After establishing himself with a flurry of releases throughout last year, fast-rising artist Totten Bridge returns for 2023 to deliver his impactful new anthem 'Brave New World'.
Channelling a diverse mix of driven alt-rock energy with vibrant pop sensibilities, 'Brave New World' makes for a wonderfully euphoric listen. WIth his rich and shimmering voice layered across a driven production from start to finish, this new one will have you up and out of your seat in no time.
So with the new single available to stream now, we say down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The 1st instrument I fell in love with was believe it or not the flute…I made a homemade flute out of a piece of metal and used to blow away manically until I started taking home a real flute from school band class to teach myself even though I was a drummer…but the 1st instrument that I actually learned to play was the guitar and it continues to be my primary instrument to play and write on.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I loved everything from Motown to hard rock to progressive rock and even some pop.
What was the first album you remember owning?
It may have been Aqualung by Jethro Tull.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Wow, very tough one to answer as there are so many but let me answer it this way: for newer artists I’d say Seventeen Going Under by Sam Fender; for classic rockers I’d say either Stairway to Heaven by Led Zep or Baba O’Riley by The Who; for the hard rockers I’d say either Hells Bells by AC/DC or Photograph by Def Leppard; for the new wavers I’d say New Years Day by U2, Everybody Wants to Rule The World by Tears For Fears or Message in a Bottle by the Police; and then probably every Beatle song ever written!
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I very much write by inspiration and most of my ideas come to me at unexpected times like when I’m walking the streets of NYC or in the early hours of the morning…thank God for Voice Notes on my iPhone! So no real rituals other than when something hits me that I like I just go with it…sometimes the music comes first and sometimes the words and/or title comes first and sometimes it all comes at the same time.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
At the moment I really like Sam Fender - he is a very well rounded writer for a young artist. In terms of favourite artists, I tend to lean towards the classic rockers like Jethro Tull, U2, Tears For Fears, etc.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Right now it would probably be Sam Fender.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding thing is actually taking an idea for a song from scratch and bringing it to fruition…from the initial spark of an idea to the finished product is incredibly rewarding and a big accomplishment.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part of writing a song is the difficulty it takes to get it heard and appreciated…all songwriters have an aching desire to have their songs heard and loved.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Write and perform music that you believe in and love because if you love it and believe in it then you have a better chance of getting others to love it as well…you also have to have the courage of your convictions to continually believe in what you are doing…so always try to be yourself!
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Totten Bridge's new single 'Brave New World' is out now. Check it out in the player below.