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Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with London based artist Lewis Edwards to find out more…

Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I’m from Hertfordshire and currently based in London. My earliest memory of music is going through my parents’ music rack full of CD’s. Placing them in one by one, lots of music I shouldn’t of been listening to at the time, and reading the sleeve hoping to find lyrics in the booklets. I would then plug a microphone into the sound system and attempt to mimic the singers that I heard on the records. From then on I went to college to study music and then university to further my knowledge. Once I finished university I began work as a solo artist releasing music independently.

Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
My biggest influences growing up were Maxwell, one of my favourite albums was Urban Hang Suite!
D’Angelo, Erykah Badu and the whole neo-soul movement. I also loved contemporary R&B such as Donell Jones and Usher. Now I would say artists like Frank Ocean, Bon Iver and James Blake are my biggest influences.

How would you describe your sound?
How I would describe it is Indie Soul. Elements of contemporary R&B, folk and pop. I love to create minimalist soundscapes and layer vocals on them to create an atmospheric and soulful sound. I like experimenting with sounds and the two EP’s I have released, ‘Till We Meet Again’ and ‘Until Next Summer’ show this.

What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
“If I Couldn’t” is my latest single, it’s about the challenges of balancing personal commitments with the pursuit of my music career.

I was going through a testing time being a new father and not feeling like I could be there for friends and family like I used to be as I have a new family I need to care and provide for. The song is about reminding those who I can’t always be in contact with or see them as much as I used to when I didn’t have commitments, a music career I’m persuing, that I care just as much as I always have and that ‘If I Couldn’t’ be that for you I hope you find it somehow, whether through another person, yourself or other avenues. The second verse delves into my own struggles and not able to be there mentally for you as I have too much on my plate to take on other peoples’ issues. It’s not that I don’t care I can’t be what you needed right now.

What’s your local music scene like?
The London music constantly produces new talent, new sounds and there is always new musicians to collaborate with. That is one of my main focuses this year to collaborate and make as much music as possible.

What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
Making as much music as possible. Collaborating with local artists, live shows and continuing to build on the work I have been doing for the last few years. Finding an audience that loves the music I make.

Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
I would love to collaborate with artists I grew up listening but for current artists I would say James Blake, Dijon, Sampha who are similar in style. British artists I would love to work with are Jamie xx, and Cleo Sol.

Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
I was previously in a Rock band as a singer when I was younger. The complete to the music I make now but I feel that shaped me as a vocalist and helped me discover my sound now.

What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
An independent artist that makes music because I love to do it. I try to create music which you can live with, to create memories with and to make you feel something.

Upcoming live dates and performances
None have been announced but to keep an eye out on 1ewisedwards.com as some are being announced in the near future.

You can find out more about Lewis on his website or via Apple Music, Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, Threads, TikTok, X (Twitter) or YouTube.