Showing posts with label leicester. Show all posts
Showing posts with label leicester. Show all posts
Sunday, 24 January 2016
Thursday, 8 October 2015
Matt Henshaw Enjoying Chart Success Interview from the Leicester Mercury Newspaper
Original Article ...
Singer Matt Henshaw enjoying chart success as he plans his next big tour
| Posted: September 15, 2015
Matt Henshaw
Singer-songwriter Matt Henshaw has had the best week of his career after his latest single outsold Ed Sheeran's.
Easier shot to number 12 in the iTunes singer-songwriter chart, while also peaking high in the Amazon and Google download charts.
It was up there with songs by the likes of Hozier, George Ezra and Gabrielle Aplin, temporarily rising above Photograph by Ed Sheeran and earning Matt messages of congratulations from Universal Records and indie band Ocean Colour Scene.
Matt, of Clarendon Park, Leicester, said: "It's just really great to have my song that high in the charts - to see my name next to those numbers.
"It's been a really nice surprise and it's been an amazing week."
Matt has spent the past year touring with his acoustic guitar through the British Isles and Western Europe.
For his next tour he's planning something even bigger.
He said: "The tour has been really great and the fact that people are now buying my songs and parting with their hard-earned cash shows that I've connected with people along the way.
"It's been a brilliant tour and I've played in England, Scotland, Wales, France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.
"I've done 300 shows in a year and it's been a lot of fun and a great adventure.
"For my next tour I'm having a backing band and we'll be performing as Matt Henshaw and the Peace, Love and Tea Band.
"So the single's success is a great start of the next year ahead of bigger shows."
Matt gave up his day job at the University of Leicester two years ago to become an independent artist on a shoestring budget, releasing music through his own label.
Earlier this year he won the Midlands Independent Music Award for Best Male Solo Singer/Songwriter and he said things were looking good for the future.
The video for Easier, which features Crufts champion dogs, Miss Leicestershire Holly Desai, and a VW campervan has gained more than 18,000 views online in just under a month.
Matt will be playing at The Cookie in High Street, Leicester, on October 3 and at the O2 Academy in University Road, Leicester, on December 18.
For more information visit www.MattHenshaw.com
Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Singer-Matt-Henshaw-enjoying-chart-success-plans/story-27801671-detail/story.html#ixzz3nykTETjz
Follow us: @Leicester_Merc on Twitter | leicestermercury on Facebook
Sunday, 23 March 2014
Matt Henshaw: Money or Passion, Your Choice ...
Interview by Seneer Asif ...
Matt Henshaw is a twenty six year old soul singer, songwriter, and composer. As well as loads of musical history and stories under his belt, Matt has been featured on a few Midland Hip Hop artists’ albums too as well as being a support act in various concerts for bands such as Snow Patrol. He believes that as long as you have the passion for something, you’ll find a way to make a living out of it no matter how difficult the odds.
Walking into a deserted bar in the cold of day, my eyes search around for Matt Henshaw. After some wandering around, I finally find Matt, sitting comfortably in a sofa, sipping a cup of tea, his attention swirls towards me as I say “Hi Matt’. After doing the usual greetings, we sit down and I produce my recording device out of my pocket as we begin with the interview.
“Matt! How are you sir? Could you begin with telling me a bit about yourself, what do you do and basically who is Matt Henshaw?” I begin the questions with a visible enthusiasm in my tone, as a smile appears on Matt’s bearded face.
Matt begins as he informs me that even though he’s based in Leicester but he grew up in Nottingham. For about six to eight months he has been making a living out of songwriting, and being a musician. Before all that he used to work at TotalFilm in London but then moved to Leicester and worked in the Leicester University. He quit his job there to pursue a career in music. Matt believes that, “if you’re passionate about something you can find a way of doing it for living. It’s obviously a risky and hard way of living but you have to take risks in order to do what you love”.
As I enquire him about his songwriting, he tells me that “songwriting is so much fun, producing is fun too”. This year he has signed a music deal where his songs are going to be played in supermarkets, cafes, restaurants and pubs around the world. He explains that it’s not a label, but a “new thing these days”. Matt informs me that the way the music industry has changed it’s almost like getting a record deal.
“Getting alongside a label is not that important anymore” Matt highlights. He believes that getting yourself out there is much more important. Matt explained that these days you can approach these companies personally rather than having to go through labels or management.
As I ask him why he loves soul music, Matt’s reply was nothing short of inspirational, ““Soul music is important to me because you can feel it. I see soul music as honest and sang with passion, and this is what I do. Soul music is from the heart”.
Matt likes to use personal pronouns, such as “we”, “you”, “they” “it”. He’s a private person so he doesn't try to personalise his songs but tries to write it in a way that it will gives the listener an opportunity to relate to it personally.
Upon me asking whether he had any massive, stupendous offers from anywhere Matt explained that recently he had a phone call from one of the producers of The Voice, before they were doing the new season. They said that they had listened to him and would like him to come, he wouldn't even need to go through the audition process, they would put him straight to the main shows. Matt’s answer was a plain “No”. “I said no I don’t want to do it, not something I would want to do”.
In his College days, Matt formed a band with his friends and they called it ‘Censored’. It was about not believing in censorship.
They were even signed up to same label as the one that Kelly Clarkson was signed up to when she first started in the music business. They even performed shows with bands such as Snow Patrol.
Matt gave an interesting example of the power of music “Someone played Snow Patrol’s ‘chasing cars’ at a party recently I was in, and everyone laid on the floor as the song was being sung, that’s the power of the music”.
Matt has made couple of albums and beats with rappers from the Midlands. “Different producers always bring different things to the table. Collaborations are a good way of reaching a wider audience” Matt believes.
Upon me asking where what his advice would be to someone who’s starting out with music and they don't have resources, Matt explained, “I don't think equipment matters. It’s the passion that does it. I had a £35 guitar from Argos as my first guitar. Be confident. Someone said to me once, if you learn an instrument you'll never be lonely again in your life, it will be your best friend”.
I had a job at Leicester University and I left that to make music. People thought I was crazy. We are in recession, people have lost jobs, lost mortgages, stuck in jobs they hate just for the sake of having a job, but I feel lucky and blessed.
As I asked him that what does music means to him, Matt Henshaw replies, “I wanted to make music to express myself. Music shouldn't be about making money or getting famous, that’s not it”. With that note, we finish the interview as we shake hands and I leave the bar.
Matt Henshaw is a twenty six year old soul singer, songwriter, and composer. As well as loads of musical history and stories under his belt, Matt has been featured on a few Midland Hip Hop artists’ albums too as well as being a support act in various concerts for bands such as Snow Patrol. He believes that as long as you have the passion for something, you’ll find a way to make a living out of it no matter how difficult the odds.
Walking into a deserted bar in the cold of day, my eyes search around for Matt Henshaw. After some wandering around, I finally find Matt, sitting comfortably in a sofa, sipping a cup of tea, his attention swirls towards me as I say “Hi Matt’. After doing the usual greetings, we sit down and I produce my recording device out of my pocket as we begin with the interview.
“Matt! How are you sir? Could you begin with telling me a bit about yourself, what do you do and basically who is Matt Henshaw?” I begin the questions with a visible enthusiasm in my tone, as a smile appears on Matt’s bearded face.
Matt begins as he informs me that even though he’s based in Leicester but he grew up in Nottingham. For about six to eight months he has been making a living out of songwriting, and being a musician. Before all that he used to work at TotalFilm in London but then moved to Leicester and worked in the Leicester University. He quit his job there to pursue a career in music. Matt believes that, “if you’re passionate about something you can find a way of doing it for living. It’s obviously a risky and hard way of living but you have to take risks in order to do what you love”.
As I enquire him about his songwriting, he tells me that “songwriting is so much fun, producing is fun too”. This year he has signed a music deal where his songs are going to be played in supermarkets, cafes, restaurants and pubs around the world. He explains that it’s not a label, but a “new thing these days”. Matt informs me that the way the music industry has changed it’s almost like getting a record deal.
“Getting alongside a label is not that important anymore” Matt highlights. He believes that getting yourself out there is much more important. Matt explained that these days you can approach these companies personally rather than having to go through labels or management.
As I ask him why he loves soul music, Matt’s reply was nothing short of inspirational, ““Soul music is important to me because you can feel it. I see soul music as honest and sang with passion, and this is what I do. Soul music is from the heart”.
Matt likes to use personal pronouns, such as “we”, “you”, “they” “it”. He’s a private person so he doesn't try to personalise his songs but tries to write it in a way that it will gives the listener an opportunity to relate to it personally.
Upon me asking whether he had any massive, stupendous offers from anywhere Matt explained that recently he had a phone call from one of the producers of The Voice, before they were doing the new season. They said that they had listened to him and would like him to come, he wouldn't even need to go through the audition process, they would put him straight to the main shows. Matt’s answer was a plain “No”. “I said no I don’t want to do it, not something I would want to do”.
In his College days, Matt formed a band with his friends and they called it ‘Censored’. It was about not believing in censorship.
They were even signed up to same label as the one that Kelly Clarkson was signed up to when she first started in the music business. They even performed shows with bands such as Snow Patrol.
Matt gave an interesting example of the power of music “Someone played Snow Patrol’s ‘chasing cars’ at a party recently I was in, and everyone laid on the floor as the song was being sung, that’s the power of the music”.
Matt has made couple of albums and beats with rappers from the Midlands. “Different producers always bring different things to the table. Collaborations are a good way of reaching a wider audience” Matt believes.
Upon me asking where what his advice would be to someone who’s starting out with music and they don't have resources, Matt explained, “I don't think equipment matters. It’s the passion that does it. I had a £35 guitar from Argos as my first guitar. Be confident. Someone said to me once, if you learn an instrument you'll never be lonely again in your life, it will be your best friend”.
I had a job at Leicester University and I left that to make music. People thought I was crazy. We are in recession, people have lost jobs, lost mortgages, stuck in jobs they hate just for the sake of having a job, but I feel lucky and blessed.
As I asked him that what does music means to him, Matt Henshaw replies, “I wanted to make music to express myself. Music shouldn't be about making money or getting famous, that’s not it”. With that note, we finish the interview as we shake hands and I leave the bar.
Monday, 11 November 2013
Music in Leicester / Arts in Leicester Feature on Singer Songwriter Matt Henshaw
Singers and songwriters in Leicester
This page is about singers, solo artists and singer/songwriters in Leicester
On this page you will find links to artist profiles, news, links to latest releases and shows where you can see local singers.
10th October
Matt Henshaw
Matt Henshaw at the Soundhouse
Matt Henshaw performs in Leicester – see his web site for gig dates.
Matt Henshaw Interview with Leicestershire Music
Matt Henshaw Interview
Matt Henshaw Interview
Matt was the NME breakthrough act winner of 2010 and has featured in the Guardian as well as having a string of radio performances and continues to wow audiences with his extraordinary mix of B-Boy Soul and Rhythm n Blues.
If you have never heard his stuff then he is definitely worth a listen and if you have, enjoy the interview.
LM: Can you describe yourself in three words?
MH: Lead with a tough one, I want to steer away from neurotic singer songwriter so I’ll go with kind quiet gardener. My two personalities.
MH: Lead with a tough one, I want to steer away from neurotic singer songwriter so I’ll go with kind quiet gardener. My two personalities.
LM: Where were you born?
MH: I was born in Nottingham shortly after the election of Maggie Thatcher to the highest office for a third time and Michael Jackson’s Bad was selling millions of copies.
MH: I was born in Nottingham shortly after the election of Maggie Thatcher to the highest office for a third time and Michael Jackson’s Bad was selling millions of copies.
LM: When did you come to Leicester?
MH: I’ve been back and forth for years now. Finally settled down just about now I think, hopefully my roaming tendencies don’t make me wander.
MH: I’ve been back and forth for years now. Finally settled down just about now I think, hopefully my roaming tendencies don’t make me wander.
LM: Why did you come to Leicester?
MH: Originally to study, years ago. And then, weirdly, work, it was the only place I could get a job, then I got bored and had to find a creative outlet and everyone in the Leicester arts and music scene has been so warm and welcoming I’m glad I’m here and feel at home.
MH: Originally to study, years ago. And then, weirdly, work, it was the only place I could get a job, then I got bored and had to find a creative outlet and everyone in the Leicester arts and music scene has been so warm and welcoming I’m glad I’m here and feel at home.
LM: How old where you when you began to express an interest in music?
MH: Well, there was an advert on tele with Deep Purple on it and I remember that had some affect on me, and Oasis’ first album went to number one on my seventh birthday I remember but I didn’t really take an interest in playing and singing until I had a football injury and realised that being the next Chris Waddle wasn’t going to happen.
MH: Well, there was an advert on tele with Deep Purple on it and I remember that had some affect on me, and Oasis’ first album went to number one on my seventh birthday I remember but I didn’t really take an interest in playing and singing until I had a football injury and realised that being the next Chris Waddle wasn’t going to happen.
LM: Where your parents supportive?
MH: Yeah, they had no previous interest in music or any experience of it, or even much in the way of money, but I think they recognised my passion for it so they’ve been as supportive as parents can be.
MH: Yeah, they had no previous interest in music or any experience of it, or even much in the way of money, but I think they recognised my passion for it so they’ve been as supportive as parents can be.
LM: How would you describe your music?
MH: I like to call it acoustic rhythm’n'gospel, but I don’t know if it’s anything that grandiose, just soulful heartfelt songs.
MH: I like to call it acoustic rhythm’n'gospel, but I don’t know if it’s anything that grandiose, just soulful heartfelt songs.
LM: Who are your musical influences?
MH: Mainly the old soul singers like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye, but I’ve gotta say I probably get closer to Steve Marriott and Stevie Winwood. Which I don’t mind.
MH: Mainly the old soul singers like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye, but I’ve gotta say I probably get closer to Steve Marriott and Stevie Winwood. Which I don’t mind.
LM: What’s your favourite music genre/s?
MH: Soul music, but that’s not restricted to Stax and Tamla Motown, anything that has feeling and is well crafted.
MH: Soul music, but that’s not restricted to Stax and Tamla Motown, anything that has feeling and is well crafted.
LM: Do you remember your first ever gig?
MH: Not really gigs but I used to sing songs on buses if anyone wanted to listen. But then the first time me and my mate who played the drums got asked to play at his neighbors birthday party I got too shy and wouldn’t sing, so we played a few instrumentals!
MH: Not really gigs but I used to sing songs on buses if anyone wanted to listen. But then the first time me and my mate who played the drums got asked to play at his neighbors birthday party I got too shy and wouldn’t sing, so we played a few instrumentals!
LM: Do you have any music on release at the moment?
MH: If yes give all details about the release Nothing official, I’m working on loads of songs and I’m being quite patient trying to find the right avenue to take with the songs that are so personal and close to me. But if you search around, I’ve pad my dues, and you could find something to buy or watch that would help fund my Yorkshire Tea habit.
MH: If yes give all details about the release Nothing official, I’m working on loads of songs and I’m being quite patient trying to find the right avenue to take with the songs that are so personal and close to me. But if you search around, I’ve pad my dues, and you could find something to buy or watch that would help fund my Yorkshire Tea habit.
LM: What are your plans for next year as far as your music goes?
MH: Keep going, pay the bills and keep petrol in the car, spread the word as much as possible in Leicester and around the country and then do a proper release when I’ve sorted out the logistics and gathered what cold soulless business I believe called “critical mass”.
MH: Keep going, pay the bills and keep petrol in the car, spread the word as much as possible in Leicester and around the country and then do a proper release when I’ve sorted out the logistics and gathered what cold soulless business I believe called “critical mass”.
LM: What are you currently listening to in the car?
MH: Traffic, the band I mean, not just rolling the window down and enjoying the sounds of the streets.
MH: Traffic, the band I mean, not just rolling the window down and enjoying the sounds of the streets.
LM: What will your next music purchase or download be?
MH: I’ve no idea, I always feel like I own or have listened to all the music I’ll ever need to hear, and I’m in one of those phases at the minute but something always comes along that’s worth a go. Probably Charlotte Carpenter’s next EP though come to think of it.
MH: I’ve no idea, I always feel like I own or have listened to all the music I’ll ever need to hear, and I’m in one of those phases at the minute but something always comes along that’s worth a go. Probably Charlotte Carpenter’s next EP though come to think of it.
LM: Finally, Christmas turkey or Christmas crackers?
MH: Not really sure, I like the excitement of crackers, but it’s always short lived and not really much use unless you need a miniature screwdriver set or a pack of playing cards too small to ever actually have a game of rummy with. And food is always welcome, dinner is usually the best part of Christmas day, it’s a bit of a family tradition of ours that we always listen to Glenn Miller, I have no idea why, but it’s the nicest part of the day when everyone’s together and happily eating away.
MH: Not really sure, I like the excitement of crackers, but it’s always short lived and not really much use unless you need a miniature screwdriver set or a pack of playing cards too small to ever actually have a game of rummy with. And food is always welcome, dinner is usually the best part of Christmas day, it’s a bit of a family tradition of ours that we always listen to Glenn Miller, I have no idea why, but it’s the nicest part of the day when everyone’s together and happily eating away.
LM: Matt, can i just thank you for taking the time out to answer my questions today.
MH: No Problem at all.
MH: No Problem at all.
Matt Henshaw Interview with The Ripple University of Leicester Newspaper
The Ripple Interviews Ex Leicester Student Matt Henshaw
October 31, 2013 by Culture Editor 1 Comment
26 year old, Matt Henshaw, talks “tea and tealights” after his acoustic set at Curve.
How long have you been playing for?
Well, I’ve been playing since I was a kid. Before I came to the University of Leicester I was in a band with a record deal but going to uni was an attempt for me to distance myself from that sort of life. I’m not certain if it’s recession or lack of jobs but that kind of thing inspires my creativity and a need to do something off of my own back. I’ve realised that ultimately, this might make me happy, and that’s really all that I can ask for.
So, have you only just come back to playing music or did you play during your time at university?
I fell out of love with playing the guitar so I just did vocals with hip hop groups and soul bands. A lot of the songs that I write are about falling in and out of love with things, and whilst it’s easier to sing about falling out of love with people, it’s not always the case. Now it seems that I’m falling back in love with playing the guitar and writing songs.
Have you listened to any of the local bands? What do you think of the Leicester music scene?
I decided to be a singer/ song writer this July and since then, I’ve met a lot of great people and a lot of great bands. For me, watching a gig with a cup of tea in a room full of tealights is the best kind of experience. It’s quite a warm scene, I’ve found, and everybody is friendly.
Your band, Satsuma Elephants, are they still touring?
When I decided to get back into playing music, I asked a friend of mine, who plays drums, to come and jam with me for a bit. Another guy that I know filmed a 45 second clip of us playing, and once it was uploaded onto YouTube, we got a few requests to play some gigs. It’s not something that we’ve put much work into but the rewards that we’re reaping have been fantastic. Unfortunately, the drummer is also a rather dedicated accountant so I don’t know if we’ll be continuing with the band.
What is your view of popular music at the moment?
I think that the music industry, the charts, and televised competitions are completely against what music is about. What’s quite sad is that as much as I love playing and performing on stage, the majority of the time, I’m looking for money in it. The difficulty comes in trying to do that without selling my soul. I got a phone call from somebody from The Voice asking me to participate in the show but I just couldn’t do it. I don’t feel as though I could be honest and that would affect my music.
As much as you want people to hear your music, are you alright with people listening to it for free online?
Apart from a vocal minority who have the backing of the industry, I think that most artists would be happy for the public to be sharing and enjoying their work. Hopefully, listening to the music will initiate people to come out to live gigs which is where an artist should be at their best.
What’s next for you?
I’m going to be putting some stuff together for a record and then finding the right people to back it. The only problem that I’ve been having is just the boring stuff: getting the pocket change together and licensing. That kind of thing.
Some Tealights with Matt information was passed around during the performance and they’re quite a fitting vehicle to represent the kind of music that he plays. The music is understated and works well in a warm, intimate atmosphere. The only problem with Matts work is how safe it is. The songs are well performed but the lyrics can be a little prosaic and one or two songs lack that something extra to elevate them creatively. Thankfully, Matt Henshaw’s personality comes across in his music and this, in itself, makes him worth a listen. It won’t necessarily change your life, but Matts music is fine when you just want something simplistic.
If you want to see Matt Henshaw live, he’s playing at the Charlotte Carpenters Tea Party gig at the cookie jar on the 29th November. He also has two webpages with some of his solo music and some of his work with the Satsuma Elephants.
http://www.matthenshaw.com/
http://www.satsumaelephants.com/
by Theo Beecroft
October 31, 2013 by Culture Editor 1 Comment
26 year old, Matt Henshaw, talks “tea and tealights” after his acoustic set at Curve.
How long have you been playing for?
Well, I’ve been playing since I was a kid. Before I came to the University of Leicester I was in a band with a record deal but going to uni was an attempt for me to distance myself from that sort of life. I’m not certain if it’s recession or lack of jobs but that kind of thing inspires my creativity and a need to do something off of my own back. I’ve realised that ultimately, this might make me happy, and that’s really all that I can ask for.
So, have you only just come back to playing music or did you play during your time at university?
I fell out of love with playing the guitar so I just did vocals with hip hop groups and soul bands. A lot of the songs that I write are about falling in and out of love with things, and whilst it’s easier to sing about falling out of love with people, it’s not always the case. Now it seems that I’m falling back in love with playing the guitar and writing songs.
Have you listened to any of the local bands? What do you think of the Leicester music scene?
I decided to be a singer/ song writer this July and since then, I’ve met a lot of great people and a lot of great bands. For me, watching a gig with a cup of tea in a room full of tealights is the best kind of experience. It’s quite a warm scene, I’ve found, and everybody is friendly.
Your band, Satsuma Elephants, are they still touring?
When I decided to get back into playing music, I asked a friend of mine, who plays drums, to come and jam with me for a bit. Another guy that I know filmed a 45 second clip of us playing, and once it was uploaded onto YouTube, we got a few requests to play some gigs. It’s not something that we’ve put much work into but the rewards that we’re reaping have been fantastic. Unfortunately, the drummer is also a rather dedicated accountant so I don’t know if we’ll be continuing with the band.
What is your view of popular music at the moment?
I think that the music industry, the charts, and televised competitions are completely against what music is about. What’s quite sad is that as much as I love playing and performing on stage, the majority of the time, I’m looking for money in it. The difficulty comes in trying to do that without selling my soul. I got a phone call from somebody from The Voice asking me to participate in the show but I just couldn’t do it. I don’t feel as though I could be honest and that would affect my music.
As much as you want people to hear your music, are you alright with people listening to it for free online?
Apart from a vocal minority who have the backing of the industry, I think that most artists would be happy for the public to be sharing and enjoying their work. Hopefully, listening to the music will initiate people to come out to live gigs which is where an artist should be at their best.
What’s next for you?
I’m going to be putting some stuff together for a record and then finding the right people to back it. The only problem that I’ve been having is just the boring stuff: getting the pocket change together and licensing. That kind of thing.
Some Tealights with Matt information was passed around during the performance and they’re quite a fitting vehicle to represent the kind of music that he plays. The music is understated and works well in a warm, intimate atmosphere. The only problem with Matts work is how safe it is. The songs are well performed but the lyrics can be a little prosaic and one or two songs lack that something extra to elevate them creatively. Thankfully, Matt Henshaw’s personality comes across in his music and this, in itself, makes him worth a listen. It won’t necessarily change your life, but Matts music is fine when you just want something simplistic.
If you want to see Matt Henshaw live, he’s playing at the Charlotte Carpenters Tea Party gig at the cookie jar on the 29th November. He also has two webpages with some of his solo music and some of his work with the Satsuma Elephants.
http://www.matthenshaw.com/
http://www.satsumaelephants.com/
by Theo Beecroft
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