Fresh Talent
One to Watch: Artists Only
February 29, 2012 Nicola  |
Artists Only are an indie duo taking their first steps on their chosen musical path and headed for great things.
Artists Only are an experimental acoustic duo from Chester who have been making music since September 2010. However, members Ryan Murphy and James Madden began their musical collaboration five years earlier when they were in school when they started an alternative rock band, Pink River Dolphins, with two others. When the members reached university age and parted ways, Ryan and James decided to continue their partnership and take a new direction.
During their time as a duo, the boys have written dozens of songs, selecting seven to record so far. Their lyrics are drawn from their debates about art, music and literature in a postmodern world, asking the individual ‘How do you spend your days?’
Their music is a layering of guitar and unusual percussions - including rice in Tupperware - with vocals reminiscent of one of their favourite bands, Grizzly Bear.
“Musically we’ve absorbed sounds, styles, and structures from bands such as Beck, Bon Iver, Radiohead, Foals, The National, All Tiny Creatures, Grizzly Bear, Feist, Cloud Control, The Beach Boys, Do Make Say Think, and Bibio,” said Ryan.
He explained that they have been “inspired by the productivity of musical artists such as Damon Albarn, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Sufjan Stevens, Justin Vernon (what a beautiful man), and Brian Wilson” due to their philosophies and work ethos.
Although so far they have only played open mic nights as a duo, the two have five years of experience playing in their former rock group as a four piece. This includes a variety of supporting and headline appearances across the UK including Liverpool Carling Academy and Manchester O2 Academy and, notably, a full tour in Sweden in 2008.
The band are looking to have a great 2012. They have a new album under their belt and will be playing as many gigs as they can fit in, “as soon as we have a full set”.
By Susie Thorne
[Image courtesy of Artists Only Facebook Page]
