In this music spotlight, I chat with members of Tall Kingdom about one of their latest projects, Fourth, as well as challenges, technology and more.

Click play, start reading, and prepare to enjoy the atmosphere and vibrations created by the team known as Tall Kingdom.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

Hey guys, lovely to chat!

So we’re Tall Kingdom and we’re all based in Leeds.  Most of us went to Uni here or work so it’s definitely become home now.  Musically we’re a bit all over the place but that’s probably reflected in our influences.  We create instrumental hip-hop & electronica but try and feature some of our favourite  vocalists and musicians whenever possible.  As a band we perform as a 4-piece with the addition of bass and keys / Rhodes so that’s starting to be reflected in the sound.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

For me personally the road was a little weird.  I originally went to uni to be a physio but found I was spending more time in my 1st year thinking about music and going to gigs / nights.  Coming from a small town it really opened my eyes to what was possible hence me ditching that course and doing a music degree instead.  The obsession kind of built from there really.

Motivation?  I think with the current state of the industry you really need to be intrinsically motivated to keep going as financial reward is all but gone.  For us it’s that enjoyment of the process.  Finding the right chord progression or moment when we all look at each other and know something cool is happening – that’s priceless.

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

The new EP called ‘Fourth’ is probably showcasing even more of our new direction.  It’s become a lot more instrument focused leaning onto the instruments of the band.  We always wanted to try and create something a little more memorable than our previous ambient electronica pieces.  All tracks that will be released this year were written around the same time so follow a similar pattern.  It feels like we’re starting to head in a better direction and find both our sound & identity.

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this over saturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

Exposure for me is the most difficult to achieve.  There’s just so much music being created that cutting through the noise is incredibly tricky.  Things like BBC introducing and the kindness of blogs certainly helps though.  I think you just have to accept that as a band you need to put in the work and not rely on a previous model where the A&R man would give you the chance to ‘make it’.  That being said, it’s never been easier to get your music online now so I guess it’s swing and roundabouts really.  One negative can easily lead to the opening of a different door somewhere else.

What was the last song you listened to?

Weirdly a live show on Youtube by the band Glassjaw at Pukkelpop in 2018.  They’re still the best hardcore band of the last 20 years.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

Vinyl – I’m old enough to still care haha.

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

Spotify for me.  I was pretty ant-streaming for a fair while but it’s somehow become woven into my lifestyle and listening habits.  Obviously the royalty system they promote is a little contentious but as an opportunity to listen to all the music I care about the ease is incredible.

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

Probably socially I’d say Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tallkingdom/

Music wise we’re on all streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple, Deezer etc etc.

Anything else before we sign off?

Just a huge thanks for letting me rant and I hope people like the music as much as we love creating it.  Hopefully things will look a little chirpier towards the end 2020. 🙂