Artist Spotlight: Sprout
Nostalgia flows through Sprout’s debut EP. Whether in the stylistic sense, with an unwavering emphasis on the greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, or in Sprout’s depictions of love, relationships, joy and sadness.
Born and raised in Burnley, Lancashire, a musical and cultural focus on folk and blues allowed Sprout to find their voice, expressing their sound amongst the community in Colne. Now London based, Sprout has brought their vibrantly vintage sound to the capital, unveiling a body of work that is uplifting and heart-rendering.
Released via sevenfoursevensix, the label who flaunt names like Matilda Mann and Matt Maltese on their roster, Sprout’s self-titled debut is a softly rewarding collection of tracks, raw in their realness, that delve through the inner workings of a young, emotional person. Sprout’s pensive lyrical acumen is accentuated by subtle instrumentals that sound like a new dawn for classic jazz, folk and soul.
I connected with Sprout to discuss their artistic journey, drawing from experiences and memories, and the ins and outs of the new EP.
Who and what influences you?
I never really know how to answer this because lots and lots and lots of things, everything, anything, things I'm not even aware of most likely. Examples may include: something my friend said in the car, music i listen to, books i read, films i watch, good days and bad days, really nice pasta, feelings, how my housemate hangs their washing, a nice window, weird trinkets, people walking around, the world turning, being bored etc.
How do you start writing music?
It changes all the time, but a lot of the time when I’m going about my day, doing the do, a melody or some words might pop into my head and I mutter it down in a voice memo, or write it down. Then if it’s still swirling around in my head later, I’ll revisit it and it goes from there.
How did being from Burnley affect your journey as an artist?
Well I was born and grew up in Burnley so that affected/created who I am as a human and then by extension an artist. I feel like there’s an answer to this that’s really long but it would entail lots of rambling and I’m not sure if that’s what you’re really asking me. Musically though, there was a gig scene I grew up in in the town over which is Colne. There, a bunch of bearded bluesy folky men took me under their wing and helped me grow a lot as an artist, being around a supportive music community really made me enjoy the performing side of music, not just the writing. It was and still is a wonderful local scene, where people play because they love music and want to share it with friends, it’s wholesome, and it’s always felt very special because of that.
How would you define your style?
Today? Right now? Musically? Generally? God I don’t know! All over the place!
How do you think you musically stand out from the masses?
I’m not sure I do? Do I? Does anyone? And even if I do, I’m not think anyone should think about that too much…
Where do you see yourself fitting within the UK sound?
The UK sound is a big pond, containing lots of different things and stuffs and genres and artists, so I’m sure I’ll slot in somewhere
You’ve recently signed for sevenfoursevensix, how is the label life treating you?
Being serious now, it’s really nice. I feel really lucky to be on a label with so many artists who I love and also make tender music!
The EP is so gorgeous! What are you trying to convey with the project?
Nothing too intentionally as nothing was written for an EP really. I wrote most (if not all) of these when I was having a melt and never intended for them to go anywhere. Then Chris at sevenfoursevensix came into the mix, I sent the tunes I had, and here we are! If people get something even remotely poignant from it well then that works I suppose. I make music very selfishly to be honest and I don’t really think about what it’s saying or doing too much where I can help it. I find that just makes creating a lot more challenging.
What do you want listeners to take away from it?
Mm I don’t know, it’d be nice if it made someone else feel a bit more comfy in their emotions I suppose.
For me, there’s nostalgia flowing through the EP, both musically and lyrically. Is this something you focused in on?
Again, not really with any focused intent. But for me music is really related to memories and experiences, and I think it is for a lot of people. I love that feeling of being taken back to a place, or a feeling, or a person, and sitting in it, and I think subconsciously I am maybe always trying to recreate it because it’s cathartic!
Are you paying homage to the past in a sense?
I guess so, the EP is definitely taking from the older sound of the 30s for sure, and lyrically probably taking from that whimsical idea of life from the golden era musicals. But I think anyone who makes music is most likely paying homage to something, music is always recycled in some way.
It feels like a really personal set of songs, how did you reach a point of feeling comfortable to express yourself so openly?
I wrote them without realising I would end up putting any of them out. Then I just closed my eyes and covered my ears as they all got released!
If you were introducing yourself to a new listener, what track of yours would you play them?
Probably In The Night, it was the starting point for the project so let’s go with that.
What’s to come from you?
More music, more gigs, more silly sad songs! Maybe some not so sad songs? Who knows, maybe I'll pack it all in and become a bread-maker (unlikely though).