Following on from a string of impactful offerings these last few months, London-based outfit Near Death Experience (NDX) recently returned with their funk-filled new single 'Present'.
Delivering more of that fresh and exhilarating aesthetic they have been cultivating lately, 'Present' makes for an incredibly fun and lively return for them. With its breezy hooks, sweeping atmosphere, and swaggering grooves layered throughout, they are returning with one of their more enjoyable efforts to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with the band's Ian Whiteling to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The acoustic guitar I play now. I found her in a music shop in Ealing years ago, and we’re still going strong! She sounds and plays even better now than when she first came into my life. Some things definitely get better with age!
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I’ve always been into 60s’ and 70s’ sounds, from The Doors, The Beatles, The Stones, Love and Hendrix, to Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Gil Scott Heron, Bowie and Roxy Music. And guess what, I’m still obsessed with that period. I also love the 60s’ and 70s’ TV and movie themes!
What was the first album you remember owning?
Strangely, the first album I remember owning was 2112 by Canadian rockers Rush, which was originally released in 1976. I went through a bit of a 70s’ heavy rock phase in my youth. I also love a bit of Deep Purple and adore Led Zeppelin (but they’re not really that heavy).
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I think it has to be Sympathy For The Devil by The Rolling Stones. It doesn’t have a proper verse, chorus, bridge structure, which I love to build my own songs around, but it has one of the best grooves ever, incredible dark lyrics, wonderfully charismatic vocals and superb musical arrangement. Simply brilliant!
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Nah! I try to use as many different techniques as I can to keep things fresh and creative. From simply writing lyrics and singing melodies acapella or strumming through some chord ideas on my beloved acoustic guitar, to improvising melodies and lyrics over beats or instrumental dance or ambient tracks. A lot of my songs come melody first and lyrics second. Once I’ve got the initial idea, I sit down and build the song around it, usually on acoustic guitar.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Right now I’m listening to folk/funk/soul pioneer John Martyn, who probably has one of my favourite singing voices, up there with Jim Morrison. I’ve also been surfing the Curtis Mayfield back catalogue. On the new music front, I’ve been tuning in to The Bloodstreams, who have a fabulous late 70s alternative rock thing going on, kind of fusing Bowie with Television. The new album by cool folk troubadour John D Reilly, Outlier, is also a delight – sort of Cat Stevens meets James Taylor. John has a velvet voice and very strong songs.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Well, if he was still alive, it would have been David Bowie, and that’s the problem, most of the acts I listen to aren’t with us anymore. But if you’re gonna reach up high, you better reach for the sky, so it has to be The Rolling Stones!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
For me it’s all about the songwriting and performing. The pure creativity of putting together a new tune, and the sheer release of belting it out in front of an audience. I’m known for my passionate, emotional, powerful delivery, so it’s a real release for me. I now also record and produce our music and really enjoy it, so that comes close as well.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Finding a regular drummer right now! So, if anyone out there is up for joining the psychedelic rock’n’soul superheroes, please get in touch! Also getting enough exposure and performing to bigger audiences can be a struggle, but overall we’re in a good place.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Remember that music doesn’t owe you a living. Do it because you love it. Don’t do it just to make it big. People can tell and it’s not a good look. And you’re likely to be very disappointed.
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Near Death Experience (NDX)'s new single 'Present is out now. Check it out in the player below.