Tea With John Myrtle
John Myrtle’s distinct ‘jangle-pop’ sound makes you feel a bit like you’ve got helium balloons tied to your head and shoulders, lifting you ever so slightly off the ground, (but in a comforting non-vertigo-inducing way).
His McCartney-influence is evident in all the best ways but doesn’t come across as gimmicky in the slightest. Having first discovered his album ‘Myrtle Soup’ on the second day of isolation after having just lost my taste & smell, I was desperate for all the metaphorical soup I could get. When physical soup is doing nothing for you, turn to this album, it will give you all the same feels; warmth from the inside out, blanket'-like comfort, and a full heart.
We met up, drank too much tea, ate too many biscuits and had a lovely full-bellied (?) time wandering around the streets of Notting Hill, talking about soup, Birmingham and Ween.
How are you? What did you have for breakfast?
Hello there! Very well, I had a banana with peanut butter and a coffee. Nothing better.
You’re a Brummie. What are the 3 best things about Birmingham?
The Hare and Hounds - many a good time there and one of the best music venues in the country.
Birmingham University’s campus. I never studied there but I used to work at the library, just soaking it in, listening to the ethereal chimes of the clock tower.
I’m beginning to sound like I work for a tourist company. I might as well say the people. Great fun the brummies….Aston Villa I should have said.
Who did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening to The La’s, Shack and the Stone Roses. I used to be obsessed with bands like The Field Mice and the whole twee DIY thing…I still am. My dad’s a proper jazz head so also a lot of that stuff. Soft Machine, John McGlaughlin’s Devotion.. a lot of far out shit.
PHOTOS BY TILLY PEARSON
What was the first album/track you bought?
There was a CD and record shop on the high street where I grew up which sadly is no more. I think it was in that time in the early 2000s where CDs were just on the way out. It’s such a shame it didn’t hold out. Anyway I remember buying Oasis’ single The Importance of Being Idle from there when I was 10. It was that and Franz Ferdinand. Back when the world made sense…
And the last album/track you listened to?
The Grateful Dead’s live album Live/Dead.
Magic.
Tell us about your love for Ween.
Oh I do love Ween. Hearing The Pod made me realise I could actually record things at home. As stupid as that sounds, I always had this way of thinking that you could only make a record in a studio and nowhere else. That record is so fucking funny…and has that homely magic. I do love their later records though.
We’ve made it to September! A perfect month for soup. What’s your favourite soup?
Oh yes we have! Pea and ham, always.
Whilst we’re on the topic of soup, I love soup. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Which artist/album/track makes you feel this way?
I Can’t Stay Mad At You performed by Skeeter Davis, that tune knows the meaning of life. I first heard it when I had just moved to London. Whenever I hear it I think back to that lovely time.
PHOTOS BY TILLY PEARSON
Your music seems to make me smile whatever the subject matter. Do you make a point of steering clear of melancholic sounds or is this just a subconscious thing so far?
It’s subconscious I think. Even my sadder songs, like Ballad of the Rain still possess a hopefulness. I like writing ear-worm melodies, always. Even if a tune is sad and the subject is too, I think a hummable tune always makes you feel better. Music heals you maaaaan.
When I write sadder songs it’s a way of me being able to deal with an emotion or experience. And so I want to come out of that ok, so I think there needs to be some hope in there…for me own sake.
I’m sure it’s constantly changing but right now what is your favourite track off of ‘Myrtle Soup’ and why?
I had a lot of fun recording Here I Go Again which I reckon is a mighty fine pop song. I remember trying to imagine me writing a pop song FOR someone. I probably imagined some 60s girl group. Nothing to the lyrics, but a lot of feelin’.
It does change a lot… you know I really find On the Hob and Soup’s Up very very funny. I did all the bubble noises myself (finger on lips). They are supposed to be soundscapes that take you to some odd psychedelic kitchen. I love them and they’re best played on speakers.
What’s next for John Myrtle?
I’m playing in Liverpool and London back to back at the end of September which is going to be great. There’s a bit of a delay with the physical release of Myrtle Soup due to covid so me and the label are steering that ship. Once it’s steered successfully then a Myrtle Soup tour awaits the people of the UK. Exciting times ahead.
You’re on the Last Bus home and are plugging your headphones in. What are you listening to?
I’m at the very back with Help I’m a Rock by Frank Zappa on repeat.
PHOTOS BY TILLY PEARSON
