OSM: Hi, where is Teddy Clarke from and what instruments do you play?
Hey, I’m from North London, and I sing and play guitar.
OSM: Your new single, ‘Stick & Poke’’, is out now. What was the songwriting process for the track?
I actually wrote this song during the first lockdown. It was at a time where everything just felt so bizarre, if you wanted to see your friends you had to do so over a computer screen. I noticed how everyone was becoming so reliant on social media and personally I think that can be quite a damaging thing. I was having weekly zoom studio sessions at the time so I sent Stick & Poke to Ben & Joel (Analog & Digital) who are my producers and collaborators. They worked on it and sent ideas back and forth. Then this year we decided to revisit it and make it a bit more exciting, re-recorded all the parts and put it out.
OSM: As the writer, what is the song about?
Stick & Poke is about the negative impact social media can have on a persons mental health. I think as a generation we all sometimes fall into the trap of judging ourselves based upon how we can be perceived online. The song contains lyrics such as ‘Dissect my face, cut and erase’ which is basically about how people online can freely rip into every facet and flaw you have, without even knowing you. I think social media has many benefits but also many flaws which can really harm a person if they’re not careful.
OSM: What challenges have you faced since launching your career?
As an independent artist I’ve found not having the financial support of a label can be challenging. Although its great being able to release what I want, having to fund everything independently can be difficult at times.
OSM: What are the plans for the year ahead for yourself?
I have several more singles lined up for the rest of the year. I’m also planning to play some gigs as I really miss performing and U think a song like Stick & Poke would be so fun to play live.
OSM: If you could change anything about the industry what would it be?
I would change how the industry is so social media reliant. I think often now a social media presence can be valued much higher than the music and art. It would be great to see smaller artists being given more a chance on their merit as songwriters.
OSM: If you could share the stage with another band or performer who would it be?
I think Billie Eilish would be super fun to share a stage with, she puts on such a great live show I think it’d be a lot of fun. I also think Wet Leg would be a great band to share the stage with, I really like their writing style and again their gigs always seem to have the crowd really going.
OSM: Who are some of the main influences of your music?
I’m big fan of David Bowie, Alex Turner, Declan McKenna, Easy Life and Rex Orange County. I think they’re all great lyricists. I really like how personable and creative their writing
OSM: What songs are on your playlist right now, which songs are you into at the moment?
At the minute I’m listening quite a bit to:
Wet Dream - Wet Leg
Little Freak - Harry Styles
Heat Lightning - Mitski
Howdon Aldi Death Queue - Sam Fender
James and the cold gun - Kate Bush
You Better Believe - Declan McKenna
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