The Sound of Identity - Music as a Platform for Expression
Explore how musicians craft their unique sound and what the key to songwriting actually means... Plus, the Music at Oxford programme celebrates its 40th anniversary!
‘You just gotta keep writing…’
Diving into the sonic tapestry, unravelling the stories of two musicians who weave their unique narratives into melodies that resonate far beyond the speakers. Brook Ellington, a British country musician, and Maria, known musically as ‘The Bobo’, reveal what it takes to find their sound and break into the music scene.
“I was brought up on rock and roll and country mainly, and I wanted to play keys for some particular reason” asserts Brook, as he reminisces how his musical journey began. Filtering through rock bands through his teenage years, leading him to eventually drop out of university. “I feel like I got what I needed out of the course for the short period of time I was there, but yeah, it was sort of killing my drive.”
Maria’s musical endeavour started with music from her childhood - “I have always liked music, my Dad plays a lot of music when I was younger and at home and in general so I would listen to it a lot, a lot of female artists” Maria explains while naming artists such as Melody Gardot and Narah Jones. “I just loved their voices, loved their songs, and it would be a way for me to… you know, get the emotions out.”
For Brook, it was also his Dad that would play legends such as Springsteen and Bob Dylan, but it was Bon Jovi that stood out. “That was like my first favourite band. But then on the board they even had a country album called Lost Highways.” Later he explains that country music was always in his head. “I never fell out of love with country music, even when I was playing in rock bands. In rock bands, I would always still be listening in the country.”
When asked about the marginalisation of sub genres in music like country, Brook was quick to support the genre with his own perspective as a Country artist…
“I would say that it's in its own lane, yeah. But I feel like the pop lane crosses into it quite a lot…I think the country's growing and growing and growing.” He further expresses the enormity of country music in the States, compared to the UK, saying that “it's enormous in the States, I think it's probably bigger than anything out there.”
Navigating the music scene can be daunting, especially for emerging artists. According to recent statistics from IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry), the global music industry generated over $28.6 billion in revenue in 2023, with streaming platforms dominating consumption. However, amidst the cacophony of voices vying for attention, Maria and Brook offer their advice on the challenges faced when breaking into the music scene…
“It's mainly down to the playlisting of radio plays I would say” Brook suggests, “being added to streaming playlists is one of the big things and trying to get on them is a challenge in itself.” Maria explains that even beginners face challenges “I would say finances are a huge one. Music is a very expensive hobby.” Maria later explains the challenges that are faced as a female artist “There are some things that limit you and also, I think the industry is still pretty much male driven, which as a female artist, I would love for it to change, looking at line ups and in general, the dynamics.”
But what is the secret to writing songs that are honest, true and unique to you? Brook and Maria both offer their advice to what they think the key to songwriting is and finding your sound amongst a world of noise…
When talking to Maria, she explained that it was experimentation that holds great importance when trying to create music. “Just experiment. Don’t really try and put too much pressure on yourself, just kind of see where it takes you.” She remarks while also suggesting that regular breaks are also a must to getting the creativity flowing. “You don’t have to do it all the time. You don’t have to get it perfect all the time. The thing is, it is very important to make mistakes and try things and also collaborate. I think sometimes amazing things come from collaboration and…don’t be scared to ask for help.”
Similarly, Brook emphasises the key ingredients to great song writing “you just gotta keep writing” he amplifies. “you're going to have songs that you really don't like…the more you write and sing and experiment with different genres or sub genres within the genre that you're in, that's when you're going to start to find your voice.”
“Be as honest as you can…do everything from the heart, that will help you find your identity.”
With both artists previously performing at the Jericho tavern in Oxford, famous in the city for its live gigs and great atmosphere, Oxford is the place to be this summer for music with the Music at Oxford Programme celebrating its 40th anniversary. Bringing world class musicians to the heart of Oxford, this summer is full of music with concerts diving into the theme of ‘Natural World’ and ‘Oxford Roots.’ Head to their website for more…
Visit: https://www.musicatoxford.com/
By Maddie Heal