Glasgow’s Michael Timmons is preparing to release his haunting new single, The Games Room, out now via Gargleblast Records.

Off the back of supporting The Twilight Sad at their sold out show at Glasgow Barrowlands and on their European tour in November 2018, the singer songwriter continues to exhibit a sparse, angst-ridden sound. A sound that cuts deep to the soul.

Written as an ode to his father who passed away last year, the track explores the process of grieving and one’s own experience in dealing with death. Opening with beautifully picked guitar segments, The Games Room packs an emotional punch as Timmons ethereal, yet mournful vocals take centre stage; reflective, bittersweet but always intensely emotional.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Michael about the new release, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?

I love dark, intimate and ethereal sounding music. I’ve also always loved music and songs that are coming from a personal place. So this is something I’ve always done. 

What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?

My father was always musical, constantly singing around the house and battering the guitar, so it’s was pretty natural. I got my first guitar when I was about 5, I smashed it to pieces not long after but  yeah music has always been a big part of me. It took me a long time to share my own music on an album. I’d been gigging it for a few years before releasing anything, so it was a bit daunting as my songs are all quite personal. But people have been really kind and also related to some of the songs which has been amazing to hear.  

Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?

My biggest influence is reflecting on things personally, a lot of that goes into my songs, my own experiences. I also do work in the mental health and homelessness sector and also work for the charity Playlist For Life – this stuff really influences me too. 

My music tastes are really wide ranging with a lot passed down from Bob Dylan to ABBA to Jeff Buckley. Elliot Smith, Low, Cat Power and lots of Scottish artists like The Twilight Sad, Kathryn Joseph, Dear Lara, King Creosote.

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?

The Games Room was written about my experience of grief, dealing with the passing of my father just over a year ago. I really helps me process these things by writing about them in my music and sharing it, find it much easier this way than other ways. So I wanted to start to share some those feelings and thoughts and this the first song I’ve released around that theme. 

What was the last song you listened to?

Pretty embarrassing to say my own…but I still find it amazing to have released and put music out there, so yeah the last song I listened to was my new hit single. Before that today it was Stay Monkey by Julie Ruin.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I love vinyl. Always found it vaccinating and it’s now a great way to support musicians. It was a huge personal achievement getting my first record released on vinyl last year. 

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I use Bandcamp most often, again it’s a great way to support other local musicians. 

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?

The biggest challenge is always trying to get your songs to the right audience. That has always been a real challenge for me. The best way to do that is to get out there touring. The Twilight Sad gave me the opportunity to support them on their European Tour and this gave me the chance to share my music with the perfect audience of people wanting to hear and engage with new and personal music. By the time I toured my album was about 10 months old but was suddenly brand new to a whole audience of people coming to those shows. 

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?

All my music is shared through my Bandcamp – michaeltimmonsmusic.bandcamp.com

Instagram – @timmons_m

Twitter: @MTImmonsMusic

Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?

Thanks for taking the time to read and hope people enjoy my miserable music.