Start Listening To: Strawberry Guy
Immerse into impressionist music with a modern twist on ‘Sun Outside My Window’.
Strawberry Guy may be just one person but the sound he creates is on the orchestral scale. Learning the ropes of the industry as the dance-pop sensation’s, The Orielles, member, he’s decided to branch out and find his own voice. After soaking in romantic composers’ melancholia mixed with the 70s pop glam, Strawberry Guy reemerged with ethereally emotional pieces. Today, especially for us, he shines some light on his debut album ‘Sun Outside My Window’, discusses the importance of friendship and crossdressing.
Can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?
Hey! I’m Alex, or Strawberry Guy as you may know me. I was born in Wales, and have been living in Liverpool for the past 6 years. I guess the kind of music I make is ethereal, emotional, yet uplifting. It’s a mix of orchestral instruments with piano, and all made by me in my bedroom.
How did it all start?
Well I guess I’ve always been writing music really! I started learning piano when I was four years old, and wrote my first song when I was around thirteen. I’ve been writing music ever since then really!
If you were to describe your sound to someone who’d never heard you before, what would you say?
I guess I kind of answered this a bit in the first question, but it’s gentle, soothing and a blend of orchestral sounds with piano. It’s inspired by a lot of 1800 classical music and 70’s songwriters.
What’s it like releasing music as a solo artist after being in The Orielles?
Hmm, I mean, with The Orielles it never fully felt like my music. More something I was contributing to. My music is completely me, nobody has any input. So it’s completely different in that way really!
How are you feeling about the release of your debut album Sun Outside My Window?
I’m excited! However, I also get a kind of sad feeling when I release music. It’s kind of like I’ve brought up a baby who I’ve witnessed grow and grow, and now they’re old enough to go out into the world. It’s a weird one! I really can’t wait to let go of it though and for people to hear it.
Can you tell us more about how you produce your music?
Well, I produce on software called Logic Pro X. I mainly start writing the song just on piano and vocals. Then I start layering things up. Gradually adding in the ‘orchestra’. I only produce it at home in my room too. I think this adds a lot of flexibility to the recording process. If you go into the studio, time is money, and it seems sad to me that art should be restricted by time or money. Obviously, some great things can happen with time restrictions sometimes! But I’m not sure if this is the case with my music. I only really write or record music when I’m feeling a very intense emotion, which I think is detrimental to my recording process. I want to make it as authentic as possible really.
What inspires your music?
A lot of things! The main thing is my emotions really. They play a huge part in when and how I make music, I let them be the main driver of the project. In other ways.. I’m really inspired by romantic period composers like Debussy and Ravel, and also 70’s writers like Brian Wilson, Harry Nilsson and Todd Rundgren. Also, a lot of films really inspire me, the Coraline soundtrack is really quite magical. There’s a beautiful ethereal eeriness to the music. Pixar soundtracks also are absolutely magical and inspire me a lot!
Can you tell us something interesting about yourself that doesn’t have anything to do with music?
Well, I like to crossdress. I think that is interesting? Not every man is able to appreciate experiencing femininity I guess?
What advice would you give for anyone trying to achieve a similar sound to your band?
Buy a keyboard with really great orchestral sounds! And have your band members be your best friends haha.
How has Liverpool influenced your music?
Honestly, I’m not really sure if it has. I love Liverpool so much don’t get me wrong, but I’m not really sure if the city has directly influenced me. I guess I am slightly inspired by the Beatles indirectly. But mainly, I feel more inspired by the welsh countryside I grew up in really! Can’t beat some of those views.
If your music were a film or TV show which would it be?
Haha, can someone hook me up with Pixar?
Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s important to you?
Ooh great question, I was always really into Sigur Rós when I was younger. Mainly because their music sounded like absolute heaven to me. A sound another band or artist hasn’t quite been able to capture in the same way. I remember finding their music when I was twelve or something, and have been listening ever since. ‘Valtari’ is a really magical album to me. It’s dreamscapes really take you somewhere else. It will give you goosebumps and potentially bring tears to your eyes, whilst being so peaceful and angelic. I’ve been listening to it before bed every now and then throughout my whole life! I can also same the same about the Coraline Sountrack, that has followed me for years, and will continue to I think!
What do you hate right now?
Oh goodness, anxiety.
What do you love right now?
That I have a lot to be grateful for! My friends are also wonderful too.
What comes next in the Strawberry Guy story?
I honestly have no idea. All I know is that I won’t ever stop writing music. It’s something I simply have to do! I’m not sure what direction I will go in next in regards to writing, but I’m excited to see for myself. In terms of gigging, maybe a trip to America next year? That would be fun.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Look after your friends. Take care of yourself, and always take your time when you need to.
