Introducing….Seth Elton

Seth Elton is a singer/songwriter from London, UK. Seth released his first single on At Swim on 1st June 2023. ‘Talk’ is available on all streaming platforms now.

Listen to ‘Talk’ on your favourite streaming service..

Hi Seth! How are you?

I am great thank you! I just got back from a lovely weekend in Cornwall.

Your single ‘Talk’ came out on the 1st June. What’s the song about?

I wrote the song during a time in my life where I was struggling with mental health issues. I was feeling depressed and anxious, and needed to try and resolve some earlier trauma that happened in my life. The song is about trying to get things off your chest, when you’re not really even sure what it is you need to talk about. At the time, I was not the best at talking about my feelings, and I felt a bit overwhelmed with everyone asking me how I was. I suppose the song is a tribute to all the people that may be struggling with mental health issues, and don’t know how to talk about it.

What was the recording process like?

I always try and prefer to record live as much as possible, with full takes and as little copy, pasting and splicing as I can. I used to have my own recording studio in Hackney which is where I recorded the drums and electric guitars. Unfortunately, I had to give the studio up so I recorded the rest of the instrumentation at home. The only instrument that I am not playing are the drums. My recording process has evolved over the years, and I have discovered the workflow that seems to suite me best. I usually start with a guide guitar track, then get the drums to fit, and then work around from there.

What does music mean to you? Why do you write songs?

This is a great questions, and it’s quite a difficult one to answer. Music, to me, means expression and feeling. I grew up listening to old folk and blues acts, and I was mesmerized by the passion you could hear in the lyrics and the songs. For me, writing songs is an outlet of energy. Writing comes in phases for me, but when creativity strikes it is one of the best feelings in the world.

What is your earliest formative musical memory?

Dancing and singing to my family along to ‘Stan’ by Eminem.

What was the first instrument you learned to play, and why did you choose that one?

The first instrument I learnt was piano. I didn’t get very far with it, but it opened up my mind to melody and chord structure.

Most of us form the bedrock of our musical taste and influences when we’re a teenager. What were you listening to then?

As a teenager I was listening to: Gorillaz, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Led Zepplin, Neil Young, Nick Drake, Jack Johnson, Radiohead…

Most people enjoy music without feeling the need to make it themselves. Was there a person or an event in your life that inspired you to start making music?

Not particularly. I come from a very artistic family, and I think it was just in my veins. My mother was an film actress, my dad was an artist and sculptor and my brother is a designer. My outlet happened to be music.

What motivates you to want to write a song? Do you write one at a time, or do you have a few you’re working on all at once? How do you know when they’re finished?

I usually have more than one song that I’m working on at a time. When I write a song on an acoustic guitar it can be finished quite quickly, but the production of that song can take me a very long time. I suppose when it comes to my music I am more of a perfectionist than I should be. Sometimes I feel I need someone to just let me know that the song is finished, so I can move on to the next. Motivation in song writing is a hard question to answer. I’ve always loved to sing and play, and I think its just something that comes very naturally to me.

How would you describe your sound? Has it changed over time?

I would describe my sound as folk/soft — indie. Over the years my songwriting and production has evolved and morphed into what it is today. I think if there is no progression in your writing, then things can stagnate. I am always trying to incorporate new production and writing techniques.

How do you approach performing live? What could someone expect when they come to a Seth Elton show?

When I perform live I like to keep it intimate and real. I tell stories about my songs and where they originated from. I usually play solo acoustic shows, and I like to wow people with a sound that they may not have heard before.

The year is 2080. Time travel is a thing now. You can go and see any artist from history perform live. Who are you going to see, which year, and at which venue?

I think it would have to be the Red Hot CHili Peppers performing ‘Blood Sugar Sex Magik’. I’m not sure which year, but it would be in the early 90's.

Which artist around now would you most like to see play live?

Andy Shauf.

If you could co-write and perform on an album by any artist around now, who would it be?

Sun Kil Moon.

What are your plans over the next 12 months?

My plans over the next 12 months are to continue to write and perform, whilst releasing my new album in full. And to not be so hard on myself.

If you could give advice to yourself 10 years ago, what would it be?

Go to jam nights, get involved with a community, be good to yourself and work hard.

Do you like to travel? Have you been anywhere interesting lately?

I love to travel! I went to Eswatini (Wiki link) recently, which is its own kingdom in southern Africa. It was an amazing trip! Although I came back with some nasty tropical bites.

If you were taking us to a restaurant, where would we go?

We would go to my friend’s restaurant in London called Brutto. (Link to Brutto website).

What song gets you on the dance-floor at a wedding or birthday party?

Although I am a folk artist, I also have a love for old school garage, drum and bass, house and disco. Off the top of my head ‘Teardrops’ by Womack and Womack would get me moving.

Lastly, the most important question: What is the best flavour of ice cream?

Vanilla.

Thanks Seth!

Seth Elton Links: Instagram // Spotify // TikTok

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