Having already made a huge impression with his highly-praised singles ‘Smoke Without Fire’, and Bad Sounds collaboration ‘See You Soon’ in recent months, which were supported by Jack Saunders’ on his BBC Radio 1 show, BBC Radio 2’s Jo Whiley, BBC 6Music’s Shaun Keavney, and Radio X’s Jon Kennedy, as well as landing with online tastemakers Wonderland, The Independent, Under The Radar, SPIN and many more, VC Pines has now returned to release his eagerly-awaited new EP ‘Concrete’, alongside the new single ‘Compared To Someone Else’.

Following on from his 2020 collection ‘Skully’, ‘Concrete’ is more of a reflection of his environment after finding himself locked down in the capital over the last year. The months spent in isolation gave him more of a nostalgic and personal outlook on the world, which he ended up channelling into his latest EP.

The release’s final single ‘Compared To Someone Else’ follows a similar vein to his previously shared cuts, conjuring up more of his smooth and intoxicating demeanour. With its shimmering and soulful direction, this new effort sees him in a more heartfelt guise, looking back on past relationships and revisiting the pain of them ending. The track was written with Dan D’Lion, Produced by Jonathan Quarmby and mixed by Bad Sounds.

VC Pines sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

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

It stemmed from finding my dads old CDs which were all Motown/Soul like Marvin Gaye, Bobby Womack, Isaac Hayes and then a huge collection of Punk like Iggy Pop, The Stranglers, The Clash etc so I grew up on this weird mix of smooth and sharp sounds. Then when I was at school around 10 I discovered Outkast and the Love Below Album. I didn’t know what the fuck I was listening to but it blew my mind. It was kind of like the old CDs all thrown together? It was also the first album I’d discovered on my own which made it feel more special and unique to me

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

Nick Hakim, Badbadnotgood, Tyler The Creator, Kanye West, Andre 3000, Josh Homme.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?

It’s weird, it took locking down for me to realise how important collaborating with different producers/artists is. So that was definitely an issue, when you’re throwing ideas at the wall over a zoom its fucking deflating. But it made the ends of lockdowns all the more glorious.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Alternative Soul.

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

Either playing Reading & Leeds OR the BBC Maida Vale session I had with the Violet Collective. Both all down to the BBC Introducing London team so thanks guys.

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

Don’t do it!!! Nah I’m joking, but just know that it takes a lot of time… Years to get to where you want to be. Unless you’re happy to disappear as quickly as you blew up cos that shit’s inevitable.

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

Xenia Rubinos, Paul Stephan, St.illwell, Yaya Bey.

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

Nick Hakim - WTMMG, Action Bronson - Only For Dolphins, Sly & the Family Stone - There’s A Riot Goin’ On

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

Going for walkies, Cooking food, Doing Karate, and telling myself I need to make music.

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

My notepad, My guitar and my phone.

Photo Credit: Joe Hunt