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DISCOVER: Birmingham - Alex Ohm

Written by Sam Drury

In this week’s issue of DISCOVER, we are looking into Birmingham, an area of the United Kingdom that right now is thriving musically.

The soundscape of Birmingham is one of the widest across Britain right now, with outfits such as the brass driven ska band, Kioko, female rapper; Jay l’Booth and touring acoustic sensation, Benjamin Yellowitz.

Another of those looking to stand out from the rest is Alex Ohm.

Reminiscent in tone of everyone’s favourite bloke from the West Country, Ben Howard, this West Midlands singer/songwriter’s great understanding of vocal arrangement as well as his ability to provoke thought in his listeners has so far been key to his rise.

Alex’s new single, Every Ocean, taken from his new EP; At First a Drop, Then a Flood, is testament to that.

Watch the video for Alex Ohm‘s new single, Every Ocean, here:

So far in his early career, Alex has become a favourite of BBC Introducing West Midlands and Sofar, for his imaginative take on traditional styles of folk music.

Sam Drury met with Alex and wanted to find out more about things, completely disconnected from the music he writes, here’s what was said:

Singer/Songwriter, Alex Ohm

The poster on your wall as a kid?

It’s difficult to choose one, there were that many. I used to go to the local record store at dinner time when I was at school and get different bands promo artwork and that took pride of place on the wall. The Verve were definitely up there.

First CD you ever bought?

I might as well be honest. It was Big Mountain, ‘Baby I love your way’.

Why? I’m not totally sure. I remember quite enjoying it. Maybe I’ll cover it someday ha.

Most used app on your phone?

Facebook

Worst film ever?

Godzilla, 2014 was pretty bad. But then the new mad max was pretty awful as well.

Favourite film quote?

‘Tell tiny Tim I won’t be home this Christmas’ – The Mask

First sound check request?

“Can I have a spoonful of reverb please?”

Any special talents?

I’m not too shabby with a pencil. I used to draw a lot but don’t so much anymore.

What scares you most?

If anything, it’s probably the sea. It’s so unpredictable, you never know what’s lurking below.

What is in your pockets right now?

Nothing special. Cards, plectrum, bit of money, oh and a capo. Never know when you’re going to need a capo.

Best band in your city currently?

There are too many to choose. The Shanklins are one to watch. They’re a very talented band.

Most important piece of gear you own?

My guitar. I think that’s the only piece of gear I own actually. It’s kind of a running joke in the band that most of my gear is in some way ‘borrowed’.

Do you have any strange pre-show rituals?

Not that I know of. I tend to just end up pacing around a lot. We do a bit of a Cool Runnings group chant before going onstage. 

If you could only listen to three albums for the rest of your life, what would they be?

Oo that’s a tough one. I think the three albums that I could listen to for the rest of my life would be Hour of the Bewilderbeast by Badly Drawn Boy, An Awesome Wave by Alt-J and The Masterplan by Oasis 

Dead or alive, dream headline show: Dream line up and venue?

Yet again another tricky one. What are you doing to me man ha

Venue: The Civic Hall, Wolverhampton

Headline:  David Bowie (Because I never got to see him)

Supports: Arcade Fire, Radiohead and Bon Iver

That’d do nicely.


For more from Alex Ohm, follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Sam Drury

Written by Sam Drury

Journalism graduate from Nottingham Trent University, guitarist for Beach for Tiger