In the ever-evolving world of music, artists often embark on unique and transformative journeys, and Will Homewood is no exception. Emerging from a brief hiatus following “Weight Of Us”, he has made a triumphant return to the music scene with “Burn”. We had the privilege of asking this versatile musician some questions in our interview exploring his remarkable voyage, creative process, and the inspirations that led him to venture into the EDM genre.
Will Homewood’s journey showcases his adaptability, transitioning from songwriting and production for others to becoming a featured artist on “Burn”. This track, initially inspired by Years & Years, underwent a remarkable transformation into a captivating deep house masterpiece. The pandemic brought challenges, but it also provided Will Homewood with a chance to refine his songwriting and production skills and embrace remote collaboration, ultimately leading to his successful foray into the world of EDM and dance music.
Hi Will, we hope you are doing well today. Can you tell us about your journey from taking a break after “Weight Of Us” to the recent relaunch of your solo career with “Burn”? What motivated you to return to music?
Hey, I’m doing great thank you and I hope you are too. Yeah, it’s been a while since I had anything out and it feels great! I’ve shifted my focus more towards songwriting and producing for other people which I’m really enjoying. When we wrote “Burn” I wasn’t going to be a featured artist on it until quite late on but it’s been really nice to have that with this record.
How did your collaboration with Crvvcks on “Burn” come about, and what was the creative process like for that track?
Me and a producer wrote the bulk of the record in January this year and it was leaning more towards a Years & Years type of song until we got another songwriter on board who had the idea to pitch it down and turn it into a deep house track. We then sent it to Crvvcks who loved the song and worked his magic on it from his studio and here we are haha.
You’ve had quite the journey as a singer-songwriter over the years. Could you share your experiences during this period and how it has all influenced your current musical direction?
Yeah, it’s been a crazy time in my life and I’ve done all sorts in quite a short amount of time. I think that’s helped me understand what direction I want to take my career in. Whether it’s being in a band, a solo artist or a songwriter/producer I’ve been able to always learn from people around me who are more experienced so I’m hoping that helps me going forward.
How did the lockdown period affect your music career, especially with the transition to remote working and having a home recording studio? Were there any unexpected advantages or challenges?
Yeah, it was really challenging as it was for everyone. It definitely threw a spanner in the works and pressed the pause button on things I had planned. However, looking back I really feel it has helped me in the long run as I was able to slow down and hone my skills in songwriting and production. The remote working was actually really easy to adjust to (Thank god for Zoom) and I loved it as I could write songs with people from America and Canada which I never would have done otherwise. So musically it was a positive for me.
“Burn” marks your venture into the EDM world. What inspired this shift in your musical style, and how has the response been from your fans and the EDM community?
I’ve been writing EDM/Dance music for a couple of years now and I really love it. People who know me and my music will know this is a completely new direction for me and won’t have heard much of this from me. The response has been great and it’s nice to hear things from people who have been fans of this genre for a long time and pretty much breathe EDM music. This definitely isn’t the last record I plan to release like this but I’ll hopefully be exploring all forms of dance music and beyond.
You mentioned forming relationships with artists and songwriters during your recent career activities. Can you share any memorable collaborations or insights gained from these partnerships?
I’ve been very lucky to work alongside many multi-platinum songwriters and producers over the last four years so the key with that is to try and absorb as much knowledge as possible. Also, believing you belong there is super important and knowing you have something to contribute to sessions with these successful people. It’s taken me a while to get to that point but I’m there now.
What can your fans expect from your music in the coming months or years? Are there any upcoming projects or releases you’d like to tease or share with us?
I’ll keep that to myself for now but I can promise there’s plenty coming ;). You’ll be one of the first to know!
Could you tell us more about your creative process when it comes to writing and producing music? Are there any particular themes or influences that consistently shape your work?
It varies every time. I like to try and put myself in different situations when I’m writing and not just draw from my own life. I like picturing a music video when I’m writing as I think it helps me lock into a concept when I’m writing songs.
As a musician who has experienced different phases in your career, what advice do you have for aspiring artists trying to navigate the ever-changing music industry?
No one’s journey is the same so try not to compare yours to anyone else’s as much as you can as your journey is unique to you and that should be a positive thing.
What role does your home recording studio play in your music-making process, and how has it influenced your ability to work remotely with other artists and songwriters?
It’s great to have my home studio as whenever I can make music literally all the time at any hour. Yeah, it means that I’m able to work with anyone in the world from my home which is great. I think since Lockdown it’s become such a regular thing so everyone is able to do it which makes it easy to meet new creative people.
Are there any specific artists or genres that have inspired your recent work, and how have you incorporated these influences into your music?
I try to be as open as possible to all kinds of music and artists. I’ve been getting into K-pop during this last year so I’m hoping I’ll be lucky enough to have some of my songs cut by some talented K-pop artists as well as working with artists and songwriters all over the world.
Looking back on your musical journey, what do you consider to be the most significant turning points or milestones in your career, and how have they shaped you as an artist?
I think it’s all been equally as important for me. From playing in bands from the age of 9 to touring the UK as a solo artist. Also, my first trip to LA when I was 17 was really important for my growth as a musician and as a person.
And, finally, do you have a message for all your fans who have been following your journey in the music world?
Thank you so much for your patience and continuous support with whatever I decide to put out. I’m really grateful to the people who have stuck with me through ups and downs and I’m looking forward to showing you guys what is coming next.
Thank you, Will, for taking the time to answer our questions for this exclusive interview. We have been loving your collaboration with Crvvcks! “Burn” has been playing on repeat! We’re excited to see what you release next.
“Burn”, by Crvvcks & Will Homewood, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms. Watch this space, Will Homewood has more music to come, including tracks he has written for other artists.
