Exclusive Interview with LEWIS KNAGGS

“My father is a dedication to Lewis Knaggs wonderful dad, who recently passed away. He struggled for many years with a cruel illness which eventually took his life. But despite his struggles he maintained himself as an inspiration and brilliant figure in Lewis Knaggs life and many others. Check out the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
LEWIS KNAGGS: I was born in North London, england. Music has always been a big part of my life. My mum and dad are quite big music fans and my dad was a musician himself and played bass in a band He didn’t play professionally. It was just for fun and the love of it which was very inspiring growing up, saying how much he enjoyed playing music. So I have my parents to thank for a lot of it

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
LEWIS KNAGGS: I had a guitar teacher growing up who taught me in the back room of a guitar shop in Crouch end, called Rock around the clock. Before that, I’d learnt a bit of piano as we had a piano in our house growing up. But when I started guitar, that’s when things really started to progress for me as I loved it so much. I was obsessed with learning the songs of all my favourite artists of the time. I did not put it down until I had figured out how to play the latest Chili pepper’s song.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘LEWIS KNAGGS’?

LEWIS KNAGGS: I will say one of my biggest influences was the Rolling Stones. I don’t necessarily think my music sounds like them, but it was the first time I heard a song that really resonated with me and got me really excited about music and playing music, is listening to Jumping Jack Flash in the car with my dad, when I was about seven years old. My full name is Lewis Knaggs, I’ve been in many bands over the years, now that I’ve gone solo, I’ve run out of band names so just using my actual name – believe it or not!

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
LEWIS KNAGGS: The key element in my music would have to be the guitar as it’s in every single song in one way or another. I also like to play piano and have that in my songs as well. As far as a specific sound goes, for me, songwriting, and strong songs has always been an aim. I guess my music could be considered indie, songwriter rock, there’s quite a few influences in there across-the-board, so it’s hard to pin it down completely.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as FOLK?
LEWIS KNAGGS: When I was a teenager and first started writing songs, I was definitely copying a lot of other music and piecing it together to make my own songs. I guess once you combine enough other people’s songs, you eventually get your own. I can safely say, I’m at a point now where I don’t have to completely copy other peoples songs to make my own, but who’s to say, my subconscious isn’t doing it already?

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
LEWIS KNAGGS: For me, music is definitely about self expression. I wouldn’t say my music is particularly politically motivated. But you can see the power of someone like Sam Fender or Bruce Springsteen, or even the Rolling Stones’ impact on politics as they have released music at times I’ve great need for progression. I do resonate with music having cultural and spiritual influence – that has always been the case. With regards to my music, I definitely approach it from a personal narrative point of view and a way of expressing and dealing with things in my life. That’s always been my intention and a lot of my songs I never planned to release until now, so it’s nice to see that my music is connecting and resonating with people….that inspires me

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
LEWIS KNAGGS: As I said, for me, music is therapy and a massively rewarding activity that I would be doing regardless of whether people listen or not. The fact people are listening and enjoying does make me happy, because it’s nice to make other people happy, so I will definitely encourage more engagement as we move into the future. And I will continue to release more and more music.

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

LEWIS KNAGGS: I’ll usually start with a guitar riff or a chord progression that I then add a vocal melody to. That usually gives me a big injection of energy which inspires the lyrics. I usually find the lyrics flow naturally if I have a strong hook to lead from. I don’t usually Collab with other people for my own songs, although I’ve been writing for many many years with my dear friends, Theo and Nathan grace, who I have been in the band with in the past. A few of the songs, I’ve least written with them. But most of this new stuff I’ve written on my own, in much more of a solitary writing environment. I really do miss collaborating with others, for making my own songs. I do also write songs by other people, and that’s a big part of my creative process, put in my head in the mind of another artist.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
LEWIS KNAGGS: I have recently lost quite a few friends, and also more recently, my own father. This has definitely been something challenging and difficult to move forward from. But death is part of life and we have to accept it and find comfort in the good things life has to offer.

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

LEWIS KNAGGS: I would say that with all of the sadness of losing those that you love has also inspired me to write music about it, and also push forward to release as much Music as I can. It really gives me a big sense of achievement as these things, no matter how heavy, push me forward to do something which I feel is good.

11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?

LEWIS KNAGGS: Just Ignore!

12. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?

LEWIS KNAGGS: It’s hard to say as they both are very exciting places to be…I’d have to say live though if I have no choice…

13. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

LEWIS KNAGGS: I would say the latter – It’s great when you can take what you want from a song and it means a different thing to everyone. That’s when the song is not yours anymore, it belongs to the world !