A beautifully warm bit of guitar picking brings this track into the spotlight. The gentle picking is simplistic and atmospheric in a wonderfully soothing way. This soon evolves into a subtle strumming pattern, accompanied only by the raw and soft sound of a leading vocal – beautifully sung, but perhaps more importantly, presenting a string of lyrics that are quite stunning. The imagery is striking, as is the poetic and reflective nature of the content.
The structure of this piece is a huge part of what makes it stand out. The song evolves further as it progresses, unfolding into this hard hitting yet emotionally mellow and melancholic, soft rock piece of music. There’s a dream like ambiance at times, but for the most part, the song feels like an end of an era indie anthem. The music builds up until this point at which you can hear yourself singing along, you can feel the presence, and you yearn to be a part of a live audience witnessing the music in the moment.
There’s a really high level of skill in terms of the writing and the musicality, but on top of that there is such clear passion and feeling highlighted throughout the piece. The performances add so much to the value of the song. There’s an honesty in the lyrics, a raw and brave sort of honesty, and this is emphasised again and again – by the vocal purity, by the emotion in that guitar solo – diving in and out of the mix at just the right moments – and even by the intensity of those drums.
It feels like a discovery, the song feels like some wonderful piece of art that has been kept secret, and is a pleasure to stumble upon, but at the same time there is everything you’d expect to find in a mainstream rock hit. The melody, the passion, the musical strength. This comes from a dedicated and exciting band and I’d be keen to listen to an entire album of songs and music that follows this sort of depth and expression.
By Rebecca Cullen
Exclusive Interview –
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
The Fall of Ego:I grew up in a town called Mansfield in Nottinghamshire, England. From an early age, I have been writing songs as a way to express my emotions. Having a difficult childhood due to a dysfunctional family, I had found that singing and writing was a way to release my emotions.ÂSinging and performing has always felt natural to me. Not in a showman like way, but because I love being able to reach people with my music.ÂI write about life and my experiences mainly and have found that people are able to connect with this, especially when played live as the emotions are more evident in the vocals and music.ÂDuring my early bands, I had toured throughout Scotland and England and received great responses from the crowds. On occasion, I had been told by members of the public that “Your going to be the next biggest thingâ€! Unfortunately, due to ego’s and band politics at the time, I dissolved the bands and fell out of love with music for a while, although it didn’t take long before I was called back as it has always been the one thing that has ever made sense to me and what also felt so natural to me. So I’m here to stay.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
 The Fall of Ego:
I was in Istanbul watching this amazing classic “Whirling Dervish” dance with live music. I was mesmerised by the performance and music and more amazed to find out after, that the dance was called “The Death of Ego”. Even centuries ago, great civilisations realised the destructive nature of an Ego. I had also gone through some events myself at the time, that made me question a number of things, ego being one of them. I’m not suggesting that having an ego is all bad. I just see how destructive Ego’s can become if unchecked.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
The Fall of Ego:The obvious advantage of online music sharing is that you are able to reach more people than ever with sharing. Unfortunately, artists make little money here. I have always bought my music and will continue to do so. A lot of artists don’t continue due to not being able to afford to continue with their art. I think that is a real shame, but their are ways of earning a little extra. You just need to think outside of the box if you want to stay in the game.My first single and the remix is still a free download from my website. I thought this was important in order for people to not only hear the track first, but to also see the video, which has an important message.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
The Fall of Ego:Ok, this is just my humble opinion, but hone your sound first. This is vital. Secondly, perfect at least 10 songs ready to gig flawlessly. Its important to look and be confident on stage when you do eventually get a gig. Also, get an image for the band, get some photos made of the band and even record some live sessions if you are able. From these humble beginnings, you can create a simple Social media account for the Band in order to start a following. This in turn can be used to source gigs.In regards to airplay, you will need to get a demo created at your local studio, or even in a home studio. I would advise doing a minimum of 3 tracks and getting them mastered. I know this might seem like more expense, but that first impression counts, and you will also have the quality ready to send to whatever radio station you desire thereafter. Also ensure the tracks are edited for radio, this is normally3:00 mins long. An Indie station may play longer tracks, but national stations more than likely won’t unless you are established.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
The Fall of Ego:Yes, I have made mistakes, the band members have made mistakes… The important thing to do is recognise and rectify immediately and take no notice. We all make mistakes, so no “Evil eyes”. Most of the time the audience won’t notice anyway, unless its something like falling off a stage!Be professional, and carry on regardless…
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
The Fall of Ego:I had toured in my past bands. At the moment, I am focusing on getting my new material out there. I plan to tour extensively next year after the album has come out.My music is all about being live, so I wouldn’t miss that for the world!
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
The Fall of Ego:My inspiration is mostly in the morning time. It does not happen all the time, but when it does, its like a train! I can do 3-5 songs in a short space of time.Sometimes a few glasses of Bourbon in the evening, on my own can work wonders too, but everyone is different.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
The Fall of Ego:I have a website, Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud and You Tube account. There are more, but I think its important to host on the biggest and not to stretch yourself to thin.ÂÂÂExposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
The Fall of Ego:Haha… well… I would say the Andrews Sisters! They were well before my time and if your a singer and have never heard of them, take a listen and see how one of the original girl bands harmonised. Its humbling, but also educational!
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
The Fall of Ego:
I couldn’t take a year off! Seriously! I cant even lie on a sun-lounger for long than one hour… Give it to someone who needs it more than me. Your choice…
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
The Fall of Ego:I work with a number of studio’s that have all my needs. I tend to use different studios for different things. I also think it adds a certain unseen texture to the music.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
The Fall of Ego:This is a new area for me, as I am quite a private person and tended to stay away from social media. Its one of the reasons my following is probably not near where it would be if I had started years ago. I am learning, but I have enlisted the help of a PR company. Be warned though, do your research on PR companies before using them. Some can be like a bottom-less pits for your money. In my experience, if a company asks what your budget is, star clear. I opted for a standard package with a set fee. It works for me. I do all I can around that.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
The Fall of Ego:It would have to be with The Verve at Glastonbury Festival on the MainStage, headlining. Richard Ashcroft is a genius.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
The Fall of Ego:I am still working on my latest releases at the moment which takes a lot of my time. I have my third single called World in Disguise and a Ultra Ego remix set for release on the 25th November. I am also looking to create a new video for the release which will be a very interesting project.Lots of airplay and interviews at the moment, so just focussing on getting the music out there to the people all over the world.My album release will be announced at the end of the year.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
The Fall of Ego:Working on an Oil Rig!
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
The Fall of Ego:My first album was a used vinyl double Tina Turner live album. I have always been interested in female soul vocals and Tina Turner had an amazing voice. A true show-woman and genuine act.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
The Fall of Ego:Its not easy. I have a young family, so I have more responsibility than someone who is free and single. There comes a time when you need to cut your loses, but that day has not arrived yet. I still want my daughter to see me on the main stage at Glastonbury Festival!
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
The Fall of Ego:The Fall of Ego
