Ollie

Music:

Member Since: 27/11/2005
Band Website: http://www.myspace.com/olliehand
Band Members: Just me! (And my trusty 8-track.)

Influences: Beatles, John Lennon, Mid 90's Britpop (that's my era) for example Oasis, Blur, Space, and more recently Badly Drawn Boy, Beta Band, Magic Numbers
Sounds Like: "simple straight to the point songs, sometimes tongue in cheek and sometimes tender, but always entertaining" Ian from the Derby Singer/ Songwriters Club Nights.

Anyway, as something a bit different, I’m going to explain the songs on my player, the lyrics, subjects and influences. I have realised that I tend not to write songs ‘about’ things as such, more with ‘situations in mind’- I’m aware that sounds a little pretentious but it’s true!!

IT HAPPENS TO THE BEST OF US
This is one of my absolute favourites; lyrically it was inspired by the shocking death of a friend’s father, and written as a message of support. Saying that, it’s quite an optimistic song, especially when the distorted guitar comes in at the third verse; this seems to lift the mood of the song. With the narrated verses and catchy chorus, musically I’d say it’s mainly influenced by the Streets, which seems to be all the rage at the moment!

HOUSE ON FIRE
Another favourite from 'High On Life'; I see this as my signature tune, purely because I love it so much. The lyrics tell a story, although I don’t believe it to be written abut any personal situation in particular, it’s just a story! Another live favourite as it’s quite an easy one to play. Again, the vocal harmonies creep in to give it a retro sound!

WAS IT SOMETHING I SAID?
A Track from my first album ‘High on Life’, which I recently stopped performing; this proved to be a controversial decision! Although it sounds like the aftermath of a stormy relationship it's not, it was written about a situation I found myself in at work when someone...well, the story's in the song!

THE BOOZER
Set as a challenge to write a song about a pub in Derby, I opened up the options and wrote a more general song about alcohol and drunkenness. I think it’s something we can all relate to! I love the harmonies in this, although it sounds like a lot of the first album it’s grown on me and I’m hoping this to be something of a live favourite.

NOTHING IS HAPPENING
For a while, I've wanted a keyboard. I have a basic grasp of pinao becuase i used to play when i was young, and also music theory courses are generally based around piano keys rather than guitar frets. Anyway I'm really pleased that this is my first piece with that 'added depth' of a piano. Lyrically it's not, as the title may suggest, about erectile disfunction (lol) it's about being single. Well people do say to write what you know about!

Record Label: None
Type of Label: Unsigned