HUGH Reilly-Smith is the latest song writing talent to emerge from Brighton’s BIMM institute. CHRIS MIDDLETON sat down with him to talk about his latest single Lost On You, university life and being a Brighton musician.

So Lost On You is the latest single. What’s the story behind the song?

It’s quite narrative in the way it’s written – I had that approach when writing it. There’s a plot twist at the end and it was written with that in mind. There’s no real meaning behind it; it’s just constructed around an idea. It’s whatever you make of it really. I think that’s the easiest way for it to be.

It has been featured on the BIMM album. How did you find the experience? Was this your first professional recording?

I’d done the recording before with Lost On You for the BIMM album. I had the song recorded already that I’d done in my bedroom. Steve Mac the producer then got involved and made it sounds a lot prettier and nicer, which was extremely useful to have.

The live video is just you on your own. Do you have a full band yet?

I can do the solo thing and some songs do aid that approach but I think it can be quite limited and I aim to be working with a band. I’ve just put a band together and hopefully by September we’ll be able to go out and do some gigs.

What’s next for you, any more releases/shows coming up soon?

Lost On You is online on Spotify and on the BIMM album. That’s the big thing I’m plugging at the moment. I don’t have a lot of gigs lined up but around September we’ll have a few more lined up.

How do you find being a musician in Brighton?

There’s a lot more competition for one thing; there are a lot more musicians about but then that also helps in a lot of ways as it encourages you to be better. There’s much more of a scene in Brighton.

Are there any Brighton venues in particular that you like to play?

We’ve done a couple of gigs at Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar in Middle Street in the past but this year has really been me writing and getting used to university and that sort of thing. Hopefully next year I’ll be able to answer that question better.

How has being at BIMM developed you as a songwriter?

I think it gives you quite a real-life experience and the lessons are important and there’s a lot to learn from BIMM but for me it’s more about the people you meet along the way and what BIMM can do for you. My approach as a musician is now a lot more open-minded after being at BIMM. I listen to a much wider variety of music, which I take a lot of inspiration from.

Lastly do you have any advice for other songwriters looking to get their foot in the door?

I’d like to think so but if I was to actually look at it I’m still only getting my own foot in the door. I guess just take up every opportunity. In five years’ time, I’ll be a lot better equipped to answer that question.

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