I thought it was about time I tried to expand my horizons on No Frills Reviews, so I’ve reached out to some upcoming artists for a new feature. ‘First, last, and everything in between’ is a chance for artists to talk about the music from throughout their life. Some of my favourite artists have acted as a gateway to obscurer stuff over the years. So I thought this was a simple way to introduce people to new artists, while finding out about some of the music that has influenced them.
For the first edition, I spoke to North-East singer-songwriter, Craig Redpath. Craig is from Cramlington (that’s just next to Newcastle for non North-East people) and has done a bit of everything (singer/guitarist/drummer) in various bands over the years, before recently setting out on his own.
I actually met Craig at a party a couple months ago. Even for a little upstart music blog like this, I feel a bit awkward when people tell me about their music in case I think it’s crap. Luckily, I liked Craig’s debut single, It’s Funny How. It’s a cracking little acoustic toe-tapper along the lines of Gerry Cinnamon. And Craig is now releasing his second single, Fractured, reflecting his disenchantment at the state of UK politics.
Read about Craig’s life through music below.
First song you remember falling in love with?
An Elvis song from when I was about 5 years old called ‘Polk Salad Annie’. My Dad had an old VHS tape of an Elvis concert from around 1969/1970 I think, and he was in peak form, looked great, sounded great. I remember him playing this tune and being captivated by him. Well into my teens I’d still mime it in front of the mirror trying to replicate his dance moves!
I think most people really start to form their musical ‘identity’ as teens. What music would best define your teenage years?
My real love of music came when I was 16/17. I was just finishing high school and going into 6th form, and a friend of mine who I actually ended up forming my first band with, introduced me to the guitar. His Dad is a class musician, great pianist, saxophonist and he had this blue Fender strat. So my pal Chris had taught himself on that and he would show me Oasis songs he’d learnt on the acoustic guitars that were in the drama studio at school. And I just quickly became obsessed with Oasis! Got my first acoustic guitar for £50 from Argos, and I just used to get in from school and learn one Oasis song after another.
Me and Chris went onto form our first band, The Smokin Barrels, with another mate Josh, and after playing the pubs and clubs for a year or so, things accelerated pretty quickly. We ended up landing a support slot for Kasabian at the metro arena, then a few months later we were back at the same venue again this time supporting a hero of ours, Noel Gallagher on his first solo tour after he left Oasis.
What has most influenced your own music?
I’d probably say Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller have had the biggest influence on my own songwriting. There’s definitely been some tunes I’ve written over the years where I can tell the chord progressions I’ve used have been influenced by both writers. I’m not sure I necessarily sound like either really, but from a songwriting perspective they’ve been important to me.
What’s your go-to sad song?
This is embarrassing…I remember for a very brief time I listened to a New Found Glory song called ‘My Friends Over You’ when a girl in middle school broke up with me, but that was only for like a week!
If you’re asking what my favourite ‘sad song’ is, there’s a song by Kae Tempest called ‘People’s Faces’, which is a tear jerker every time I listen to it. The verses are all about how we wander through daily life and the struggles that our environment can force onto us. But the chorus then talks about the ‘peace to be found in people’s faces’. The piano riff throughout, although very simple, is absolutely beautiful. That coupled with Kae’s spoken word style and the poetry of their lyrics make it something truly wonderful.
Go-to banger?
I could probably choose 2/3 from Kasabian’s West Ryder album alone. I was bang into them when that album came out, ‘Underdog’, ‘Vlad The Impaler’, ‘Fast Fuse’, ‘Fire’ are all on that record. Then again I think they are the ultimate ‘banger band’ and could easily pick a few tracks from every album. I think as I crashed my car to this song due to getting overly animated behind the wheel when it came on, I’ll go with ‘Fast Fuse’.
Your chance to really prove your hipster credentials – an obscure favourite that not many people will know?
Idler’s Dream, Oasis. Beautiful song. Was a B-Side from the Heathen Chemistry album, I think Hindu Times was the A-Side. It’s a piano track with Noel signing and beautiful lyrics, would highly recommend.
Your guilty pleasure?
I’d go with Bryan Adams! I’ve seen him twice, once at St James’ Park. Thinking of his back catalogue now, he’s got so many tunes! ‘Run To You’ is probably my favourite. ‘Baby When You’re Gone’, ‘I’m Ready’, ‘18 Till I Die’, the man has massive songs!
The last song you fell in love with?
100% Endurance, Yard Act. Over lockdown I was working from home the whole time, and I started listening to Radio 6 a lot, and I discovered a lot of new music around that time, Yard Act being one of my favourites. Their first album came out last year and I think it was nominated for the Mercury Prize. 100% Endurance was I think the late single from it, and it’s got this Trainspotting-esque feel to it, almost like a life lesson in a song. The last verse sums it all up really:
“Death is coming for us all, but not today
Today you’re living it, hey, you’re really feeling it
Give it everything you’ve got knowing that you can’t take it with you
And all you ever needed to exist has always been within you
Gimme some of that good stuff that human spirit
Cut it with a hundred percent endurance”
Craig’s latest single, Fractured, is out now. Listen on Spotify.
And you can find him on all the usual social channels via the icon links below.
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