Hamish: The Rising Indie Star Set to Captivate with New Single "Another Life"

The London-based singer/songwriter who's rapidly making waves in the indie music scene. Combining his prowess as a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, Hamish crafts songs that are uniquely personal yet genre-spanning. His music, characterized by cinematic soundscapes, thoughtful harmonies, and refined lyricism, strikes a deep emotional chord with listeners.

Following the well-received debut single "Ten Thousand Car Alarms," which garnered over 20,000 streams in just a few months, Hamish is set to release his highly anticipated second single, "Another Life." Already named BBC Introducing Kent's Record of the Week, "Another Life" is a profound track born from tragic circumstances, offering a positive message that resonates with themes of love, loss, and missed opportunities.

Don’t miss out on Hamish’s new release, coming June 28th. Listen now and discover why he's been dubbed "a very special artist" by BBC Introducing's Abbie McCarthy and touted as "definitely one to watch."

1. Your music blends elements from various genres while maintaining a distinct indie feel. Can you talk about your creative process and how you manage to integrate different musical styles into your songs?

Of course! I think it’s important to constantly change the way you approach the creative process whether that be the instrument you write around, using unusual lyrics or just changing the environment you’re in. I’ve taken influence from different styles of music and having performed classical music, folk music and played in jazz bands, I think this has had an effect both consciously and subconsciously. As daunting as it can be to look at the blank canvas, it’s so exciting to not know what is going to come out of writing.

2. ‘Ten Thousand Car Alarms’ received a great response, accumulating over 20,000 streams in just a few months. How did this success influence your approach to your upcoming single, ‘Another Life’?

The positive response to ‘Ten Thousand Car Alarms’ was overwhelming and so encouraging. Knowing that people resonate with my music means the world to me. With ‘Another Life’, I wanted to lean into the storytelling aspect that listeners enjoyed, inviting them on another journey. However, as I try to do with every song, I aimed to create a different experience and do so by experimenting with a different sonic palette and making careful use of space within this song. 

3. Cinematic soundscapes and refined lyricism are central to your music. What inspires your lyrics, and how do you go about creating those immersive soundscapes that define your style?

I have always loved film music and the ability it has to convey emotion. When I was younger, there used to be the likes of Ennio Morricone played around the house as well as artist like Elton John and Bob Dylan which is where I’ve drawn inspiration for storytelling from a young age. Recently, I’ve been inspired by events from my life and the lives of people around me as it makes the music real. I had the pleasure of working recording ‘Another Life’ at 123 studios with the very talented producer Brett Shaw to help me realise my vision and bring the soundscapes to life.

4. ‘Another Life’ has been described as a deep and meaningful song inspired by tragic circumstances yet offering a positive message. Can you share the story behind this track and what you hope listeners will take away from it?

When I wrote the song, I was slightly overwhelmed with things changing in my life and those around me. Just because things change in your life, it doesn’t mean that the experiences you shared with others are over but kind of the opposite - they live forever. I hope people relate this to different aspects of their life whether that be love, loss, missed opportunities or imaging life if you never took that risk.

5. Abbie McCarthy from BBC Introducing called you a "very special artist" and highlighted your second single as “so, so good.” How does it feel to receive such recognition early in your career, and what are your goals for the future?

Abbie’s words are so kind and honestly, very encouraging. Connecting with people through music is all I want to do so this positive feedback makes me so excited to release more music. I’m currently in the process of putting together my Debut EP with my goal as an artist to create a musical universe where people go to embark on a journey.