Blending eclectic influences from Mozart to Thundercat, William McLaughlin’s debut single Better explores self-improvement, creativity, and the fleeting nature of life. We dive into his creative process, inspirations, and upcoming EP.
1. Can
you tell us about the inspiration behind your debut single, "Better"?
What motivated you to
create this song?
I’m forever motivated by the inevitable awareness of death one day, importance
of time, health and utilising one’s talents creatively in the finite time
granted us.
I added a drum beat on my daw then over months developed lyrics which changed
with time and drew from the same influences including Goldfrapp, experience,
emotion and a back and fourth of ideas with me and the Producer.
2. Your music draws from a wide range of influences, from the Red Hot Chili
Peppers to Mozart and Thundercat. How do these influences come together in your
sound?
I think that combining the eclecticism of these different artists from
their contrasting genres grants me less restrictions and more artistic freedom,
aiming to generate something unique, for me, Mozart, Chilli’s and Thundercat
have an effervescent jollity in their music but can also touch on macabre,
seeking redemption, resolution, self destruction and all of them placing their
mind bodies and soul upon the alter of art, to write with your blood as ink can
create the most interesting and powerful art, I hope that my music reflect on
some level these elements and that they intertwine and react.
3. You describe "Better" as having a flamenco bass hook,
harmonious vocals, and avant-garde sounds. What was the creative process like
for blending these elements?
The song was an evolving entity from 2020, when I used to practice bass
during my break times at work, the flamenco riff which drew from Nirvana, Les
Claypool, royal blood and Red hot chilli peppers.
As I’m self taught musically and picked up bits and bobs of advice I believe
would be beneficial to my creative act, I beleive that I produce a unique
sound, especially creating the vocal excerpts at the end of the song myself,
giving off the impression I took them from pre existing movie, TV or radio.
4. The lyrics of "Better" revolve around self-improvement and
finding happiness through action. How does this theme connect to your personal
journey?
So to do better and better again, going from strength to strength, shedding
the previous skin we wear to grow in the new one we have, every day is an
opportunity to make something, even if you fuck up you tried and learned what
not to do next time or what you’d like to change/taylor, I believe upon
reflection when you can say to yourself you worked for the right reasons both
selflessly and a bit selfishly you may be fulfilled and find happiness, or
something to that affect.
5. Your dream is to evoke the same emotions in listeners that your favorite music inspires in you. What kind of feelings or thoughts do you hope "Better" will spark in your audience?
Feelings of hope, seeking self improvement, challenging yourself, seeking true happiness, laughter at the art or at me is both great, hopefully you enjoyed the song and vibes a bit.
6. You’ve mentioned your upcoming album is set for release next year. How does "Better" set the tone for what fans can expect from the album?
Well it is going to be an EP, eclectic as fuck I hope, drawing from as many different genres as possible, I hope it’s so good you don’t know it’s me, you can expect for certain interesting art that is honest and needed to be made, also that it took me thousands of hours to do all this and I’m so so so greatful someone is reading this.
7. Your influences also include video game and film music. Can you share an example of how these genres have shaped your approach to composition?
Video game music often uses hardcore well arranged songs for example the Red alert series to set the scene of your battle, or to add a background bit of charm and soundtrack to you looting chests in oblivion, or in film where it is used in the background to display great love, sadness, mass murder, great joy or just the credits songs that you leave the theatre to as you walk over stale expensive popcorn, I think people use music when living their life to build their own soundtrack to their everyday lives, I think of this idea often when writing/playing, it’d be cool as hell if someone used my music whilst they were grocery shopping etc.
8. The music video for "Better" releases before the audio launch. What can fans expect from the visuals, and how do they complement the song?
I’m sure it’s all out and about by now but it’s all about a crazy little honey badger and his bonkers journey to the tune of ‘better’ by me, it’s done in black and white hand drawn by a really talented artist called Dedi S. what they made complements perfectly the comedy, tragedy and tenacity featured In the track, your gonna have to watch it to fully grasp.
9. You describe yourself as an entertainer with a unique relationship with life. How does your personal story influence your music and artistry?
It’s hard to describe, hence the music stuff, I’ve seen so many of my bestest friends and family pass away at a very young age due to cancer, illness lots and lots of drug overdoses and suicide as well as other things I don’t want to say here, I have also been incredibly lucky with my upbringing and amazing family, we’re only small but we get along really well, both parents are alive as I write this I have an incredible supportive partner, two inspirational brothers, kind sisters and two super smart nieces, I have many books in me but being 30 it’s hard sometimes to write what people might find useful/interesting enough to read/listen to, so I pull from shocking and unexpected things and try channel them into my
Art.
10. Your motto is, “If in doubt, have a good time.” How does this philosophy play into your creative process and the energy of your music?
I think that when your in a situation hardship you can’t control or engaged with waters and time that are difficult to navigate, to find a positive or do something highly hedonistic alone or shared with others is an essential part of embracing life, it’s all so fucking short and if anyone around forces me, outside the realms of social acceptance, tact, care, compassion or respect to feel shitty, sad disrespectful, miserable or in other wise depression inducing they can go fuck themselves, I’m going to the nearest fun person, grin and bearing it until freedom or escaping the situation to seek art, friendship, love compassion, a nice view, some form of outlet for peace or hedonism asap, if I can get this long winded vibe in my music I’ve won.
11. What challenges have you faced as a new artist releasing your first professionally produced single? How have these experiences shaped you?
It’s been great fun, expensive for my wallet my sleep and social time id normally spend with loved ones, I live on my phone when I’m not at work 12/16 hours a day, with the family/partner, admin or in the pub.
12. What message or takeaway do you want your listeners to carry with them after hearing "Better" ?
Whatever they think about it themselves, I think it’s how it makes you feel and what conclusions you reach, I just want people to listen love or hate, the song is released and out there now on to the next!
Thanks and so sorry it tools me so long to respond.
Billy G Mc – Music made from unique circumstances
(11) William McLaughlin - YouTube
William McLaughlin (@fresherwill88) • Instagram photos and videos
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