‘The Eighth Note’ is 8 quick Questions with Wellington Musicians.
A chance for us to catch up with people & see what they’re up to, or introduce you to a new musician/band and their music.
Today’s guest is singer/songwriter Liam Poole, originally from Nelson but now based in Wellington.
Who are you? Tell us a bit about your music:
I am a 20yr old male singer/songwriter originally from Nelson. I began getting guitar lessons in intermediate school, as soon as I learnt my first chord, I had an instant connection with the instrument. Two years later I began to get singing lessons, which was essential for keeping my pubescent voice box under control, plus building my confidence for singing in front of an audience. I began songwriting around the age of 14, and to me it was the coolest thing, to be able to put the ideas I had in my head, and turn it into a song. I entered as many competitions as I could in school, such as Smokefree Rockquest, Nelson Jazz competitions etc. In my last year of high school I recorded my first 4 track EP titled Fly High, I was starting to really develop my sound and take everything more seriously. I spent one year in Nelson working full time, in that time I heavily invested in my last project which was my second EP, Wake Up.
I had learnt from my mistakes from the first EP, and had new, exciting ideas. Rather than recording in the space of a weekend, I recorded over 1 year, adding saxophone sections to my songs, and building songs from scratch. I have been heading down the rock/pop genre, that I find to be easy listening, and catchy. My Wake Up EP has had nearly 2000 streams on Spotify. One year ago I moved to Wellington, and it was the best decision I could’ve ever made, I have been playing at the Night Markets, the botanical gardens Magic, a few local pubs, and the odd open mic night. I am about to start studying my 3 year bachelors degree at Whitireia this year, where I will be hoping to progress with my musical journey.
What have you been working on lately? Any new tracks or albums on the way?
I have been working on a few covers, adding them to my set list as I go, to keep it fresh at my gigs. I have written a few of my own songs as well, one that I feel rather proud of is a song called “Over You”, which is about a break up that happened last year, it took months of recovery and was quite a low point for me. The song symbolises hope, that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and it won’t always feel like this. I have plans to record ‘Over You’ as a single this year, which I’m excited about.
Where is the best place people can follow you & find your music?
People can follow me on Facebook Instagram & Spotify.
What were the 3 most influential albums to you growing up?
An album that I always find myself going back and listening to is Parachutes by Coldplay. It was there first LP, and for me, the alternate tuned guitars, moody vibe, and Indie rock sound resonates with me.
Heavier Things by John Mayer. As a guitarist it’s almost deemed a sacrilege for not listening to him, although a lot of musicians find him egotistical, a show off, and too clever. But I think John nails pop music, whilst still staying true to himself, by creating music that HE wants to create, and as a singer/songwriter, I have to take my hat off to him.
Only by the Night by Kings of Leon. Most will remember this album for their hot singles “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody”. This album has great flow, and is one I can put on from start to finish and enjoy every track. This album sparks fond childhood memories of driving to the beach in summer etc, and it also has incredibly strong tracks that didn’t make it as singles, such as “Manhattan” and “Cold Desert”.
Those 3 albums quite easily sum up my childhood, and inspire me to write songs everyday, each one unique and different.
Which other Wellington musician (s) would you most like to work with?
That is a tough question as there is no shortage of musicians in Wellington, but I am a regular listener of locals such as Louis Baker, Thomas Oliver, DRAX Project, so a jam with any of those boys would be wicked!
What’s your favourite Wellington venue to play in?
I have played a couple of times at the San Fran and it is always a good gig there, but a venue I’m eager to play at is Meow.
In your songwriting or composing (or the band’s songwriting) how do the compositions and songs take shape?
My songs always start on the guitar whether it be a chord progression or melody. Lyrics always seem to come last, but lately I’ve been trying to write short stories and pick out pieces that could go in a song, half the struggle can be trying to figure out what story you want to tell. Usually for me it’s about heart break, love interests, sometimes I like to change it up and write about something fictional, or something that’s happening to someone else and not myself.
Where/when is your next gig?
On March 30th I’ll be playing at the San Fran as part of Cuba Dupa. Then in between I’ll have Night Market gigs, pub gigs, open mic nights etc.