After establishing himself with a wealth of shimmering delights these last few years, emerging artist Otto Aday is now back once again with his vibrant new single 'Star Crossed Lovers'.
Lifted from his eagerly-awaited debut album 'Persona', which is out on the 6th October, 'Star Crossed Lovers' makes for a beautifully warm and endearing listen. With his rich and sweeping voice layered across a soaring production from start to finish, he is definitely one to keep a firm eye on for the months ahead.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Guitar, it's been my main writing instrument for years but I really fell in love with the first piano I bought, a Yamaha U1 from 1973. I don't usually name instruments but her name is Bertha.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Oh that's hard... When I fell in love with music I went through so many albums, from the Beatles to Electric Light Orchestra to Cat Stevens but then at the same time would listen to Cage The Elephant & Gorillaz.
What was the first album you remember owning?
My first car was this old beat up VW polo, only took cassettes, the first cassette I got was Elton John but to my surprise when I put it in the car it was Elton John's best hits on Panpipes.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“Everything Has Its Place” by Young Mister.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Whenever a melody or chord pattern comes to me I'll always reach for my voice notes. Sometimes I dream of songs and then later I have to decipher voice notes of me half asleep moaning into my phone.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
the CHAMPS, Flyte & Olivia Dean.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Maggie Rogers, she seems cool.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Playing shows and having a chance to share my music, being on stage doesn't compare to any other feelings.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Haha good question, I think to follow music you have to be blindly in love with it, so probably all the same things as a toxic relationship. You give all of you, but only sometimes get back.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
It's not really advice I've been given, more like something I've found out along the way... the best way to write a song isn't to sit at a guitar or a piano, it's to go on a crazy adventure and then the song will write itself later.
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Otto Aday's new single 'Star Crossed Lovers' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.