Acclaimed musician Fred Brown has stepped into the spotlight with his debut single 'Marks Will Match,' a stunning introduction to his solo career following his time with the band automan.
The track showcases Brown's exceptional talent as both a songwriter and instrumentalist, beginning with delicate acoustic elements that gradually build into an anthemic crescendo. This evolution from intimate introspection to powerful emotional release mirrors the song's thoughtful exploration of life's uncertainties.
The track serves as the first taste of Brown's upcoming EP 'Distraction,' recorded between Goldsmith Studios and Brown's personal space. "These singles, and the EP as a whole, signify a transition in my life," Brown reflects. "It's a time where uncertainty looms, but it hasn't quite realized itself yet. It's standing in the distance, with a pistol on its hip. But until you reach that point, you sweep things under the rug and try your best to have fun. Everything becomes a distraction."
Following the single release, we sat down with Brown to dive deeper into the inspirations behind his debut release as a solo artist.
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Piano. My parents had a piano at home when I was growing up. I’d try and figure out chords by trying random combinations of keys until they sounded right. I then learnt Karma Police off a YouTube video my cousin sent me.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I’ve been into alternative and rock music my whole life. My earliest memories are of my family playing Pulp, R.E.M., Arcade Fire, and The Killers. When I was 8 years old we were allowed to bring in a CD to school to listen to during Christmas, and I brought in Hail to the Thief.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I was gifted a vinyl of Funeral by Arcade Fire when I was about 13. Or maybe it was a Sam’s Town by The Killers CD?
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
That’s a tough question. I think last night I had yet another major experience listening to Concorde by BCNR. That whole album is something else. But for no reason other than it’s a perfect song, The Geese of Beverly Road by The National. Not many tracks transport you until a world like that, and Matt Berninger’s imagery is so beautiful.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not as such. Noodling on the guitar until something sounds good. Often it doesn’t.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’ve been obsessed with the concept of longevity to sound at the moment. The idea that there are only certain songs that can stand the test of time, and not just be suitable for the scene they existed in. That said, the past year has been very rock heavy. Which isn’t always the case - a lot of 90’s alternative artists.
Hugely into Exile in Guyville by Liz Phair as well as Last Splash by The Breeders.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I think LCD Soundsystem. I don’t know if there’s enough similarity between us, but I think they’re the best headliners in the world at the moment.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Songwriting. Always the moment when I first experience a new song I’m writing. There's a flutter in me; a warmth and comfort that is only there when I’m writing a song. An excitement to get it out or down. So much so that I have to stop everything else. I usually write casually with something on the telly in front of me, or whilst I’m cooking, as a way of distancing, otherwise I over think. But then when it sparks, everything else stops.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part is figuring out how to make song come into the world. Getting it to the people who’d want to hear. If I could write a song and then give it to someone else to do everything and it be heard by those who might love it, that would be excellent.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Don’t worry about anyone else. Just focus on your own songs.
-
Check out ‘Marks Will Match’ below.