BEHIND THE SOUND: FOOTSHOOTER
Whether it’s through EPs on Dance Regular and WOLF Music, his albums ‘Southside Hymns’ on Astral Black and ‘Oasis’ on Tru Thoughts Records, or his duo project SAULT on Rhythm Section, Footshooter has firmly cemented his sound in the UK’s underground landscape.
His blend of broken rhythms, warm chord beds, thumping basslines, memorable melodies, and a talent for collaborating with a wide range of singers rings loud from South London, where he’s based and where he soundtracked many Friday nights with his monthly show on Balamii.
A friend of the label and co-curator, alongside Beringei, of our parties at 91 Living Room, we’re blessed to have Footshooter with us.
We sat down to talk about his latest single, ‘Vassall / Late Summer’, on our compilation ‘We Move as One’ and to learn more about his creative process.
Photography by Karla Lizethe Hunter
Tell us about your song on the compilation. How did it come to life?
It’s a track called Vassall / Late Summer that I put together last year. I’d just finished my album ‘The Oasis’, which had been slow cooking for 3-4 years prior, and I really needed to flush out some energy so built this tune in a few weeks and tried not to think about it too much! I started with the strings pad, and it all flowed naturally from there.
What sounds and styles do you draw inspiration from normally in your creative process?
I love so many different styles of music, but the common theme for me is organic or analogue sounds. I love music that sounds lived-in and slightly rough around the edges, whether that’s in the style of performance or the way it’s recorded and produced.
Do you have a fixed way of creating music? Where do you normally start an idea form?
I usually start with the drums or the groove - drums is my main instrument and I’m obsessed with rhythm. However, I’ve started to challenge myself to move away from this more in recent years, and have tried to start writing songs from different places, whether that’s a sample, a chord progression, or a synth sound.
Any words of wisdom for anyone wanting to realise a creative project?
Don’t overthink it, and don’t be a perfectionist! Also, stay off social media to really focus in on what you want to express or say. Being on socials too much can pull your brain in too many different directions.
Do you have any upcoming projects we should keep an eye out for?
Yes! I’ve been working with an amazing artist called Vimbai Mango, we’ve been putting together her debut solo EP titled ‘Nzira’ for the last few years, and it’s finally finished. It’s coming out via Tru Thoughts this summer, so keep an eye out for that.
What album or EP will you likely have on repeat for the rest of the summer?
Harbinger by Barney Keen, recently out on Touching Bass. It’s a beautiful, intricate blend of soul, folk and indie rock with a touch of brazilian jazz to the arrangements.
Any books, movies, or series you’re currently watching and would recommend, why?
I’m re-reading Cut Short by Ciaran Thapar, who is a youth worker and writer who I have been following for a while now. The book is a thoughtful exploration of his youth work practice, and explores themes around policing, youth violence and education in London. My work outside of music relates to these themes, so it’s refreshing to be able to read someone organise their thoughts so clearly about them. It’s not a light read but definitely worth checking out.
Any live performances/radio shows you’ve done and want to share?
There’s an archive of 7 years of radio shows and videos via Balamii:
