We interviewed Blakey about his recent iconic pop release ‘Ta Ta Ta’, and here’s what he has to say:
1. What was your initial inspiration behind creating the charming track that ‘Ta Ta Ta’ is?
There wasn’t really one you know. I just sat down and started messing about. I wanted to do something with a groove so got a rough sketch of the instrumental and then just started scatting (singing gobbledegook) over it and this melody with da da da came out at the end which I then refined to ta ta ta and thought that’s quite cool and then tried to find other rhymes with ta ta ta
2. Tell us about this track specifically. What is ‘Ta Ta Ta’ all about?
Ta Ta Ta is about having that flirty sexy thing with someone, on or off the dance floor. It’s quite sexy, you know. Ta Ta Ta can be anything, but I guess it’s a bit like va va voom sort of thing. Can mean different things in different situations.
3. What does your creative process look like? How do you come up with authentic ideas that make you stand out from the crowd and offer your listeners a refreshing piece every time?
The creative process for this was largely driven by the vocal melody and hook. The electronics came second. I moved across to ableton recently which makes doing the electronic thing much easier. There is a cool ‘Log bass’ sample which gives it an ama piano feel. All the vocal harmonies I think really drive the track especially towards the end. I guess authentic ideas are subjective right? I think they are authentic and stand out from the crowd but that’s just me. I guess I dunno. I love to find melodies that havnbe’t been used before like land grabs and then exploit them. There aren’ many left so when you find one it’s like “okay let’s hammer this”
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4. In your opinion, what is the purpose of music? Do you believe in “art for art’s sake” or does music have a deep, profound purpose?
Music can have many purposes from the making side, and the enjoyment side. Often it can be therapy making it, and listening to it. Other times it can help set a mood for a situation, other times it can make you dance and feel euphoric. I think it is deep and profound. I think the appreciation for music, that feeling of beauty you feel when making it or listening/dancing to it – it’s almost like communicating with god or the 6th dimension or something.
5. How has your musical journey been so far? Have there been any learnings that made you stronger and more confident as an artist?
It’s been up and down. had a hiatus after my last album flopped even though I think there were some genuinely beautiful moments on there. But no one cares unless you play the game. That’s what i’ve sadly realised. So I supposed i’ve learned that sadly you have to play the game, play into the algorithm, get the socials popping properly and say the right things to the right people. It’s a bit shit But hey ho. At least the music is always honest and authentic even if the way of getting it into peoples ears can feel a little unnatural due to the way socials want you to be. In terms of learning, I’ve learned that at least musically you should be completely free and just go for it. The more time you spend doing it the better you will become – the whole 10,000 hours thing. Literally 8 hours a day for 5 years. No messing about. Just keep on going and dig deeper all the time.
6. Who do you look up to when it comes to seeking inspiration for your art? Have any role models shaped your artistic pursuits?
I look up to many artists and musicians. At the moment I’m loving a lot of Ama piano music like Charisse C, also really into Adam port and &me, moblack sort of stuff. NGL went to the first Oasis gig in Cardiff (big fan) and realised that I still love bands and there is something about that anthemic thing. Role models are strange because they change and evolve. I look up to my mates who live and breathe music. We often spin together and go to festivals together, Houghton coming up soon. These sorts of things inspire me.
Listen to the song right here:
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