This week's student musician of the week is University of Glamorgan third year student, Simon Parton, who is studying BA Hons in Popular Music. He was on hand to answer some of Huffington Post UK's questions.
How long have you been playing?
I started playing guitar when I was 7 as my father is a guitar teacher. I then began writing and playing as a singer songwriter when I was 12. I then started combining electronics within my songs during A levels when I was 16.
What genre of music do you play?
I guess you could say it's inspired by a lot of EDM music at the moment but I guess it's all centred around guitars, song-writing and reverb. Lots and lots of reverb.
Why did you start playing?
I grew up surrounded by music, listening to bands such as Radiohead, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles & Jeff Buckley, and as my dad is a guitar teacher I've always been playing. My dad is the biggest inspiration to my playing I guess, but I play and write songs mainly because it makes me feel good (sounds pretty selfish haha) but I like to write about things that are really important to me, and if people like it then that's a bonus!
What’s your most memorable musical moment?
There's been so many... I guess recording, producing and releasing my 2 EPs independently have been highlights, especially collaborating with many talented people for my second EP. Also gaining a support slot for Cloud Boat after seeing them support James Blake was pretty cool...
What’s your dream?
Obviously to make a sustained living through music would be incredible. As well as writing music I'm working towards becoming a music therapist as well, so a combination of the two could be cool. For anyone to listen to my music and enjoy it is the dream I guess.
Who’s your idol and who would you most compare yourself to? (Dead or alive...)
I suppose Jeff Buckley if anyone. There's so many people that I admire but I think that he was one of the biggest losses to the music industry. I take a lot from Jeff Buckley, including guitar playing and lyrics, he's a real inspiration to me.
(Credit: Rachel Grace Williams)
If you could play with anyone, who would it be?
Radiohead. By far they are my favourite band. To play with them would be incredible. I've heard that their writing style is just jamming out songs until they sound good, so to be a part of that writing process or to even play with them would be amazing.
If you could play at any festival, which would it be?
After just coming back from Glastonbury it has to be there. It was amazing. There were so many people there and it had such a good vibe. Otherwise, to play at WOMAD would be cool. There's lots of incredible music there too.
Who are your fans?
Anyone that likes my music I guess! haha!
What’s your all time favourite song?
Grace by Jeff Buckley - The most incredible song ever written (in my opinion of course!)
Check out his website:simonparton.bandcamp.com
Follow him on Twitter:@simonparton
Like him on Facebook: simonpartonuk
