Having already found countless support across numerous DSPs, while also showcased a number of times across BBC Introducing in recent years, emerging artist Frazer Lepford is now kicking off his 2022 with the breezy new single 'Didn't Mean To Make You Cry'.
Channelling a wonderfully smooth and enticing neo-soul groove from start to finish, 'Didn't Mean To Make You Cry' makes for a brilliantly compelling listen. With his immaculate voice riding a bed of light and sweeping production, his latest effort looks to see him grow even faster in the years ahead.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with him 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?
The first instrument I fell in love with was guitar. As soon as I held one before even playing a chord it just felt right.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I loved all music growing up. My mum was constantly playing music around the house but more than anything I went through a huge stage of listening to rap and hip hop and grime music.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I can’t remember the first album I owned but the one I remember playing the most was definitely 50 Cent ‘get rich or die tryin’.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I have a few songs I wish I’d written myself but ‘the jcb song’ by Nizlopi and ‘Last Request’ by Paolo Nutini are definitely up there.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I wouldn’t say I have any habits or rituals I go through to write music but I do know more often than not songs flood out of me when I’m down or in a dark place.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
My favourite artists I listen to can vary. One minute I can be listening to Bob Dylan or Ray Charles the next I’m listening to Tyler the Creator or Mac Miller.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
If I could open a show for anyone it would probably be someone like Liam Gallagher I just love the attitude of not giving a damn and rocking up, smashing out some tunes and owning the stage then walking off like it’s nothing.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Most rewarding part of being a musician for me is expressing myself and being creative. The free drinks at venues is a good perk too.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I wouldn’t say there’s many things frustrating about being a musician although in my experience I think there’s a lot of money grabbers out there in the industry who claim they care about the music but really just want to get payed. Also people bumping into my mic stand at pubs sometimes winds me up.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best piece of advice I’ve received is from myself and that’s to not care what anyone thinks. Do what you love and enjoy it. You can’t please everyone so don’t try. If people like your stuff great if they don’t then who cares. You can’t please everyone no matter what you’re doing in life there’s lovers and there’s haters.
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Frazer Lepford's new single 'Didn't Mean To Make You Cry' is available to stream now. Check out the new video for it in the player below.