Exposed Vocals just caught an exclusive interview with Tendril

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

 

Tendril: Currently i live in Switzerland and this is also where I grew up. The people here had mixed feelings of me. Some positive some negative and im not really sure why. I decided to become an artist because music to me is one of the most important things in life. Music is universal and everybody has access to it, be it electronic in nature or just hitting two sticks together. I wanted to create something that everybody could enjoy!

 

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

 

Tendril: Believe it or not, I actually got that name from my hair! Since I grew up with dreadlocks people used to always call me names. Some would say they looked like spaghetti or worms and the like, but the best I heard were things like pineapple and palmtrees. So i decided to give myself a nature theme and came up with Tendril. Like the tendrils from plants I want to be able to reach out ensnare my listeners and hope that they stay for the long run.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

Tendril: As it is right now, I think its great! Through sharing, people are able to listen to music that they probably would never have listened. This is important for the newer bands and artists (like myself). When it comes to giving music away for free I feel like it’s a give and take situation. The artist gives their music away for free and the listener hopefully sticks around, waiting for their next release. I personally will be giving my songs away for free in these early stages of my career! I feel like its needed to gain an audience. You wouldn’t buy a certain type of cheese without try a sample and the supermarket first, right?

 

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?

Tendril: Well since i would consider myself as still in that phase, all I can say is share your music, send your tracks to promoters, labels, club owners and the like. If you’re a DJ send them a mix that’s about 10-30 minutes long. It doesn’t need to be long since they are still busy people.

 

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

 

Tendril: When I started out DJing I tended to screw up at transitions. To remedy that I had a few samples of friends that I recorded with they saying random stuff. They would insult my mixing skills, cat-call random people, etc. Your job is to make people have a good time, and if you mess up the mixing, they wont have a good time. Change that with funny or weird things to distract them for a few seconds so you can rectify your mistake.

 

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

 

Tendril: At this point in time I have no time for touring. But if I did, I would for sure talk about the great audiences I’d have (since I hope they like my music)

 

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

 

Tendril: Since my name is based on plants I tend to go for walks in the forests nearby from where I live. It’s amazing how much you can gather from other mediums!

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

 

Tendril: I’m currently working on a Website with a web designer and I absolutely cannot wait to show it off to everyone! Right now you can all find me on Soundcloud and Twitter! I’ll also be launching a Facebook Page soon but that’s still in the works.

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

 

Tendril: Oh there are a few on there that I could share, but the most embarrassing one I have in my opinion would have to be Cascadas ‘’Evacuate the Dancefloor’’. I don’t know why, but it just feels wrong to have it on there. Don’t get me wrong though, I still love that song and it’s a personal guilty pleasure of mine. (laughs)

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

 

Tendril: First off I would invest in a proper studio and gear that comes with it. Like mixing boards, vocal chambers and the like. After all that is built I would spend it on some good ol’ Pioneer CDJs and Mixer since I lack personal ones at this moment. The rest of that I would for sure split up in two halves. The first half would go to my Family since they’ve done so much to support me and I want to show them my appreciation. The second half would either be going different charities for children or just me flying around the world, and meeting new people and supporters

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

 

Tendril: Right now it’s a pretty basic setup. I use a iMac with Ableton Live 9, a novation Launchkey 25, two Yamaha HS5s and a Focusrite 2i2 USB audio interface. I also have a old keyboard with about 128 different sounds on it. It’s a Yamaha PSR-350. Its been used in a few of my upcoming tracks that I hope to release soon. For DJing I use the Traktor program and a Traktor Kontrol S4 MK 1.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

 

Tendril: I try to keep it as organic as possible. I send my tracks to promoters and announce new releases on my different social medias and the such.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

 

Tendril: Where is an easy question. Japan for sure. It’s always been a dream of mine to go there at least once in my life. If I could perform there it would be even better! Who is a tough fight between Daft Punk and Gorillaz as I am a long time fan of them, listening to their music since I was a wee-lad.

 

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

 

Tendril: I am planning on releasing a Debut EP sometime between September and October! I’m really excited about this because it will be able to show me how I’ve improved since I started last year.

 

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

 

Tendril: Well profession wise I’d be working at a daycare since that’s what I learned. Hobby wise I’d be either watching anime, gaming or reading.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

 

Tendril: I actually do remember! It was Gorillaz’ first Album, Gorillaz. I was really happy about since I loved Clint Eastwood and 19-2000. If I’d hear that in a store I would probably sing along. But one thing is sure; if we ever Karaoke together and it’s a Gorillaz song, I WILL destroy you.

 

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

 

Tendril: Oh it’s hard for sure. I just try to schedule my music time with my job and just try to be above everything so I can keep a good overview of everything! It’s tough of course but in the end it’s all worth it.

 

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

 

Tendril: To my two fans on Soundcloud and the rest of the dance music scene: Look forward to my upcoming ‘’Baum’’ EP I’ll be keeping you all posted on my twitter!!