Insight Interview: Bucky

In anticipation of his brand new album ‘Embers’, we caught up with London’s Bucky to talk about the new album and his plans for the upcoming year. Check out the interview below…

Hey Bucky, thanks for the interview opportunity! What is the name of your latest LP?

Hey! Thanks for having me! The title is ‘Embers’.

Is there a story behind the name?

Yeh there is, actually it’s a reflection of something that is as ancient as time itself. When you look into fire you can really see and feel that. Fire is something that is steeped in the shamanic tradition as well, there is a certain magic to it. It has a universal duality to it, it is both bad and good, but it is energy, potential and is powerful, just like people are, it’s about what you do with it. Fire to me it’s about life, death, warmth, rebirth, renewal, suffering and stories told by the flames so it just seemed so fitting for this LP.

Can you describe your new music for us?

I tried to make something you can put on while playing Skyrim, Dark Souls, Horizon Zero Dawn or the God of War games with just the FX on. I enjoy playing games while listening to albums, it’s really enjoyable. I am interested in video game and film music so had been trying to do more of that kind of stuff anyway. I was inspired by Irrelevant with his long play album ‘Vague Memories‘ where you are taken on a journey and wanted to do my own journey; but in a complete fantasy world based on Norse mythology. I had a good time researching the mythology of the Vikings some of it was so dark and interesting to me, it’s really worth checking out if you’re interested.

Is there a particular emotion or narrative you are trying to convey in this album?

When I made the album I was imagining someone on a quest travelling through this fantasy world with trips to the spirit world and with mythical characters encountered, going through hard times, times of sorrow, times of mystery, magic and reflection. It was really fun to break out of the creative mould of making tunes more based on our reality if you like. It’s like the hero’s journey which is a story as old as humanity itself.

Do you see your new work as a progression from last year’s ‘You Gotta Go There To Come Back’, or is this something entirely distinct from your previous work?

No this is a complete departure from that kind of work. Embers is more of a concept album for me. I’d like to think it has the same kind of emotional value as the last album, most of it is conveyed in the more ambient parts of the LP. But it was fun to make, I already have another idea for another concept album, but I guess I will have to wait and see.

Any plans for the upcoming year?

I have planned a free EP release to celebrate and give back something when I get to 4K follows on Soundcloud. It feels like the SC audience is all I really have as an independent artist, so I wanted to do something special. I also have another EP/LP in the works and a couple of other special things up my sleeve as well, but I don’t want to give too much away at this point! 🙂

Anything else you’d like to say to our readers?

I’d like to say a big thanks to everyone supporting, it’s really been huge for someone who has taken a bit of an odd path in life to pursue this. It’s been like wind in my sails. I thank my lucky stars at times that I am doing this. God bless x

Thanks so much Bucky, best of luck with the new album!

Thank you too!

Bucky’s new album drops this Friday and will be available digitally (here) and in limited edition CD hard copy.