The Leisure Society
When did you know you wanted to be a songwriter and why?
- I remember being obsessed with the Jam as a young teenager. I tried penning my own lyrics (I didn't actually play a musical instrument at that time) but they just ended up being a blatant rip off of Down In The Tube Station At Midnight so I gave up. Years later I bought a guitar & wrote a lot of music but always collaborated with a singer. It wasn't until I had some real heartache in my life that fully formed songs began pouring out.
What was the first song you wrote and what inspired it?
- The first song I wrote was called Overtime. It was written after years of trying, & failing, to make a living from music & having to do grotty day jobs.
What is your favourite song lyrically and what is your favourite song musically?
- Tough question, it changes all the time, but right here right now I'll say Belle & Sebastian - She's Losing It lyrically & The Beach Boys - Cabinessence musically.
If you had to choose between being in the band performing or being studio based songwriters, which would you choose and why?
- Although my favourite aspect of music is writing & recording new songs I'd hate to be without the camaraderie of playing in a band or the buzz of playing live.
How did it feel did being nominated for an Ivor Novello and what does it mean to you?
- I couldn't quite believe it when the letter came through the door. It's obviously got much more kudos attached than any of the more commercially-oriented awards. Since the nomination was announced publicly my life has been a little crazy, an endless stream of interviews. It's been great for our album The Sleeper. We were already getting great reviews but this has opened us up to a whole new audience.
It's an honour to be involved in London Songwriters Week. I think it's important to support & celebrate fellow songwriters. God knows how difficult it can be to make a living in this industry - I still haven't quite managed it - so anything that can help & advise others has got to be a good thing.
Nick Hemming, The Leisure Society