Meet your new favourite duo, aboutagirl…
From working with the likes of Lewis Capaldi, Rita Ora and Dua Lipa, London’s rising pop production duo release their brand new single ‘SnOoZe‘. I chatted to Tom Mann and Lostboy about their new project and lockdown activities.
Let’s talk about your new single ‘SnOoZe’. What was the inspiration for this song?
L- We probably first wrote this song about 16 months ago but now it seems more apt than ever. It’s about wanting to hit the pause button when life is moving too fast. To put any problems on pause – how trivial or serious they may be – and focus on what’s important.
Describe your sound in three words
L- Electronic x organic
You guys met by chance on a different project but can you remember the moment when you knew you wanted to pursue this duo together?
T- We started to write together just the two of us more and more. We got on so well that it seemed like a natural thing to do. Pete will tell you that I text him first to suggest it, but let’s not get hung up on that. We don’t need to inflate his ego.
You’ve worked with/written for the likes of Lewis Capaldi, Rita Ora, L Devine and remixed the likes of Dua Lipa. How did that come about? What has been your biggest ‘OMG’ moment?
T- We both come from pretty ‘normal’ backgrounds so getting to meet and work with people like that doesn’t seem to get old. I won’t forget back in August when Rita came into RAK Studios in St Johns Wood to record “How To Be Lonely”. Hearing her sing the chorus for the first time made it feel like she really brought the song to life.
Other than from working with some of the biggest names in Pop, is there one artist or band you’d like to work with that might surprise us?
L- I’m not sure if it’s a surprise but we love The 1975. In fact I know it’s not surprising, they’re unreal. We work on pop music but we come from a band/indie upbringing. That would be a dream. Probably a dream that will never happen – why the hell would they need our help to make a song?!
Do you do anything to get into the ‘zone’ before writing or recording?
T- Nothing out of the ordinary. We generally write Monday – Friday and if we are going in with another artist we tend to try and prep an idea or start of a song. That way there is something to build from. It also gives us a safety net in case the awkward silence strikes!
If you could have any artist feature on a ‘aboutagirl’ track, who would you pick and why?
T- Frank Ocean. The songs and the feeling in them are like nothing else. A lot of artists come and go but he’ll never be forgotten.
What would be the theme tune of your life?
L- Elegy – Leif Vollebekk
We’re all at home right now during this crisis, what are you doing to stay productive?
T- Right now it’s pretty much; wake up drink coffee, write a song, get drunk and watch a series in the evening. That’s it. On repeat. Bring on week 7!
