learning an instrument but utilised the Covid outbreak as an opportunity to do something productive. This led me to compose my own music and take the natural step to do something positive with the newfound discovery. 

Ghost: Growing up in an environment filled with music must have shaped your artistic approach in profound ways. Having a mix of comedy, spoken word, and classic rock in the household created a broad foundation for storytelling and musical expression. Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is one of those albums that leaves a lasting impression, influencing creativity even in ways we don’t immediately recognize. What is the story behind your artist's name? Does it hold a special meaning for you?

Subtlety: I actually asked for assistance from my sister on what she thought would represent me the most authentically. She asked for a description of the music I wanted to make, and I suggested that it would be subtle piano ballads. “Well, just call yourself Subtlety”! she said. It does hold significance as it came from her. I did want to drop the ‘b’ but the name was already taken. I do believe that a song can move you with subtle tones if delivered with authentic emotion.

Ghost: Nice: How would you describe your music style? What genres or artists have influenced your sound? 

Subtlety: I believe my style probably did start out as piano-based ballads and my genre would have been classified as singer/songwriter. I endeavored to promote positivity through my new song writing venture; however, I did find myself starting to unpack thoughts that were looking for a place to land. The result of my early songs may have appeared then, to be introspective and I suppose that will always be the case. I have, I believed, evolved to write more about observations I see around me and in worldwide events. My style has also evolved from purely having the opportunity to collaborate with the artists in the indie community from around the world. I feel like we are all evolving together in a sense, listening to each other's music and navigating the advent of constant, evolving technology in music production. I have therefore tried to introduce more electronic elements to my music. 

Ghost: That evolution reflects a natural progression, shaped by both personal growth and external influences. Starting with piano-based ballads gave your music an intimate, reflective foundation, and it makes sense that your early songs leaned toward introspection. There’s something powerful in using songwriting as a way to process thoughts and emotions. Can you share the creative process behind your latest album/single? How do you usually go about writing and producing your songs?

Subtlety: My current project is a 4 track EP, for which I was inspired to execute due to a recent documentary that moved me. I am halfway through, and I am choosing to let it evolve at a correct pace for me. The process of inspiration for writing songs usually starts with an observation or series of thoughts that can materialise from the strangest of circumstances. I may be looking through a photo album, see something in the media that resonates, contemplate my own thoughts or listen to other artist’s music to gain inspiration. Thoughts usually come first, then I will sit at the piano and try to play the melody I have in my head. I like to experiment with notes and chords, so the listener hears something new and unexpected. Once I have that base, I can usually build from there and start laying down tracks. However, I have recently gained inspiration also from the electronic loops that I come across and there are some brilliant artists on the Bandlab App, there is a whole other community on there!

Ghost: Letting the project evolve at its own pace sounds like a thoughtful approach, allowing inspiration to take shape naturally. The idea that creativity can emerge from unexpected places, whether through a photo album, a news story, or another artist’s work, speaks to how deeply interconnected art and life really are. What challenges have you faced as an indie artist? How have you overcome them?

Subtlety: The whole process of producing your own music and sending it out into the world to be scrutinised is a pretty brave thing to do I believe. The best music can come from the introverts who find themselves struggling to navigate the social challenges associated with being an artist. The social interaction, the promoting can sometimes weigh you down as it takes a lot of energy. Taking time to step back and focus on a balance of all priorities in your life is important I believe.

Ghost: Can you tell us who inspired your passion for music growing up?

Subtlety: Well apart from my own family who held regular parties playing air guitar with swimming pool scoops. My schooling from an early age always involved music lessons, we would however fight over the last remaining percussion triangle, but it was worth the wait. We would usually complete a whole musically inspired learning book and learn about rhythm.

I enjoyed music at school and used to watch the older girls crying over The Bay City Rollers or David Cassidy and wonder what the hell they were upset about. Why aren't they just enjoying the music? It was not too long after that, I also understood how much music can affect you. I do also vividly remember being sat down in front of a record played by my father to listen to Dark Side of The Moon in its entirety, which then led to Roger Waters album The Final Cut. Gut wrenching at the core and moved me just as much as reading All Quiet on the Western Front.

Ghost: Nice! Music is indeed powerful. What message do you want to convey through your music? Is there a particular theme or emotion you aim to evoke in your listeners?

Subtlety: I suppose I like the thought that maybe, in something that I have to say or convey might prompt the listener to look at something from a different perspective. My hope is that, if they find something in the music that they resonate with, it may allow them to feel that they are not alone in navigating life and all its challenges.

Ghost: What are your future plans? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that your fans should look forward to?

Subtlety: My main aim at the moment is to complete the 4 track EP and explore the many different elements I am experimenting with. I look forward to people hearing an evolving sound from my music that is constantly developing. Thank you also for the invitation to be interviewed, one of your collaborations fell into my personal top 5 songs for 2024.

Ghost: It is exciting to hear how much thought and experimentation you are putting into your EP. The idea of an evolving sound that continues to develop with each release is inspiring. Pushing boundaries and exploring new elements is what keeps music fresh and engaging, and it will be incredible to see where this creative journey leads you.

We truly appreciate you taking the time to be interviewed and sharing your perspective. Your insight into the process, collaboration, and artistic evolution has been invaluable. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your world, and we cannot wait to hear what you create next!