Aldous RH

I’m at a pub in a whole different end of town. My friend asked me earlier this week to go with her. Around me, people are wandering around, laughing and talking, all while carrying a pint or two in their hand. The air is filled with smoke and strobe lights. Red, blue and green blinks everywhere. A noise from the stage makes all heads turn. The talking and mumbling stops, when a guy sets foot on stage. Few seconds later, everyone starts applauding like never before.

The man of the hour is Aldous RH. A magical set being played out right in front of my eyes on the iconic stage at The Shacklewell Arms. All over, jaws are dropping. A sound I have never been introduced to before, and a voice so different from the rest. What words could I possibly use to explain it? “Curious” Aldous says. I can get on board with that.

I have many sides to me, when it comes to the music I like. Though, as much as I try to deny it, I cannot run from the fact that mainstream radio pop-music is running through my veins. Therefore, I was curious to find out more about a musician who chose a whole other path:

“My mother is a music trivia expert & music buff, so i've always been (introduced to) music as long as i can remember. One of my earliest memories is my mum playing the Beck record 'Odelay' which may explain my penchant for genre hopping & pop music”.

With music playing such an important part of your childhood, it is simply impossible not to get influenced and carry it with you into your adult years. By being exposed to different scales, structures and instruments at such a young age, you will develop a strong musical ear. This clearly shows itself all these years later in his open approach to how music is “supposed to sound”.

Getting most of his inspiration from Todd Rundgren & Curtis Mayfield, he already differentiates himself from many artists today. Artists who turn to whoever is being played in the radio, is trending on Tiktok or is to be found on the magazine covers for inspiration. “An honourable mention to Kate Bush, Eugene Mcdaniels & Stevie Wonder as well” Aldous adds.

Most streamed song in the catalogue is Sensuality with nearly 2 million Spotify streams. To me, this track sounds like the love-child of Prince and The Beatles in their “Magical Mystery Tour” era. But how come this song did so exceptionally good?

“I think people enjoy it because it has a playful energy & doesn't take itself very seriously. It was originally written as a Sly & Family Stone homage but took on more of a different life over time”.

I agree on the aspect of it not taking itself too seriously, which has been an ongoing theme in music recently. Another recent artist this particular song reminded me of was Alfie Templeman, who also has a certain playfulness in his songs.

As I only witnessed approximately 30 minutes out of all 24 hours of his day, I was interested in knowing what goes into preparing for a gig and how it is celebrated afterwards: “Quite different answers (as it) depends on whether its part of a tour or not. But generally speaking; I'd probably rise early (but not too early don't want to get tired) have some coffee and breakfast, make sure everything is ready & sort my travel arrangements. Being punctual for sound-checking is really important & the only time I ever get stage fright is when I miss a soundcheck. Provided the gig goes well i'll probably unwind and have a drink with friends & head home feeling content.”

So that is the key to a successful gig. For Aldous at least. A medium-planned day, with not too much yet not too little going on. I never quite understood the need of soundcheck before I started playing live shows myself, and felt the horror of not being able to hear yourself, if your guitar is too loud, or if the backing track is in a whole other key. Always show up to sound check on time - wise words!

To all the songwriters out there, who are struggling with coming up with something new and exciting, Aldous decided to share one of his tricks when writing:

“The process is generally something I have to evolve and move with over the years; the way I compose now is probably drastically different to the way I did 7 years ago. An amazing piece of advice from XTC's songwriter Andy Partridge is to sit down with the intention of ripping off a piece of music you like; you'll usually find by the end it's completely different to your influence.”

Once you find a way that works for you, it is one of the most rewarding parts of being an artist. All the twists and turns, all the easter eggs to unwrap, that is where lots of the freedom lies.

But will there be any new music from Aldous RH anytime soon?

“I have a few different projects on the stove at the moment, but still too early to say much right now. Maybe some ambient jazz soon though. Lets see.”

Calling all fans, because even though it might be a while until something new drops, it sounds like there is full speed on lots of different projects in the camp!

I always end off on asking, where you see yourself in 5 years?

“Busy in the world of music I hope! The thing i've learnt most in this life is you really can't predict anything anymore, i'll aim to be happy in myself at least”

Go check out where Aldous RH is coming to play near you!

Find him on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify and Apple Music.