We caught up with Alfie Firman this week. Otherwise known as Trowler, the Beach Boys inspired solo artist who describes his sound as indescrible. Which can only be a good thing, right? Alfie has recently signed up with DIY records company Echolalia Records and with the future looking bright for Trowler, we felt it was time to grab a quick word with the man behind it all.
1. Who is Trowler?
Well I (Alfie Firmin) handle the recording aspect of the project, writing, performing and mixing the material. The live band consists of me as well as my friends Jack Galer (Bass), Daniel O’ Flaherty (Guitar), Mark Fenton (Guitar) and Cem Ozer (Drums).
2. Who are your biggest musical inspirations? I’m a massive fan of The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson’s songs are a masterclass in songwriting and really inspire me to work on my melodies. Home recorders such as R. Stevie Moore and Ariel Pink equally inspire me in their approach to working within the limits of the tools they have available. I’m also a sucker for early 70’s pop music such as Todd Rundgren, Supertramp and Electric Light Orchestra. In terms of modern artists I find Ty Segall’s prolific approach to record making inspiring as well as bands such as Pond and Foxygen.
3. How would you describe your sound? Probably like some odd patchwork quilt of all the bands I just mentioned, I always find it quite hard to describe it myself which is hopefully a good thing.
4. Where do you see yourself in five years time? Hopefully touring with a couple of records out, the aim is to really just keep making records that I’m proud of for as long as possible, although it’s always an added bonus when people actually want to listen to them and enjoy it.
5. What's next for Trowler? Well we’ve got the debut single coming out on Echolalia soon and then after that hopefully an EP or a full length LP by the end of 2015. I’d also love to get a small UK tour in for next summer as well money permitting.
Big thanks to Trowler for the interview.
Listen to Trowler via SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/trowler-band
Follow Trowler on Twitter: @trowlerband
Like Trowler on Facebook: /trowlerband
Posted by Charlie Ireland.
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