Artist Interview: Heaton
This week, DropTheBeat SD friend Matt Lawrence, better known as CATALUXX, interviewed U.K. singer/songwriter Heaton. Heaton‘s new track “Never Gonna Fall“ produced by Damien Boss, was released today, August 8th. CATALUXX, whose remix appears on the EP, and Heaton discussed music backgrounds, influences, and plans for the future.
CATALUXX: Where are you based?
Heaton: I moved to Manchester just over 10 years ago, but grew up in a town called St Helens closer to Liverpool.
CATALUXX: What first got you into music?
Heaton: I had a love of music from a very early age and performed all the time, much to the dismay of my family at times. I am an 80′s baby and grew up with the PWL sound, which might explain my pop sensibilities.
CATALUXX: How long have you been singing? Have you had formal training?
Heaton: My first experience of singing in public would have been around age 9 on holiday with my family. I won a few talent competitions in my teens but started writing and recording my own stuff when I was 15. I had some private piano lessons but became more interested in writing my own material than performing other’s.
CATALUXX: How did you end up working with Damien Boss?
Heaton: We met on Soundcloud after I messaged him about this very track. I get sent quite a few tracks from musicians, which is brilliant. Sometimes things work and sometimes they don’t. It can be very nerve racking pouring your heart out on somebody’s track as they could hate what you have done. Thankfully Damien didn’t hate and the rest is history.
CATALUXX: Who are your favorite producers?
Heaton: Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Frankmusik, and Steve Anderson.
CATALUXX: Who are you favorite singers/influences?
Heaton: Ahhhh too many to mention. Adele is amazing and I am loving how each and every one of her tracks works just as well (if not better) as a dance track. My favorite bands are The Hurts, Pet Shop Boys, and The Killers.
CATALUXX: Who would you like to work with in the future?
Heaton: I am working with some amazing people right now and all of them I have met online. I am still recording the new album (am about half way through) but after that I wouldn’t mind recording some kind of duet or something really different.
CATALUXX: What is your biggest success so far musically?
Heaton: My Computer Music album had a great response. I notched up an amazing 5 mp3 number ones and over 10,000 downloads of the track “Let It Go.” I think my proudest moment though was 2 years ago when I performed, to over 5,000 people in Manchester, with my friend and long time producer Alan Burke. It was very special.
CATALUXX: What can we expect from Heaton in the future?
Heaton: Well a new album is definitely on the way. I feel like I have found my feet now with my new sound and really want to showcase this with some more material. Next year I hope to do some more live stuff maybe some festivals and club spots.
CATALUXX: What track or artist do you currently have on repeat?
Heaton: ”Changed The Way You Kissed Me” by Example. I cannot stop playing this track. I wished I had written it and sang it myself. I even like the rap and I’m not usually a rap fan. Love it!
Make sure to buy your copy of “Never Gonna Fall” on iTunes or Amazon MP3.
Website: http://heatonmusic.com/
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/heatonmusic
