Following the rousing response to their much-loved studio album 'Belongs On A Place Called Earth' in 2023, Manchester-based duo Secret Night Gang are back once again to deliver their wondrous new single 'How To Love'.
Exploring more of that warm and riveting indie-soul-inspired aesthetic they are known for, 'How To Love' makes for a beautifully rich and shimmering listen. With its breezy textures, sweeping atmosphere, and captivating vocals layered throughout, they are returning to the fold with one of their more immersive efforts to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Callum: I initially started playing piano in junior school and introduced to the Sax at my secondary school as they had a big band which fascinated me. I fell in love with the instrument from that point on.
Kemani: It was actually drums funnily enough. Two of my older siblings were musicians growing up and I often copied anything they did as I looked up to them. I would get behind this drum kit when at the age or 5 or 6 years old in this old building/church in Wythenshawe, Manchester, and would often hear my mum and her friend would sing. Though, I had no sense of rhythm back then, they allowed me the space to find something I enjoyed doing at the time.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Callum: I love all sorts of music. I remember listening to so much soul, funk and reggae with my grandad in the car and on the radio in the house but also coming from an Irish family I was always attached to listening to folk songs and Irish music.
Kemani: I've always loved listening gospel, soul, R&B music from young age but I never knew what the artist’s name at the time. What I did know was that it was great listening to them. I found this situation with a lot of genres but one genre that was a constant listen in the house without fail or mistake of knowing who or was it was, was reggae music.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Callum: My first ever vinyl I bought was a Quincy jones album.
Kemani: It was Micheal Jackson "Bad". Favourite song on the album was " Leave me alone" shown to me when I was younger.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Callum: One song I would have loved to have written “Heart’s Desire” by Don Blackman.
Kemani: One song I wish I could've written would be the song " The key" by Hubert Laws. The arrangement of this track is amazing and sonically, it's heavenly to the ears. I love the chorus more than anything. The chorus goes: Please use the key And you'll see You'll find happiness And it's free Use the key There's something about the repetition of the chorus that makes it special for me because in my opinion the chorus reminds us that the things that costs us nothing in our lives, can be the most valuable things to have and to cherish. The song speaks of these priceless gifts given to us like happiness, love and compassion.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music ?
Callum: I try to listen to lots of different music all the time to keep inspired by different sounds and harmony. I start my ideas sat at the piano sometimes playing chords first, sometimes melody first.
Kemani: I just tend to do a lot of listening for a period of time, reflect on it and then mess around with a few chords on piano and experiment.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Callum: I have always been a huge fan of Terrace Martin. He’s an amazing producer and saxophonist and overall inspiration of mine. I’m also massively into Bilal, I love the way he’s combined the old school vibes with the modern sound.
Kemani: Currently, I'm really into Leon Thomas' album " Mutt". I think on the production side of things, sounds amazing but also lyrically and phrasing wise I think a lot of the tracks on the album is amazingly crafted.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Callum: I would love to open a show for D’Angelo.
Kemani: Right now, I would probably say Bilal. He's been a big inspiration of mine for a few years and plus hearing one of my favourite songs at the moment ' All for love" would be something quite special for me to be honest.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Callum: I think the most rewarding part of being a musician is to see how it emotionally touches people, you can tell a story that relates to people without saying a word.
Kemani: Knowing that you can release music, and it could have a positive impact someone's life.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Callum: Trying to maintain a regular income to live while trying to be creative.
Kemani: Music never truly being seen as a proper job depending on what level you're at in the industry.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Callum: Never give up on your dream and ambitions. Being a musician is not an easy or a very secure career choice, but the passion, hard work and commitment will hopefully pull you through to achieve you end goal.
Kemani: Being a musician will have an element of fun but also, it’s a long road that's full of twist, turns, bumps and crashes, but you have stay strong, keep the faith and keep going."
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Secret Night Gang's new single 'How To Love' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.