After cementing themselves with a flurry of initial offerings throughout last year, including their highly-praised debut EP 'Do It Now', London-based outfit The Horn are continuing their upward ascent with the glittering new single 'Another Way'.
Capturing more of that broad and driven indie-rock aesthetic they have built for themselves, 'Another Way' makes for a powerful addition to their ever-growing catalogue of late. With its warm and riveting textures, soaring atmosphere, and killer hooks throughout, they are certainly ones to keep a firm eye on for the months ahead as well.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with guitarist and singer Jonny Taylor to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Probably the guitar. Smell of the Canadian wood and the feel of the strings had me. But the first piano I heard played in a hotel lobby was a close second.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Tracy Chapman and Paul Simon were always on in the car from cassette tapes in my parents’ Volkswagen Golf. They are two pillars in my life to this day.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I think it was either Californication by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers or Graceland by Paul Simon.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Leopard Skin Pill Box Hat by Bob Dylan
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Writing a song will usually be on my sofa in Hackney with my Spanish guitar that is tuned a full step down. When you play a C open chord shape it’s actually a Bflat in that tuning, which seems to be a good key for my voice. If I don’t find anything that moves me within five minutes I’ll abandon the writing. If I do, which luckily seems to happen more and more at the moment, I’ll record a basic version through an sm57 and over a drum loop; I might add pad synths to give it some vibe, usually double tracking vocals and guitars.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
J.J. Cale, Steely Dan, Frank Ocean, Wilco.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Dead - David Bowie. Alive - Stevie Wonder
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I would say when you get a message from a complete stranger saying that your music has changed them in some way. You can’t put a price on that.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Ha. Well. I think when you really feel something is good but it doesn’t get the love you think it deserves. But the remedy to that is keep writing.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I can’t remember any specific advice. Danny (lead guitar in the band) has helped me with a lot of audio engineering issues. I think the most helpful thing I’ve tried to tell myself is that whatever you’re looking for very rarely happens overnight. When you truly accept this, your heart becomes fuller and more open to unexpected surprises.
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The Horn's new single 'Another Way' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.