Tempo Talks: A Conversation with LoveSelf

THE RELEASE

Coming from the music scene in Belfast, Northern Ireland is Joshua Luke Anthony O'Riley, who goes by the stage name "LoveSelf". He stands out as a force exploring various musical styles. He began his journey at the age of 12 inspired by groundbreaking bands such as Nirvana, Blink 182 and Linkin Park. Starting off as a vocalist in his rock/punk band O'Riley’s, his talent as a songwriter and singer quickly took stage. At 16 he made a decision to pick up the guitar which marked a transformative phase in his life and led him towards songwriting. With a foundation in rock and punk genres he achieved multiple victories in band competitions. He then created multiple demo recordings before taking his musical ambitions to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Despite facing challenges over the decade O'Riley has redirected his artistic path and has showcased his unwavering dedication to authenticity, resilience and the uncontainable passion that fuels his creative expression.

Immerse yourself in a exploration of emotions and deep self reflection, with the latest release from LoveSelf. The song, titled "Mummy & Daddy " is a powerful creation that echoes the rawness found in Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet. It explores themes of feelings, anxiety, rejection and the pain of not fitting in. With its haunting guitar riff and atmospheric vibes the track creates a mesmerizing ambiance. It serves as a plea for authenticity, urging listeners to confront the realities of life. This song showcases the artist’s ability to transform struggles into a relatable musical experience solidifying its place, within the ever evolving world of contemporary grunge music.

THE INTERVIEW

If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?

Kurt Cobain would definitely be one. I’ve never heard or felt such a raw, honest, and sensitive approach to the songwriting craft in my entire life. His unsettling guitar and cynical lyrics have had me hooked for years and have been a huge influence in crafting my own musical sound.

At 19 I was introduced to David Bowie. Often dubbed the “chameleon of rock”, his constant musical reinventions, stagecraft, and ability to redefine musical genres has had a significant impact on me. He was the rare artist who inspired not just adulation but imitation. May he rest in power.

The artist Thurston Moore has been a very big inspiration for me. Thurston founded the band “Sonic Youth”, participated in many solo and group collaborations, played in unconventional guitar tunings, and ran his own record label, Ecstatic Peace. He has had an everlasting effect on my artistry, vision, and music. Artists like him are a dying breed and I would advise any young artists to take his advice and create as much as you physically can by yourself.

Last but not least, I would have to choose Miles Davis. He was one of the most personal, gifted and influential trumpet players to grace the second half of our now-waning century. His albums are more than supreme recordings. I think many people remember the first moment they heard one of Miles albums sorta the way they remember 9-11 or hurricane Katrina - as turning points in history and their own lives.

Were there any specific challenges or breakthrough moments during the production of your new single that had a significant impact on its final form?

Lots! I live in an apartment complex which can make it difficult to record guitar especially when you wanna do it loud! I’ve had challenges with neighbours in the past. Noise complaints, awkward conversations, even had neighbours move out! It’s all for the love of music so now I basically have to coordinate a time and date that works with my neighbours and then just go to town. It can be a little bit overwhelming sometimes because I don’t want to piss any one off (like I have in the past) but I usually always get the job done. I wrote this song back in April, 2022. It’s a subject matter I’ve wanted to write about for years, so finally getting into the studio to get it produced and recorded was probably the biggest breakthrough moment for me.

Can you share insights into the collaborative process behind the creation of your latest single, including any notable contributions from producers, co-writers, engineers or featured artists?

Most - if not all - of my music is written, recorded, and produced entirely on my own. When I’m finished or have something I think can be released, I send it to my childhood friend in the uk. His name is Jack pike. Jack is a beat making legend and one of the best kept secrets in the music industry. He is also one half of the very popular drum and bass duo, “Hillsdom”. I’m very fortunate to have him mixing and mastering the music I create. He has been a massive part of the musical process and someone I have collaborated with for over 20 years!

Can you articulate the impact or impression you hope your new song leaves on listeners long after they've experienced it for the first time?

The overall impact I hope my single makes bears threads of nihilism, stubborn honesty, contradiction, alienation, disappointment and depression, feelings shared by many adolescents in every decade. I hope this song and the lyrics reflect the thoughts of young people rejected by their parents by defying the norms and evoking strong emotional responses from the listeners.

Looking ahead, how does the release of this single pave the way for future projects, and are there any hints or clues about the direction your music might take in the coming months?

I think this release has allowed me to just be myself, the song has invigorated an authenticity I’ve never been able to express before. I hope that this encourages more and more fans, as the ‘normalness’ is refreshing in a world of over-the-top spectacles. Looking forward I have plans on creating a completely new aesthetic through mediums such as music videos. I want listeners to feel as though they are not alone in their problems and encourage others to be open and honest about their sufferings.

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