I recently got an opportunity to interview I Forget Myself– a South African born, Hong Kong based musician, famous for his contribution in the field of alternative rock. Although his seventh studio album Some Err then Winter is a new release, it’s becoming apparent that this man is a fortunately growing musician who is also a talented multi-instrumentalist and producer.
First of all, what made me most surprised during our discussion was the fact that I Forget Myself is a combination of various kinds of music. He’s going to be combining punk, metal, and good old hard rock with the style that will sound familiar and new at the same time. It may not be the easiest task to accomplish, though he does a splendid job at it.
We got to talk about the making of “Some Err then Winter,” and I was curious to learn more about his process. Songs like the “Osmanthus” and “Sweetness” one really illustrate how he is capable of creating such intricate and strong pieces. His contemporary music style has a depth that forces the listener to listen again and again just to pick new elements.
Another interesting topic of discussion that I wanted to explore was his work with Kyle Reece Williams on drums for an extended period of time. There is no doubt that this collaboration gives more depth to the musicality and makes it appear thicker and richer. What I could clearly decipher underneath, both in the song and in our conversation, is the raw spirit of I Forget Myself: the unapologetic pursuit of the avant-garde.
For him, formula does not suffice – all his albums seem to indicate that he is progressing forward through experimenting with different tunes. In a general note, for lovers of the genre of alternative rock and who are tiring of the usual tunes, “Some Err then Winter” is a good tune to listen to. It is a perfect example of how modern rock music can be aggressive and introspective at the same time.
They are worth keeping an eye on because no one would ignore talent and unique creativity as shown by I Forget Myself. By the time the band is recording their seventh album, the man’s not tired or complacent to take risks. I’m looking forward to seeing what he does next.
Listen to Some Err then Winter
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What is your stage nameI Forget Myself.
Is there a story behind your stage name?I put my music before everything, who I am is irrelevant in a fame-obsessed world.
Where do you find inspiration?I generate my own inspiration and consistently challenge myself to be better.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?I played in punk bands as a teenager, was in a signed post-hardcore band and taught music in my twenties, music has always had a special and important place in my life.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?Yes, almost every family member on my maternal side is musical in some way.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?If you’d like your music to be heard then participation is not really a choice.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?I took lessons for a few years, first in rock guitar and later in jazz bass.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?It’s difficult to remember exactly but I do remember vividly watching Seether as a young teenager at a tiny local club in Johannesburg where we are both originally from, when they had a different name and before they blew up.
How could you describe your music?Modern rock infused with elements of alternative, punk, metal and other sub-genres of rock at times.
Describe your creative process.I usually write a song from start to finish in one sitting.
What is your main inspiration?To have as many people hear and enjoy my music.
What musician do you admire most and why?Any musician who can make a living playing music, as it is becoming increasingly infeasible.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?Sure, take a listen to my seven albums over the last four years and you will clearly hear that evolution.
Who do you see as your main competitor?I don’t see anyone as competition, all professional musicians are kindred spirits to me.
What are your interests outside of music?Regular stuff like exercise, hiking, reading, painting, studying, gaming, travelling. Same as everyone else I guess.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?I have an actual career in a completely different field as music alone sadly can’t sustain the majority of artists today.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?The oversaturation of the industry and hobby bands releasing thousands of songs per day obscuring professional work.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?Artists should be paid much more by streaming services and make 99% of the profit, with the providers perhaps taking a maximum of 1% of earning, when in reality it’s the inverse.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?Why not. The title doesn’t really matter over the music.
What are your plans for the coming months?Promote my current release and work on new music, business as usual.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plansI am still collaborating with long-time friend and incredible session drummer Kyle Reece Williams.
What message would you like to give to your fans?I write, record, produce and promote everything myself. This is no small task. Through word of mouth, I hope those who enjoy my music will actively share it with their friends who may have similar tastes in music and more visibly show their support for my work on social media.
