“stylish and smart sounding ” Walter Neil ‘Don’t Think You Know’ / Exclusive Interview

The track brings a solid beat forwards amidst a fairly light sounding musical sound-scape. The song itself is mellow, the leading vocal is calm, soothing to listen to, melodically satisfying. The music too, for the most part, has a softness to it in terms of the synths and sounds that build it up. That beat though has a real thickness that seems unusual for this type of song, and unusual is good – it doesn’t seem out of place, it adds something to the recording that brings out another side to it all.

The feeling given off by the whole track is that of a softly energetic enthusiasm. It’s a stylish and smart sounding song, the vocal performance driving it in particular is very confident and easy to get involved with. The production is great, the finish has a crispness to it so the music doesn’t bore you or simply float by, it grabs you when it should, it soaks you in melody, and, as mentioned, that beat makes you really feel like getting up and heading out. The lyrics work well within the laid back presentation of the music. The theme is regular, accessible, easy to relate to and understand.

There aren’t a huge amount of lyrics that stay in the mind after listening, but it’s not the sort of song that needs to reach out in some poetically unusual way – this could perhaps upset the vibe, if things were to get too intense as the lines rolled out. On the other hand, it would add that final bit of freshness if there was something unexpected in there. Fortunately, the music is so well mixed and the vocal part so well performed that audiences are highly likely to seek out more music from the artist, so the future holds a lot of possibility and appeal.

By Rebecca Cullen

Rebecca is a Musician and writer from Manchester, UK, with an MA in Song Writing.

Exclusive Interview: 

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

Walter Neil:  I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA before moving to Atlanta, Ga at the age of 15. I’m always had a thing for creating and performing and it all kind of ties together.

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

Walter Neil:  The name Walter Neil is actually my First and Middle name. Im a Jr. so we’d have to ask my grandmother about the inspiration.

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

Walter Neil:  I think its grown breaking, makes things a lot more competitive, but also allowing more artist to gain exposure.

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?

Walter Neil: Always allow your personality to shine.

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

Walter Neil: I always make mistakes, its apart of life and growing.

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

Walter Neil:  I haven’t been on Tour, but I’m sure ill earn lots of memories and stories to share.

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

Walter Neil:  I try to pull from within. Rather it is personal experiences, things that I’ve from someone else or even experiences I would like to have. I definitely pull from within though.

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

Walter Neil: Soundcloud, YouTube. Site is in the works. Be on the lookout for it.

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

Walter Neil: I’m not sure in regard to embarrassing. I listen to all types of music. I believe that everyone takes there time and puts their effort into their projects so no music to me really is embarrassing. Some just different than others, that’s all.

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

Walter Neil: Yes. I would definitely spend it, on a way to make another half a million dollars while I’m relaxed and off that year.

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

Walter Neil: I’ve been working with the same studio and engineer since my first time in the studio. Soul Asylum Studios in Atlanta, Ga. Ever in the area check them out.

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

Walter Neil:  Like I mentioned earlier. The Internet is a wonderful tool for anyone artist or entrepreneur period looking for exposure.

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

Walter Neil: Radio City Music Hall and with Michael Jackson. May sound cliché but I’m a huge fan of his accomplishments and his music was revolutionary.

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

Walter Neil: Definitely. Looking to release a new project early next year.

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

Walter Neil: Not really sure honestly.

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

Walter Neil: Yea. Its was the Dru Hill self titled “Dru Hill” Album. Got it from Bestbuy while CD shopping with my Uncle.

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

Walter Neil: It’s hard honestly. Life comes at you fast, but you just have to always be positive and remain humble.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to for the rest of the year?  

Walter Neil: Progression and a lot more from me.