Mr Cutts - Interview & Carriage 8 Album Drop

Today, renowned London based super-producer and songwriter Owen Cutts releases his much anticipated debut solo album ‘Mr Cutts -Carriage 8’ on Project Melody Music following his work with an array of exciting artists and recent solo singles, ‘Weekdays’ and ‘I Wish It Would Rain’. Over a year in the making, ‘Carriage 8’ sees Owen step out on his own from behind the scenes and come in to his own moniker, ‘Mr Cutts’, filling the 8 track album with his signature sound heard on some our favourite artists tracks as well as showcasing his peak talent and ability to chop and mix the most-hardest-to-find old soul record samples with re-imagining head nodding beats, instead calling on new instrumentations played by his musician and producer friends including Tobbie Tripp (Tom Misch guitarist/string arranger) Fred Cox (Rag N Bone Man, Grace Carter) and Phil Simmonds (Jessie J, Leona Lewis, Conrad Sewell).

We sat down with Owen to chat about Mr Cutts - Carriage 8.

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

From a very young age I was exposed to all kinds of music. My parents took me to world music folk festivals. My dad would play me the Beatles. Long car journeys listening to tapes. I think being around so many different genres just sparked my love, knowing there was almost an endless amount to discover.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

My sounds is very much made up of people I'm trying to be I think. From the Beatles to Wu Tang. DJ Premier, J Dilla, Al Green, Alchemist, Isaac Hayes, Kaytranada. I'm just trying to be like them. I'd love to work with Frank Ocean, he just seems to be consistently brilliant. I'd love to be around that.

3. Your new album 'Carriage 8' is out today following over 10 years of producing for some of the biggest artists in the UK. What was the inspiration behind it and were there were any hurdles with making it, due to Covid 19 or otherwise?

You wouldn't believe me if I told you the whole story of how many times this album never came out and none of them to do with covid. If you love the album and ever bump into me I'll tell you everything. For now I'm just thrilled it’s out. As a producer you always make beats you just can't give away. Maybe they remind you of someone or the sample has sentimental value. I don't know. These beats started to tell a story and I just needed to add to it.

4. How would you describe your sound?

For me this is a soul record. Straight up. People think it's a hip hop record but for me it's not. In my mind I make soul music.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

One of my proudest moments was DJ’ing with DJ Premier. He's one of my idols and one of the greatest producers of all time. That was crazy. As a producer it has to be recording HERs vocal for the Stormzy tune One Second . She was just mesmeric. I couldn't believe she was singing my words on my beat.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Just keep going. Don't stop. Don't drop off. Blind Faith. Connect with people in a genuine way, not in a way that has ulterior motives. Build a network of people that are all in it together. Learn to hear 'No' and practice your craft.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

Yeah! Willie J Healy, JGrrey, FARR, 18YOMAN, Kojaque.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Kiwanuka. Thats it. Incredible album.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I love sports. Football and tennis mainly. I also like going on drives.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when you're in the studio?

Tea, My laptop and Inspiration.

Words - Ed Lindsay