Folk musician and doctor Sukh was one of our first ever Songs of the Day earlier this year with his track Kings. With his debut album out next month, we thought it was about time we found out a little more about him.
Hello, please introduce yourself and your music to the uninitiated.
Sure. I’m Sukh and I’m a singer/songwriter based in Manchester. I make folky, slightly old school, post-rock influenced songs where lyrics mean the world to me. I like songs to have multiple layers both lyrically and musically. When asked who I sound like I often say something in between Dylan, Sigur Ros and the National.
Tell us a bit about your new album…
The album is my debut album named after the track Kings and it was the result of a lot of hard work over the course of nine months or so in the studio. It was built from the ground up in the sense there was a lot of experimentation in the studio as I didn’t have the luxury of a band and was very much discovering what each song was about. I also had a tight budget which made it a bit stressful. There were initially 12 songs but I cut it to nine – although one of those has been resurrected into another form which I have to say I am rather excited about. Overall I’m really proud of the album and think its worth getting excited about.
What was your best ever gig?
Probably the first gig I ever played properly after I left my last band at Mojo in Manchester. I think it was me very much finding my feet and realising I can do this alone. There’s been great ones since too such as playing at Ronnie Scott’s in London and supporting Stu Larsen on his tour.
What’s the worst thing about being a musician?
Being my own worse critic. Honestly I can be so hard on myself and I cut songs all the time.
What inspires you?
Badgers. No seriously if I had to say it would be people. My album isn’t particularly political, incendiary or about romance. That stuff I’ll explore later. I suppose it’s about hopes and about pursuing them. I try to read a fair bit when I can and I am a scientist at heart. Big film fan as well. Did I mention Breaking Bad?
If you won a billion pounds what would you do with it?
I don’t know. Perhaps buy a big boat and fill it with animals and then after a period of an undisclosed amount of time realise the animals have all eaten each other and that I have a beard. But none of it will matter as I’ll have a beard and I’ll be rich. I’d also give something to charity. I don’t think you can answer this question seriously.
Which of your songs is your favourite and why?
Kings, Den, Clear Horizon are probably my faves from the album. Kings because it was turning point for me and it always brings a smile to my face when I sing it. Den because its more of a soundscape and feels rich, warm and inviting and I love Sarah’s voice. And Clear Horizon from a lyric point of view as it was one of those songs that came together in its entirety in one sitting.
What are your plans for the future?
Album launch including an album launch gig on 24th November at the Castle Hotel in Manchester. Then gigs! I’m working on a mini tour so stay tuned. I do work as a doctor but will be having some time out soon to push the album more. I think I’ll probably put together a small EP at the beginning of the new year and then hit album two and then more gigs and we’ll see what happens. I feel like this is just the beginning of a long journey.
Finally, we’re always looking to expand our musical horizons. Do you have any recommendations of bands or artists we should be looking out for?
Yeah there’s some great stuff out there. Some people i’ve met on the way such as Ivan Campo, a little three-piece from Manchester, and the Slow Show are great finds.
Kings is out on November 18.