Boston-based multi-instrumentalist and self-described sonic auteur Gordy Murphy has returned with 'Leather Cigarette', a hypnotic new single that lingers like a whispered dare. Taken from his critically acclaimed debut album 'Memory’s Edge', the track captures Murphy’s gift for transforming fleeting memories into cinematic soundscapes, threading together psychedelic rock textures, brooding lyricism, and an almost spiritual sense of atmosphere.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with Gordy Murphy to explore his approach to emotional storytelling through sound, and why the most powerful art often emerges from the spaces between impulse and reflection.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was the drums. My mother would be furious at me growing up because I kept “tapping” on the kitchen counters and anything nearby, attempting to make grooves with the limited resources I had. And after my first drum lesson, I was smitten.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I loved all of the rock from the 60’s and 70’s; Jimi Hendrix, Santana, The Doors, just to name a few. That was really the music I grew up with. Once I started developing my own taste in music, I incorporated a healthy dose of The Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Mayer (he’s from my hometown), and Radiohead.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I ever owned was Santana’s Supernatural Record. I loved watching MTV as a kid and seeing Matchbox 20’s music videos play on loop. So when I heard Rob Thomas was featured on Put Your Lights On, I asked to go to the local CD store.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I think about this question a lot but always come back to this song…Baby’s Arms by Kurt Vile. It’s always the acoustic songs that I’m envious of, I think because I can picture them played in front of a campfire with whiskey and firelight. It just screams American Frontier to me and I love it. Runner-up would be Clementine by Elliot Smith.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
When writing new music I try to keep all of the doors open, so to speak. Nothing is off limits. I like to temporarily nominate a “leading instrument” to explore the halls, sometimes successfully and sometimes not. But it’s important to fight the voice that says, “nothing is happening, just do something else.” I find that learning how to navigate the creative process is like navigating a dark maze, but sticking with it will ensure something happens, whether that’s in 3 seconds or 3 hours.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I cannot get enough of Wunderhorse and Kurt Vile. Both are enjoyable for different reasons, but I suppose the commonality is that they’re unique and stand by their sound. It’s a relief to hear rock bands like them because they’re not the ordinary, like pop music utilizing a I, V, vi, IV chord progression, for example. You get a sense of the raw power, emotion, and personality that’s truly intoxicating. Most importantly, Wunderhorse and Kurt Vile feel so human.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would love to open a show for Sam Fender. I think he’s an incredible musician who is also leading the “good music brigade” with the two bands I mentioned earlier. The reason I choose him is because I think our music compliments the other’s well and would make a strong show from beginning to end.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part of being a musician is the expression. Hearing something you’ve written from a memory, feeling, or an image is surreal and extremely special. These sensations are abstract and so difficult to put into words, but to be able to express and translate a memory is not only a reward, but a relief.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part of being a musician almost has nothing to do with writing music at all. It’s the constant sensitivity to the world around you and the frustrating patience it takes to make sense of it before it eats you. I think painters and writers feel the same way.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best piece of advice I’ve received as a musician is to not measure your productivity by the outputs of your inputs, but rather by the amount of time you dedicate. In a given week, I probably keep 5% of what I write, but that wouldn’t happen at all if I didn’t spend long hours writing in the first place. So instead, think about the hours you spend playing and writing as the successful part. It’ll also teach you to power through tough moments.
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Gordy Murphy's new single 'Leather Cigarette' is out now. Check it out in the player below.