Brocarde Talks New Single, Being A Spirit Hunter And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
When did you begin singing/songwriting?
I’ve been songwriting all my life really, even when I was a child in the playground, it was my go thing, I would find a quite spot in the woods hide from humanity and just write how I was feeling, its how I’ve always processed my emotions. Of course over the years the subject matters have evolved and matured but it’s still quite a cathartic process for me.
What is your earliest musical memory?
My earliest musical memory is of my Nan, her prized possession was her baby grand piano, she used to try desperately to get me to play in, I used to hide underneath it, with the keys booming in my ears. Then one day I singing along with her, I found my voice and for years she used to play the piano as I sang.
You have your new single ‘Identity Theft’ out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?
There are so many hidden sub messages and interpretations within that song. For me it’s about the quest to find your true identity, we are shaped in so many ways and carved by experiences and the culture we live in, it’s about the battle to be yourself against all odds.
Where did you record the single and who produced it?
I recorded it in California, I’d written it and I had such a vivid depiction of how I wanted it to sound. I knew I wanted it to start at birth, hence the crying baby and march right through to the present day, that’s why it’s anthemic and almost robotic to accompany the emotions of the song. I match music to my emotions constantly. It’s produced by Chris Collier.
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
Oh hundreds, none of which I can share. Generally a studio is a place of work for me, I’m not one of theirs artists that’s just there for the vibes. I torture myself until the jobs done and even when the jobs done it’s never done. I’m always pushing to make it better.
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
I have my own studio in my home now, which gives me freedom. Technical specifications are really not my thing, the thing I focus on is my voice and throwing it in every direction possible, if I need a choir I am the choir and I go through every tone from whispering to screaming my head off, I even add the gremlin sounds.
The single is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind the video and who directed it?
I direct my own music videos, it’s my vision, and I’m the person who brings that to life. I even hand painted the alien, sorry if that’s a spoiler for anyone who thought it was shipped in from Mars. The thought process really is storyboarding what was in my mind at the time of writing the song.
Was it a difficult song to write?
I don’t really see songwriting as difficult, I think as long as I’m in the right space it just flows, and then evolves, inspiration is essentially though and I always have quite vivid ideas of exactly what I want to say.
Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
I think a lot of the songs I’ve released play into the angst I had building inside me over the years, so there’s a frustration and a burning passion to those tracks. Some of my unreleased music is a lot more reflective, I’m on a creative journey but naturally as an artist your release strategy is one step behind where you are emotionally. Songs are moments in time.
Do you have any further music releases planned for 2025?
Oh absolutely I have a few upcoming singles and an album at the end of the year.
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
My goal as an artist is to make people feel something and invoke a passion inside people, I hope people really embrace it and in some way can identity with what I have to say.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
My instrument really is my voice.
How do you look after your voice?
Well I need to do better on that front, my songs are so intense that sometimes it takes a toll on my voice, when you’re screaming and growling and being the choir in the studio for hours it’s hard. I do short intense sessions, then give myself a rest day, I’ve learnt now to listen to my voice and stop as soon as it’s starting to crack.
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
My mind draws a complete blank when asked that question. I would absolutely love to bring to have my own film, I’m in talks about this at the moment, but the music would definitely be horror based and theatrical.
Do you have any live dates in the UK/Europe planned for 2025?
2026 is the year for that, but I may have a couple of secret shows coming later in the year.
In addition, you are also a Spirit Hunter. When did you first become aware of your abilities?
I had a very impacting experience a few years ago when I was visited by the ghost of a Victorian soldier, it was so impacting that it changed my life and ever since I’ve been able to talk to dead people and see them. I spend a lot of time travelling the world and filming documentaries for my website Brocarde.com
What makes Brocarde happy and what makes you unhappy?
Happiness to me is travelling and being on the road, exploring the world, I love adventures and I’m the best version of myself when I’m experiencing everything the world has to offer. In terms of what makes me unhappy, I’m a really sensitive person, I hide it quite well, but I hate the way some people treat artists. Particularly when I was just starting out, but sometimes even now it shocks me, people try to really belittle you and crush your confidence and it’s hard as an artist as every artist has an internal want to be loved and appreciated. A lot of people really play on your ambition and emotions, there’s definitely a dark side to the industry so having good people by your side is fundamental.
‘Identity Theft’ is out now and there is much more to come from Brocarde in 2025.
Listen Here: https://brocarde.com/music/
Official Website: https://brocarde.com/
