Discovery And Interview
This duo is unsigned but I think they have the talent to make a good album.
I discovered them via this tweet by Derren Brown:
I followed the link and discovered two lovely lads playing guitars and singing fine songs.
Benjamin Bellamy(21) and Nathan Blood (20)
My personal favorite is RainBows & Butterflies
Followed by Are You Coming Home?
Bringing some attention to them as they are talented and they have good voices and I feel lads like this needs to have more eyeballs and ears on what they do. I hope one day to go pick up a copy of their music somewhere.
They made the videos using an iPhone just to get it out there.
For more of their work visit their
YouTube channel.
Interview
Me: Hello Benjamin and Nathan and thanks for the chance at putting an interview on my blog.
As you know I found out about you through Derren Brown's Twitter when he linked your videos.
But could you provide a brief history on how you got started with music and as a duo
TO: We met at college in 2009 in Lincoln. We've both always been musically active; Nathan more with his vocals and Ben with guitar. During college we always messed about with songs and Ben started teaching Nathan basic guitar, from which he started to progress. Nathan came to Ben from living in a different town with lyrics he had written at work (a job which he hated), which were the lyrics for our song 'bright lights'. Ben loved the lyrics and concept of song and helped finish writing; which then became our first song together. From there we both started writing music on guitar and writing lyrics which meant something to us. We gradually started doing gigs and busking around town. We then decided together to give this a real go. Calling ourselves The Optimists.
Me:
What is your main dream and/or goal with The Optimists?
TO: Our main goal would be to be successful; for people to be aware of our music and appreciate the lyrics we write. We don't care so much for fame/money, just to be heard. We don't want to be famous, we just want the world to hear our music, says Nathan.
Me:
Who or what inspire you?
TO: True lyrics, true meaning inspires us. Music these days in just noise with shite lyrics about getting drunk and partying. Obviously, we love to do that, but we don't like to write songs about it. Music should have more meaning. We are deeply inspired by Mumford and Sons, they have a real depth to their music and lyrics. A big inspiration is the lack of faith and support we get and we just want to prove people wrong. Nathan's mum is very encouraging and we certainly wish to do her proud.
Me: Who does which bit in the song writing process?
TO: The process of writing a song is quite easy to us. We both make bits and when we get together we put our individual bits together to piece a song. Very relaxed about the writing.
Me:
What is the most challenging part of being musicians?
TO: The biggest challenge for us is publicity; being heard. We try our best to promote ourselves but very few people are interested. It's really hard for us as we have a passion for this.
Me: Outside of the music what are your main interests and hobbies?
TO: Besides writing music and playing it we enjoy going out, having a few pints. Playing pool and football. Gaming and drinking a hell of a lot of coffee. Both have full time jobs which is a hard balance. We lead fantastic lives.
We smoke a lot too.
Me: I want to thank you both for the time and wish for your dreams and ambitions to come true.
TO: Thank you for your questions and your support. We really appreciate. We will be sure to send you signed copies of our platinum album ;)
Follow
@TheOptimists on Twitter and for the two lads' follow
@nattasswfc for Nathan and
@iWRNR3rd for Benjamin