Jamming With - Byron Spillman
For me 2016 is all about discovering new talent. Life's too short to waste it listening to over-played, cookie cutter songs performed by indifferent artists.
As a self-proclaimed music lover i have taken it upon myself to sift through the legions of aspiring muscians and find the little gems that possess the potential to shine like diamonds.
I first heard Byron Spillman sing when he auditioned for Idols South Africa in late 2013. Saying that I was blown away is somewhat of an understatement. I was enthralled by his voice, his passion and the fact that it felt like he was singing just for me.
Now. just over 2 years later, I had the privilege of reconnecting with this gifted young man and got to chat to him about his music, his passions and his plans for the future.
Let's get the Idols thing out of the way right away. When I saw your audition in 2013 I thought to myself 'This is the winner'. Then came a big WTF moment. Were you as shocked as we were that you didn't make it further in the competition?
Thank you for the compliment! No, I wasn't particularly shocked at how it played out. I believe all decisions that I have made to thus far has led me to exactly where I should be. Idols was a great learning experience and it confirmed what I had initially felt about entering a reality-tv based competition; authenticity is worth more than publicity. It happened exactly as it was supposed to.
Your self-composed song 'Won't Sink' has all the makings of an international hit. What are the chances of us hearing it on our local radio stations in future?
'Won't Sink' was my first attemp at recording a song within the confines of my own home, so there are some production issues that I would like to sort out before sending it off into the world. I do hope to have it on local frequencies soon!
It is impossible not to get excited about your artistry. You not only have a insanely beautiful voice but you are a phenomenal lyricist as well. Can we expect a lot of your own compositions in future?
Yes, most definitely. As much as I like to have people sing along to a cover, there is nothing that compares to opening your soul through self-written composition. Having the ability to escape into melodic artistry is my fundamental source of healing and rejuvenation. I would be doing myself a great dishonour by not composing.
You are currently working on an EP. What can we expect to hear? Is there a certain 'vibe' that you are going for? More importantly, when is it being released?
Seeing that it will be my first EP, I am trying to be as open and honest as possible throughout the writing process. I don't have a particular vibe that comes to mind. I would say I am focussing more on writing the music that feels right as the inspiration strikes, and feeding of the emotion and energy that surrounds me at that givem point. So you can expect an open look into what it is that makes me who I am today. There will also be a pure improvisational jam session which I will record with a few interesting musicians from all over.. ;) I am trying not to rush the process and make this EP happen as naturally as possible, but would like to have it done by June/July.
I always ask musicians about a 5-year plan. I have an inkling you will be a well-established musician in 5 years so let me adjust the time frame accordingly. What can we expect from Byron Spillman in 2016?
So, 2016 will be a very exciting year for me indeed! I have recently shot a roadtrip music video with a talented, German videographer named Sarah Kiefer, whom I met whilst doing volunteer work in Pretoria. We are aiming to release the video by March and hopefully this will be the stepping stone to greater things. I am aiming to get into the festival scene this year and make sure that I utilise all my opportunities to share music whith whomever wants to listen. By the end of the year you will probably find me travelling along the coast, jamming where the occasion demands it. Wheither it will be a sponsored, structured tour or a sofa-surfing, street-session type expedition, only time will tell.
There is no denying that you are quite the catch when it comes to looks, It is also common knowledge that girls love guys who play guitar. Ever used your musical talent to impress a girl?
Haha! Well, I have no recollection of a conscious effort to alter someone's perception of me through music, but I suppose it is a great way to establish what kind of a person you are. Through our talents we can draw the kind of people we fundamentally need in our lives. Doing what you love can be the only ice-breaker you'll ever need.
There is a lot of garbage posing as gold in the music industry at present. Who are your role models and who would you love to collaborate with in future?
Garbage indeed! Locally we have such a vast amount of incredibly talented musicians that are mostly unknown. Guys making a living with pots and broken guitars along the streets of Mzansi. Musicians finding a melody from whatever they can garnish and sharing it with the world to sustain themselves. I draw inspiration from people like that, as cliche as it might come across. I would love to feature and collaborate with as many musicians as I possibly could. Anyone who shares the same integral love for the arts. Anyone with the right attitude. Anyone with a voice. I would also really love to also share the stage with Dan Patlansky. Mind-blowingly gifted.
Some (Relatively) Quickfire Questions:
Blondes or Brunettes?
The colour of her hair is irrelevant to me. It's not what attracts me. I prefer the sound of her laughter and the soul in her smile
Comedy or Horror?
Comedy, for shizzle.
Justin Bieber or Shawn Mendes?
Mmmm.. I'd have to say Bieber. Purely on the fact that he is a great musician. It's sad that it's hidden under layers of commercialism.
Beach or Mountains?
So hard to say.. Let's go with mountains
Idols or The Voice?
The Voice- I think the show's format is a step in the right direction in comparison to idols.
Check out Byron's cover of the Kings Of Leon hit 'Closer' here
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