Getting To Know... common goldfish

After establishing his sound with flurry of rich and electrifying offerings throughout 2022, Tottenham-based artist common goldfish recently returned once again to deliver his vibrant new single 'Low Lights And Throwback Tunes'.

Bringing back more of that 90s-inspired Britpop aesthetic he is known for, 'Low Lights And Throwback Tunes' makes for a wonderfully riveting listen. With its warm and tender textures, sweeping atmosphere, and mesmerising vocals layered throughout, he is quickly cementing himself as one of the more exciting names on the rise right now.

So with the new single doing the rounds, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most lately.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

It was the drums, which is strange as it’s the one instrument I no longer really play. Growing up my brother had a drum kit, and I think I started playing when I was about 8 years old. My feet could barely touch the pedals, but it didn’t stop me!

I’ve always been captivated by rhythm and for me the groove is the driving force behind any track. It is the foundation, on which other elements are layered.

Sadly when I was about 15 the kit got sold, and by that stage I had moved on to the piano and guitar. My drum roots definitely formed my playing style though, and even now I treat the guitar and piano as percussive instruments in many ways, with rhythm at the core.

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

A real mix really. Growing up I used to loved Britpop – obviously Blur, Oasis and the Verve. I was also drawn to the electronic side of pop like Fatboy Slim, Basement Jaxx and Daft Punk and then a bit of hip hop too (Eminem and Dr Dre).

My mum listened to a lot of Pink Floyd, The Police and of course The Beatles, which also rubbed off on me.

I was a teenager during the golden indie years so loved the likes of Bloc Party, Libertines, The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys etc.

I then heard two albums which I became obsessed with, In Rainbows and XX. Both had a long lasting effect on me, in terms of giving me a lot inspiration to write myself.

In my later teens I remember discovering alot of other genres which massively opened my eyes to more types of music. Like properly hearing Ska for the first time and then having Toots and the Specials on repeat. I also loved old school Hip Hop like NWA and Tribe Called Quest.

I could probably go on for a while. As I say a real mix!

What was the first album you remember owning?

I remember the first album I bought was Youth and Young Manhood by Kings of Leon. What an album it was. So much energy! I have a vivd memory of dancing round my bedroom with my Walkman listening to Happy Alone.

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

Three Lions..

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

In the early stage of developing new ideas, I think the most important thing is to not be too prescriptive – I try and follow the idea that excites me, rather than the idea my head tells me I should be creating. I think this allows more room for new discovery.

If I hit a block of creativity and can’t see a way forward, I’ll start working on another project, or take a break and go for a walk. I think it’s important to return to ideas with a fresh perspective.

In the studio there are times you struggle for inspiration, but then there are moments when you get into the flow and ideas start streaming out – When a creative wave hits me, I try to make sure to ride it for as long as possible (even if this means dropping everything else).

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

I’ve been listening to Ty Segall and Dungen a lot recently to get my fix of Garage and Psych Rock.

I’ve also recently listened to all of the Talking Heads albums. Such a vibe, poignant lyrics and well ahead of their time. David Byrne is a genius.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

Khruangbin.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

Releasing music out in the world and then having people reach out, saying your music has had a big impact on them. That, and hearing people singing your songs back to you when you play live.

And what is the most frustrating part?

It’s pretty hard for up-and-coming artists to get heard unless they’re active on social media. Not only does this take up a lot of time, but it can also be quite draining creatively.

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

People value authenticity, so don’t try and be anyone else other than yourself.

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common goldfish's new single 'Low Lights And Throwback Tunes' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.