What does a musician influenced by Dolly Parton, David Bowie, Bloc Party and Depeche Mode sound like? Introducing Armeria…
Who are you?
I’m Jake Norman, 19, otherwise known as Armeria. Been producing music for nearing two years now. Currently finding myself musically and emotionally, quite a cynical view on things.
What do you sound like?
Loss and despair. No, seriously, like a summer’s eve. Except indoors, and hopefully more clubby and with less midges. A blend of all the musical things in my youth as well. So, lots of Bowie from my mum and Depeche Mode from my dad.
Why should we listen to you?
Because I just quit my job as an ice cream man and I need the money. Also, I like to think of my music as uplifting at times, and if I can make at least one person happy with my music, I think that’s reason enough to listen.
What have you released so far? What else have you got coming out in the near future?
A lot of free music so far, but I’ve got a two track housey EP, ‘Not The Same’/’Everyday’ out via Cool Kid Music, and then currently building another EP full of slower tunes, with vocals and even some live guitars. But no release news on that, as the tracks are near finished but not quite yet.
What song sums you up? Why?
Dolly Parton, ‘Nine To Five’. Because I’m hard working, just like the subject matter of the song. But I’m also good fun like the song itself.
What or who is your biggest influence and why?
My biggest influence is probably Bloc Party, not because my music sounds anything like theirs, because it doesn’t. But they’re the band that properly got me into music, and made me want to be like them and make music. Made me actually listen analytically to songs to try and pick out things and emanate things in my own music.
Where can we hear your music?
At the moment I’d say the best place to find it is my SoundCloud, as everything I’ve done so far is neatly compiled there. But also, you’ll be able to find a lot on YouTube, normally via the selectahs over at Eton Messy.
Where will you be in five years’ time?
Hopefully doing exactly what I’m doing now, but to more people in a bigger house than I am now.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
My grandad was in a country band that played Wembley.
‘Not The Same’/’Everyday’ is out now on Cool Kid Music. Find Armeria on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud.