DD Somehow, I didn’t notice until very recently that you are from Ireland. I haven’t been there yet, what is it like? Does that environment shape your music?
BG It’s great here. I’m from a small town called Fethard, steeped in Medieval history and architecture. It absolutely shapes my music, I would say – especially the ambient tracks. A recent one I recorded called “The Green” from Ten Pearls is from an early memory of a street here of the same name. It’s where my grandparents lived. The often drab weather, and scenery set off ideas for sure!
DD And where does your artist name come from?
…the name Bart had me thinking of The Simpsons a bit.
BG The artist name is from a friend of mine who suggested it. I was looking for something that sounds kinda 80s, or retro, or whatever, and Bart Graft kinda stuck. š
Kinda rhymes with arts & and crafts haha.
DD I see:)) Your ambient tracks are some of my favorites so far. On the more energetic side, I especially love “Hello World” and “Computer Age”.
What are some of your earliest and most memorable experiences with music?
BG “Hello World” & “Computer Age” were heavily inspired by 80’s Library Music. Wanted to get that high-energy, sorta cheesy sound, and keep them somewhat technical also! I was a staunch metalhead when I was younger, listening to Metallica & Pantera etc…which slowly evolved into more melodic metal in Type O Negative.
I bought Zappa’s album “Cheap Thrills” one day because I kept seeing the cover art whenever I was browsing for music. Threw it on the stereo that evening and I couldn’t stop laughing. The absurdist humour with the ridiculously technical music just threw me… I remember specifically after hearing the “Hot Plate Heaven at the Green Hotel” guitar solo, I couldn’t make sense of it. It was my first time hearing modal playing. I loved it so much. That solo alone made me start playing guitar more than the bass I began with…
That same year I bought Jane’s Addiction’s “Ritual de lo habitual” and after hearing that, I knew I had to start making music. It was the perfect album and sound.
DD I see, rad:))
I’ve only recently gone all the way back and started listening from the beginning of your Bandcamp page. Did something really click or inspire you around 2015 when the first release came out? it seems like you’ve had a huge amount of releases in a short period.
BG For sure yeah, I just had a huge amount of ideas I wanted to explore musically. It was all a learning period as much as it was creatively prolific. I was learning the chops with production & songwriting, and the best way to document it was to release my work, I felt.
I remember the early releases were massively inspired by Scritti Politti and Prince. I was probably addicted to creating music. š I just had an almost overwhelming amount of ideas and drive to create.
DD And are you more self taught and/or have you studied in more of a university way?
Also, when I listen to your music it often sounds like a band, but if I’m correct all of the music comes from you solely. Is their a purposeful aim for a larger kind of sound overall?
BG I’m fully self-taught on everything. I genuinely have very little theory knowledge. It’s all a result of years and years of intuitively learning music by ear. Yes! I record everything. The aim is definitely to get a huge sound. I tried to stylize the production quality on Pink Floyd’s “A Momentary Lapse of Reason” – Huge, spacious, reverb-drenched sounds. Almost like a sonic vista of sorts. I think having good drum tracks determines the quality of the song…Like the old saying “A band is only as good as its drummer.”
DD Have you ever and/or would you like to soundtrack films?
For me, your music is very visual. It’s very easy for me to listen to your music, and imagine some kind of scene playing out in my head.
BG Yep, I’ve worked on a few short films before. “Meat is Murder”, “Word of Mouth” with directors Ben Kavanagh and Luke Murphy. I’ve also worked with Bogus Films on their short “Softcore”.
All amazing experiences. I would absolutely love to write more music for film and would jump on any opportunity to do so. Vangelis, Angelo Badalamenti, and Thomas Newman are all huge musical influences on me.
That’s amazing to hear also, Jimi. Very glad it inspire visuals for you!
DD Sweet:))
Did you have a Bandcamp listening party recently, for ‘Jewel in the Crown‘? I was there!
Also curious how you first connected with the Business Casual label? They have a gigantic collection of releases.
BG Yeah man, Business Casual threw a listening party for ‘Jewel in the Crown’. I put one on for Ten Pearls also!
I was always a fan of Business Casual and what John does over there. Jerome over at the Become Eternal label actually suggested I should send in a demo, so I did and they approved it. Was really cool working with BC!
DD I just watched your music video for ‘Unending Desire‘ that came out recently. How did that come together, is this all original footage?
BG I’ve been spending more time lately developing my albums, and Unending Desire is the next release which I’ll hopefully get out early Summer. The music video is from a Hirokazu Kore-eda film called After Life (1998), he also directed Maborosi which I used clips from in the “Form on White” video!
DD Excellent, do you have any regular disciplines or routines that help you stay sharp creatively?
Also curious how many instruments you play, and if you sing as well?
BG I find just listening to new music sets off my creativity usually. I like to look at art also. Some paintings immediately spark ideas! It’s weird, but it works for me! I usually just browse Wikiart.
I play, bass, guitar, piano mainly. I don’t sing at all – probably have the worst singing voice of all time, not a note in my head. š
DD And what is your favorite thing about being an artist? and is there something that seems to be the most challenging?
BG I think creating art is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever experienced. I love the opportunity it grants us to share ideas with the rest of the world. I think creating art is almost meditative, in the sense that it improves your overall well-being as a person.
It can be challenging to articulate some ideas, but that’s the fun of it. It’s hard work, and it pays off when it comes together! The challenges help me grow as a musician and artist and I welcome them.
DD I love that, thank you for sharing. I’m also curious if you perform live? I can imagine some pretty wild shows..
BG I don’t perform live at the moment at all man! I reckon I’d need a band to get the sound right. š
Possibly someday though! I would like to!
Bart Graft
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– Jimi Jaxon
dd 