Fans of Buds & Spawn will be familiar with Sheffield post-rock adventurers New Ghost, after they joined us on our livestream with a.P.A.t.T. in December last year. We’re so pleased to finally have them on a live bill supporting Kavus Torabi and Michael Woodman on 7th October, and we spoke to new vocalist Ellie Richards to find a bit more about what they have in store.
We last welcomed New Ghost to one of our livestream events in December 2020, showcasing a stripped back live performance that we recorded with Chris and Nic. What have the band been up to since then?
We released Mono No Aware in April – a collection of songs we recorded during the various stages of lockdown. We’ve also been busy in the studio recording new material and will be performing some brand new tracks at the show.
How did you come to be involved with the band? Tell us a little bit about your musical journey so far, what other projects have you been involved in?
I’ve always been a passionate music fan, but I’m at the start of my journey as a performing musician. The opportunity to sing with New Ghost at Tramlines a couple of years ago really came up by chance, and ever since then I’ve loved working with such talented musicians. This is only my third gig with the band, so it’s an honour to support artists as amazing as Kavus Torabi and Michael Woodman.
Up until my work with New Ghost, I’d recorded some covers of King Crimson and some pop tunes. One cover I was involved with that might be of interest to the Buds and Spawn community is Stoneage Dinosaurs by Cardiacs, reimagined by Gilmore Trail.
My husband Joe and I also created a “Live in Lockdown” YouTube channel where we recorded various covers to keep us sane while being stuck at home, which was lot of fun!
I really enjoy recording and the opportunity to collaborate with other artists, so am very open to any future session opportunities.
Who will be joining you for the show at Sidney & Matilda on 7th October? Tell us what they play and give us one little fact about them so we can assess the cut of their jib…
Chris Anderson will be providing guitar and vocals at the show. Chris is also the primary song writer for the group. He’s been part of a number of bands, most recently Firesuite.
On drums, we’ve got Taz Ali. Taz is involved in a number of other projects at the moment, including Awooga and the newly-formed Tekrar Eden (watch this space, as the band will be launching new music soon!)
Multi-instrumentalist Nic Bowden will be on keys and vocals. Nic is also part of jazz-folk quintet Charm, where he plays saxophone and flute.
On the bass is Joe Richards who plays in Gilmore Trail and Tekrar Eden. Joe is also a keen field recordist and a lifelong Cardiacs fan.
Which artist has been most pivotal to your development as a musician? Which track would you recommend to people as their first listen?
I’m a big fan of jazz vocal styles, and a huge influence for me is Billie Holiday. There are so many places you could start with her music but I love this stripped down version of Don’t Explain. The instrumental accompaniment is really minimal and you really get to appreciate the rich quality and emotion in her voice.
Any recent musical discoveries or new obsessions that you’re evangelical about?
This was a tough one, so I’ve narrowed it down to 3:
· Spellling’s album The Turning Wheel – full of lush orchestration and beautiful pop melodies.
· Kayo Dot’s single Void in Virgo (The Nature of Sacrifice) – a synth-heavy gothic treat.
· Chvrches’ new album Screen Violence – full of bangers from start to finish!
Which live band would you cross hell or high water to see?
I love Khruangbin and haven’t yet had the opportunity to see them live. I find their psychedelic funk sound to be really uplifting, and they add instant sunshine to any day where I’m feeling low.
Is there any other art or culture outside of music that has made a big impact on you recently?
I’m a die-hard bookworm and have got lost in some great fiction lately. Lanny by Max Porter is a particularly dark and weird tale.
What top 5 tracks do you think would be on the dream New Ghost Tour Bus Playlist?
In no particular order:
Channel 1 Suite – Cinematic Orchestra
Days Like These – Low
Sugar for the Pill – Slowdive
Drive By – The Necks
Better Things – Massive Attack
Ellie Richards will be performing with New Ghost on Thursday 7th October 2021
at Sidney & Matilda in Sheffield, supporting Kavus Torabi and Michael Woodman.
Tickets available at budsspawn.nutickets.com
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