We had a chat with rising UK indie-folk artist Alex Comaish about his charming new single ‘The Cliches Are Adept’ and future plans
Singer-songwriters and especially indie-folk artists often live and die by the engrossing (or not so) nature of their personalities and the character that they pour into their work, with artists like Frank Turner and Vance Joy celebrated for their distinctive perspectives and stories and the ways that their appeal feels unlike anybody else’s.
UK artist Alex Comaish is somebody else who possesses this kind of innate appeal, with the down-to-earth and personal nature of his writing packed full of both humour and heart as he delves into themes like love, life and loss through his sound. The artist’s latest single ‘The Cliches Are Adept’ is a self-aware and somewhat tongue-in-cheek release that pokes fun at the idea of being another singer-songwriter who crafts songs about love, but it his his unique take on the track and the way that he presents it that makes it feel distinctive and engrossing throughout. We love the new release here at CLOUT, and had a chat with Alex to find out a bit more about his sound and style, and what else he has planned for the future.
Who TF is Alex Comaish?
I’ve been asking myself that for years… I’m an alternative folk/indie singer/songwriter originally from the West Country, but based in London.
How long have you been making music?
All my life really. I learned cello and saxophone as a child, but always wanted to be a guitarist. I wrote my first song at 12, and became obsessed with the process after seeing Frank Turner at Wembley Arena later that year.
Why do you make music?
I’m not really sure how to answer that really – making music is just something I’ve done in one way or another almost every day since I was a child. It’s an inherent part of me.
I suppose you could say that quite often I write songs to make sense of things I’m feeling or the world around me, but then again sometimes I write simply for the joy of it. It’s something I just can’t imagine not doing.
What are your biggest influences?
Frank Turner was probably my biggest inspiration in terms of overall sound and musical work ethic, but I’m equally indebted to bands like Crowded House or The Smiths, as well as singer songwriters like KT Tunstall and Maisie Peters. I’ve also got a big soft spot for US west coast punk bands like NOFX and FIDLAR.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
My recent headline show in a packed out room in Soho – I know it’s cliché but the feeling of having a room full of people sing your words back at you is pretty unbelievable at any scale.
The second best moment was probably getting to change my shirt afterwards…
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
A bit 90s alt, a bit folk, a bit indie and a bit rock. I suppose I’ve never felt like I’ve fit into a scene or a group or anything like that musically or otherwise, so its probably best described as music for the people on the edges of the party.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
Wembley Stadium.
We love your new single and video ‘The Cliches are Adept’, what more can you tell us about it?
Thanks! This is one of the oldest songs in my repertoire, and for the longest time I had no idea how to record it. It was such a special song to me when I started gigging solo, a comfortable opener I could always rely on. I think we did it justice. The video was something we filmed before and during a show I played at The Finsbury last month. Nothing fancy, just a man and his guitar. I think that kind of nails the tone!
What else do you have planned for the near future?
On July 2nd I’m dropping an EP called Damp Streets which I’m really excited about, the title track is one of my favourite tunes to play live and can’t wait to share that. I’m also playing Indie Indie Indie festival at Signature Brew Blackhorse Road, playing a couple more shows round London and then heading out to Suffolk to play a festival with Scouting For Girls. Then its back to the studio.
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
Paul McCartney’s doppelgänger is pretty keen on the project. That or Cory from the Czech republic who streams a LOT and comments on everything I post. Shout out to Cory.
