PyroMag RSS FeedWith the release of new single ‘Midnight Run’ creeping up in November we had a little chat with man of the moment Example to chat Cars, XBox, TV Pleasures, Directing, Acting & ask the all important question iPhone or BlackBerry?
Tell us a little about the new single ‘Midnight Run’ produced by Feed Me, was it important for you to get producers to do their signature bits?
‘Midnight Run’ is the new single which is out December 4th and is produced by Feed Me, it was the last track I finished for the album and it’s about being out late at night partying and doing naughty things when you should probably be at home chilling, which I think most people can relate to (Laughs).
We are liking the concept of the new music video, there are some pretty amazing scenery shots, did you have any input in the concept for the music video, was it your idea to appear naked sitting in a bath?
Yeah the video was actually made based upon a short film I made at University where I fell asleep in a bath and woke up in a Lake, so yeah the whole naked thing in the bath was kind of my idea (Laughs). I just wanted to do something that was out there, I love it when you watch a Kanye West video and your like “What the hell is going on there, Kanye must be a lunatic” so I wanted to do some videos where people were questioning my sanity.
You seem to be driving a pretty impressive car in the video, do you know what model that car was, are you much of a car lover if so what would be the dream car if you aren’t already driving it?
Yeah, thats the Ford Mustang 1966 Shelby nice! That’s the car from Bullet, so Steve McQueen vibes, I’m down with that man. The ultimate car to own, for me where I am at now, would have to be the Audi R8 but one day I hope to buy an Aston Martin.
Has it always been a career in music for you or have there been any other career ambitions?
No it was actually going to be film directing and acting when I was younger, so this kind of just happened as a mistake a sort of successful accident if you like.
Can you tell us a little about your very first musical experiences ? What’s the earliest memory you have of discovering music?
I think it would probably be listening to James Brown because my dad used to play a lot of it, not sure which songs in particular but James Brown was definitely played a lot in the car or in the house, maybe Phil Collins as well (Laughs). You know there was a real Motown mix, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, The Beatles.
Now I know ‘Playing In the Shadows’ has only just recently dropped but we already have fans asking about the next album and when they can expect to see it drop, with your creative process have you already got tracks you are working on lined up for the next album, or would you take a break before even thinking about putting together the new album?
Yeah I have already finished off four songs for the next album. It should be completed in April and set for release September next year, like a machine keeping it going.
We are currently working with Music Technology based College ‘CM Sounds’ do you think it is important for young people to train in music and what are your three top tips for success?
I mean if you want to become an engineer or a producer I don’t think it harms to do that, there are certainly a lot of people who studied music in university and college. Flux Pavilion, who is a good mate of mine, graduated in music and obviously makes it now but plenty of people I know now didn’t go to School but are doing really well in music so I think it depends on how much natural talent you have got and your willingness to learn. Three main points to success I would say firstly do everything you can yourself, make all your contacts yourself try booking your own gigs, you know produce stuff yourself such as the artwork, that’s pretty important. Secondly, always listen to advice from your favourite artists or producers, if you ever get to meet them don’t talk, just sit there and listen. I sat down and listened to Serge from Kasabian the other day when he did a talk for 40 minutes and I learnt a lot. Thirdly, I would say just really try and learn from the best and always do what you want to do, never listen to record labels or A&R’s. If someone says you have got to change your sound to fit this, don’t listen and do what you want to do and if you don’t feel comfortable with it don’t release it.
Did you have any mentors?
I learnt a lot from my mum and dad in terms of how to live and be a good person but I suppose Mike Skinner was for a bit when I was signed to his label. He helped me write songs and gave me advice but I am learning from my friends really, I take a lot of inspiration from the likes of Ed Sheeran, Tinie Tempah and Wretch 32, you know every time I see them perform I learn something.
What are the main challenges you face in your career?
Just trying to better yourself all the time, you have got to keep coming back and re-inventing yourself, and come back with bigger and better songs which is kind of hard.
What is the one bit of music equipment you can not do with out?
I’m not really a studio tech bod (Laughs) so ask the producer (Laughs).
What is the biggest mistake you have made in you career that you have learnt from?
I haven’t really made any, I don’t regret anything, I think I have done a lot of silly things but I have learnt from all of them and it has made me better and stronger.
A Twitter fan has requested you write an autobiography and then make it into an EPIC movie, if you were to write an autobiography what sort of things could we expect to read and if you were to make the movie who would play Example?
Wow to play me in the movie you would probably get that guy from Scrubs, Zach Braff, he’s a bit funny looking and like me he’s got a rubbery face. If I did write an autobiography, which doesn’t really interest me but if I did, I would probably wait until I was around 40, so another 11 years. I read Alex James’ Autobiography from Blur and his one was written near enough when he was 40 and I think he actually had a good story to tell then, give it a bit more time I don’t think I am experienced enough yet for an autobiography.
Any sign of a live CD or DVD release and any more merchandise?
Well I am doing an arena tour next year so maybe filming the O2 Arena London, that might be a decent gig to film but we will wait and see because it takes a lot of time and money and planning to do these things and I don’t know if I have that time or that money at the moment (Laughs).
Have you got your all time favourite film and a more recent release you would like to see?
Drive’s pretty good, the music in it is pretty interesting. Warrior’s a very good film as well.
iPhone or Blackberry?
I have both, I have the new BlackBerry Torch and the new iPhone 4S so there’s two numbers, one number for friends and family and one number for the girls (Laughs).
Any guilty TV pleasures?
I am really into The Young Apprentice with Alan Sugar but as for rubbish TV I have watched an episode or two or Made In Chelsea and The Only Way Is Essex, but I wouldn’t really go as far as to say I am a fan of them or they are my guilty pleasures, I am hardly ever in to watch TV to be honest.
Games, Playstation/ Xbox what games are you playing at the moment?
X Box, Call Of Duty, Fifa, that’s me.
Are you a reader, what book have you been reading recently?
I don’t actually read books haven’t read a book in years.
What’s your studio food?
Generally like Pizza, Dominos, Strada, Firezza, that vibe or if there is a nice Japanese place get a take away Katsu.
Ok now finally I know how much love UK artists show to one another so who in your mind are the hottest UK talent (apart from yourself of course) that people should keep and eye out for in future?
I think the next big artists to blow are probably going to be Flux Pavilion in terms of producers or Feed Me both guys I have worked with, in terms of an MC I think P Money is going to be massive and the next singer/songwriter is going to be Emeli Sande.
Any final words?
Just hit me up on Twitter and Facebook and come and see me on my Arena tour in April and thanks to all the fans supporting.
Example’s ‘Midnight Run’ is set for release December 4th and is lifted from Example’s current album release ‘Playing In The Shadows’, which can be purchased from iTunes.
Posted By @AntonioDellamura
