Interview with Vocalist Helen Johnson of Powderhead (UK)

June 25, 2020

Interview with Vocalist Helen Johnson of Powderhead (UK)

By Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello, Helen! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.

Helen Johnson: Thank you for the opportunity, always love chatting music!

CV: Critics have begun to imply that what's missing in the music world today is integrity, which some equate to originality. Do you agree this is an issue? Is originality for an artist something that is not present in today’s music?

HJ: We play with and watch hundreds of ‘grassroots’ bands each year and are frequently blown away by the talent and unique sounds out there. It’s perhaps less evident in the mainstream, but even there we see some bands interpreting the Rock and Metal genres in a completely different way. Perhaps it’s less common than it used to be to see originality in the mainstream, and this is an issue in and of itself, but this to me isn’t due to a lack of it existing in the music world, it just doesn’t always get the exposure it deserves.

CV: Does having a female presence in the band offer a different perspective with regards to music interpretation and fan appeal?

HJ: The band works as one and for us, gender is irrelevant. It is also not something we promote or focus on, instead concentrating on the music and live shows, which are the elements that appeal to the majority of our fan base.

CV: Show business is often all about the “show”. In your opinion, has the music taken a back seat level of importance compared to an artist's image and notoriety...or has it always been this way...image first, music second?

HJ: The two seem to go hand in hand. A band’s image, artwork, theme etc. can often be a factor in whether a listener will even give the band a chance. That being said, once a listener takes that chance, the music has to hold its own, so the quality has to be there. If I don’t connect with a band’s music, their image will not change that. For me, the live performance has a massive impact on my impression of a band. One of the things I love most about Rock and Metal is the energy, authenticity and passion in the live performance. That is when I really feel I connect…or not, with a band and their music. As a band, our passion is for the live shows and writing new music.

CV: There are definitely those PR and marketing execs who feel that without a striking image or some visually enticing element to capture the attention of an audience, an artist’s music alone is not enough to build a career on. Is this something you would agree with and is this “image over music” concept really something audiences really desire?

HJ: For me, the music trumps the image, but I recognize that with the prevalence of social media and saturation of imagery, it’s more important than ever to stand out visually. Audiences often like to be consumed, not only by the music, but the idea of a band, their life, their values etc., which can be presented as easily through images and performance as it can through the lyrics and feel of the music. It’s particularly crucial these days to have the full package, which is difficult for musicians starting out who wish to focus on the music and don’t necessarily have PR and marketing execs to deal with that side of things!

CV: What do you feel is something bands can afford not to do when it comes to building their brand name and having their music heard? Is there anything Powderhead would consider off limits?

HJ: For Powderhead, one of the most important things is that we believe in the music we are producing. If we had to start formulating our songs in a particular way or sticking to particular topics in our lyrics, that, for us, would be off limits. If the band doesn’t believe in the music, how can an audience believe in it? Again, we’re on the lines of style over substance and the line has to be drawn somewhere. We put a lot of passion into our performances and without that belief behind the music, the passion just couldn’t be found.

CV: How do you look at change? Is it something you embrace as an artist or is it a tough mold to break?

HJ: Most of the members of Powderhead have been playing in bands for 15-25 years. Even in that reasonably short timeframe, we have each seen the music scene and industry change immensely. Whether we think it’s for the better or worse, or even if we hold some nostalgia for how things used to be, we’re all aware of how important it is to embrace change and adapt. Nothing is particularly easy as a grassroots band and adapting to change is just another one of the challenges. It’s the passion that keeps you going and that will ensure you persevere! I personally love the fact that vinyl has come back as a real treasured item for fans of contemporary bands. Powderhead’s second album is currently in production and we’re very keen to release this not only on digital platforms and CD, but also on vinyl with full artwork.

CV: In your opinion, can an artist change with the times and still remain true to themselves and to their core beliefs and still be successful?

HJ: I think so. As times change, so do people, society, the world etc. The majority of bands take inspiration from the here and now, even if looking back on events and feelings, we’re looking back with current eyes and our interpretation is affected by the now. Even the retro is only so because of the now. I think if you believe in the music you’re producing and remain true to your core beliefs, you will maintain an irresistible authenticity, but if you lose your path in trying to keep up with the current popular trend, you’re sure to lose your audience. You have to adapt, but always remember what you set out to achieve.

Since Powderhead’s conception in 2015, we have been on a journey of exploration, founded in the core beliefs we started with, that has resulted in the more focused sound we feel best represents the band. For us, the upcoming second album captures the true ‘Powderhead’ sound and is one we will continue to develop for future albums.

CV: Why do you think so many artists and bands tend to neglect, or even reject, the business side of music? Why is “business” a dirty word to many?

HJ: That always seems to be the case with art. Artists generally like to focus on the art and the thought of monetizing it is almost demeaning; it gives it a set value and rejects the ethereal quality it previously had. Music is no different from any other art form in that sense. There is also the fact that musicians are just that, musicians, and are not always business minded, so it is easy to neglect that side simply because it is out of the comfort zone.

CV: Is there a way bands can maintain their artistic passions and beliefs and still be effective business individuals and properly manage their careers?

HJ: I’d say by creating a network of people you trust, with skills in specific areas and an appreciation of the band’s goals and beliefs, and who can manage certain aspects of the ‘business’. This lets the musicians be musicians and focus their efforts on the music. Of course, most bands starting out do not have the funds to have a large team outside the band on board! With Powderhead it’s constantly a careful balancing act of ensuring enough time goes into making the music, while sharing the efforts of the business side and outsourcing where we can.

CV: What’s next for Powderhead?

HJ: We’re currently looking forward to releasing and touring the second album. This was planned for this Autumn, but may be pushed back a bit due to the lockdown restrictions. For us it’s all about the live gigs, so we’ll look to continue our relentless gigging around the UK and hopefully further afield into Europe. And in between all that, we’ll be looking to start writing for the third album!! Expect to see plenty more from Powderhead!

CV: Thank you again Helen for spending some time talking and sharing with
our readers. I wish you all the best and continued success.
HJ: Thank you!

Check out Powederhead at:
Official: https://www.powderheadband.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/powderheadband/

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.