CURTIS YATES JUST RELEASED A NEW TRACK AND WE'RE PRETTY NOSEY OVER HERE AT WIZARD WATER, WE THOUGHT WE'D DIVE RIGHT IN.
In this interview, we sit down with Australian singer-songwriter Curtis Yates, who is making his mark in the music world with his debut self-titled EP. Curtis shares his journey from being a passionate singer to stepping into the spotlight as an emerging artist. With his deep, emotive voice and a collection of songs that resonate with authenticity and raw emotion, Curtis is determined to carve out his place in the industry. Join us as we delve into the stories behind his music, the challenges of navigating the industry independently, and what’s next for this promising new artist.
TRACK REVIEW
"It's a Heartache" by Curtis Yates immediately draws you in with its intriguing introduction, where the keys set a mysterious and inviting tone. As the song progresses, you’re hit with a Talking Heads-inspired vocal delivery that effortlessly pulls you into the emotional space Curtis has crafted. The instrumentation works together seamlessly, building a sense of suspense that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The line "It's a heartache" is undeniably catchy, striking at just the right moments to leave a lasting impression. There’s an infectious energy in this track that even hints at the style of Australian producers The Potbelleez, blending a classic vibe with a modern twist. Curtis Yates has created a track that’s not only engaging but also showcases his ability to merge influences into something uniquely his own.
Your debut self-titled EP is now out on all streaming platforms. Can you tell us about the journey that led to its creation and what inspired the songs on this project?
Yes, absolutely, great question. Growing up, I always loved singing and knew I had a talent for it, but I never took it seriously. In 2019, I was doing a diploma in the music industry, a year before COVID hit. That year, I wasn’t in a good mental space—I was extremely emotional and even suicidal. I remember one day in class when half the students weren’t there, my teacher, Grant Walmsley, the lead guitarist of The Screaming Jets who wrote the song "Better," gave us a task to write a song. At that point, I never considered myself a songwriter—honestly, I still don’t. But I ended up writing lyrics in 12 minutes; it just poured out of me because I was so pissed off. I didn’t know how I did it, but when I finished, I showed the lyrics to Grant, and he said they were great. I was quite surprised with myself because I thought the lyrics were good too. So, I kept them. Three years later, I got scouted by a music mob in Sydney. I took the lyrics down with me just in case, and they liked them. The song was originally called "Heart-Broken," but it’s now called "It’s A Heartache," which is on my EP. It’s one of my favoUrite songs on the EP because it means so much to me, especially since it’s the first song I’ve ever written and recorded.
As an emerging artist, what has been the most challenging part of trying to break into the music industry, and how do you stay motivated to keep pursuing your dream?
Definitely trying to get in contact with the right people, like major record labels, music management, A&R people, and music producers. I’m also finding it challenging because I’m not very tech-savvy and don’t have a massive social media following, which hasn’t worked in my favor. Through research, I’ve recently discovered that major record labels typically don’t take on artists unless they have a huge social media following. It’s also tough because all the major labels don’t accept unsolicited material. I have heaps of demos ready to go, but I know they won’t listen to them because they won’t reach the people I want to hear my music.
You’ve mentioned that your EP has depth and integrity that often gets lost in modern comparisons. How do you maintain authenticity in your music, and what message do you hope to convey through your songs?
I believe in staying true to yourself and showing all your emotions—being your true self as a person. That authenticity will show in your work as an artist, and people will be able to relate to your music. Personally, I’m very easygoing, down-to-earth, hardworking, and someone who knows what they want in life and as an artist. I definitely think that shows in my EP.
Your cover of "The Sound of Silence" (Disturbed version) has gained significant traction on social media. What drew you to this particular song, and how did you approach making it your own?
I’ve always liked Disturbed’s cover of the song. Over the years, people have said that my voice would suit it because I have such a deep voice. It wasn’t until my dad suggested I sing it while I was in Sydney to record, when we were running out of options for what I could record, that I decided to give it a shot. I wanted something that would truly show off my voice, and I think I really did the song justice.
With over 20,000 streams on your song "It’s A Heartache," how does it feel to see your music resonate with listeners, and what do you think it is about this track that has connected with so many people?
It means the absolute world to me. I still can’t believe I have an EP out on Spotify, and I also can’t believe I co-wrote all six songs. I think people can relate to the lyrics because we’ve all experienced heartache at some point in our lives. I also think people appreciate the unique sound of my song and my deep, operatic voice.
You’re currently working on a side project with six new demos that you consider your best work yet. Can you give us a glimpse into the themes or sounds that fans can expect from these new songs?
Yes, that’s correct. The new demos include big power ballads, in the style of artists like Adele, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, and Barbra Streisand, all with an operatic ballad style. I can’t wait for the songs to be heard, and I even have one track that’s a complete dance/disco number.
What has your experience been like managing your music career independently, and how are you navigating the process of seeking management and a record deal?
It’s been extremely hard without getting any help, not gonna lie, but at the same time, it’s also very rewarding. This journey just makes me want to work harder and keep going.
Social media plays a big role in the modern music industry. How are you using your platforms to build your fan base, and what advice would you give to other new artists who are just starting out?
It sure does, and unfortunately, I’m not tech-savvy, which hasn’t helped me one bit. I’m trying, but my social media is definitely lacking compared to everything else. I find social media a bit overwhelming, and I don’t know where to start, what to post, when to post, or how to post properly.
Without any tours currently scheduled, how are you planning to keep your audience engaged and build momentum for your music?
I’m trying to keep my audience engaged by promoting my EP on my Facebook music page. I have 1,000 followers on Facebook, which I’m stoked about, and I’m also currently trying to get more streams on Spotify.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next phase of your music career, and how do you plan to continue growing as an artist?
My goal is to build my social media presence, continue writing lyrics, record more music, and release it on streaming services. I’m also aiming to get signed to a major record label and find management, as I really need help and guidance with my career. Right now, I’m just going with the flow and seeing where this journey takes me.
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