Singer-songwriter Pompey chatted about his new single “I’m Scared,” and being a part of the digital age.
The song is a track from his new LP “I’m Scared,” which will be released on September 15th.
The tune is a swelling ballad that explores one’s fears and the debilitating emotional paralysis that accompanies them.
How did “I’m Scared” come about?
I’m Scared is a collection of songs that I wrote as the pandemic restrictions were fading away.
Each song came from a different place but they were all written while getting used to seeing what felt like unprecedented horrors on my phone every day for five years.
They are the result of me trying to find some sort of comfort or way to get through each day.
What inspires your music and songwriting?
I think my bio somewhere on the Internet says “I just write songs to make myself feel better” and that’s really the truth. I write because writing makes me happy.
My songs are not about happy topics usually but I try really hard to have some sort of hopeful or at least accepting twist.
How did you approach the song selection process for your upcoming album?\
I actually recorded most of these songs while I was live on TikTok. I’ve been going live and playing through as many songs as I can each night, usually until I can’t really keep my eyes open anymore, most nights for the past few years.
So when it was time to start thinking about recording, I set up some microphones and went live on TikTok as usual, pretending the mics weren’t there. I did that for two nights and then chose the songs that had the best performances.
The last two songs on the album were recorded a couple months later, almost immediately after writing them, live in a room with some old friends who I don’t get to play with that often. I sort of hijacked a different recording sessions for those two.
What do your plans for the future include?
I have a record launch show in Montreal, September 27th as part of Pop Montreal and a show October 2 in Toronto.
After that, no real plans except to keep writing and recording music. I’m pretty bad at planning ahead. I find it scary. Who knows what future Pompey will want to do.
How does it feel to be an artist in the digital age?
It’s weird I guess but it is also amazing. But also so scary. I’m very grateful for the internet and my (severe?) addiction to my phone.
It has given me so much and I guess I don’t know what it’s taken from me. I guess it’s not how I want to live the rest of my life but for now, it seems to be working or something.
Which artists would you like to do a dream collab with someday?
That’s a hard question! I’m so lucky to get to collaborate with some of my favourite artists already, especially my partner, Thanya Iyer.
We’ve been playing music together for almost 15 years now and it’s still so special. But if I had to choose some strangers, the two that pop into my head are longtime musical heroes of mine, Adrianne Lenker and Bill Frisell.
Adrianne Lenker is the reason I write songs, I’ve had a few songwriting phases in my life that didn’t last.
This most recent one seems to be lasting and was inspired by a 2020 obsession with her music that has only grown.
Her songs feel like magic to me. Bill Frisell is the reason I started playing guitar.
What is your advice for young and emerging artists?
It has to be fun. I love playing music more than anything else in the world (except people, I think people are more important than music) but there’s nothing that can make it worth it to pursue this terrifying career if you’re not having fun.
That’s probably not true to some people but that’s been my guiding light for the past 20 years of playing music and it took awhile but it’s what brought me here.
Also, I don’t think it’s important to try and find your voice because I think it’s actually impossible to sound like anyone else than yourself.
What would you like to say to your fans about your new music?
I hope that it brings them some comfort! Also, I get lots of comments online saying “don’t be sad” or “I hope you’re okay.”
I’m terrible at replying but the reality is that I’m not really sad overall and I am okay, mostly thanks to this music that I get to create and put into the world.
“I’m Scared” is available for pre-order on digital service providers by clicking here.
To learn more about Pompey and his music, follow him on Instagram and TikTok.
