It all started when James Hill and Laila Woozeer sat in a bedroom and played songs to each other. They created music grounded in incendiary harmony that has evocative lyrics and unusual instrument combinations.
Where did James and Laila meet? And what led to the birth of Kids With Crayons?
James: At a theatre audition held in an unused mansion in the Surrey Hills.
Laila: They wanted a folk percussionist with theatre experience. I showed up hungover and late, unable to sing, with a bassoon.
James: Kids With Crayons arose from an instant bond and a gradual transition from theatrical companions to musical partners: the birth of a group caused by a need to do and say more, always.
Tell me about the relationship between you two, and what it’s like making music together.
James: We have hugely clashing personalities and are musically polar opposites: Laila is from the classical/contemporary tradition and I am from a rock/pop world. But we are united in our open minded philosophy towards writing, recording and performing music.
Laila: We are extremely close though – we basically live together. Since the job in Edinburgh, we have seen each other nearly every day; it’s like marriage, except not shit!
What are strong influences for Kids With Crayons?
Laila: I think as artists we bring all of our influences into everything we do – we can’t predict what is going to resonate and stick with us. So all we can do is try to engage with the world in a way that is unique to us.
James: Yeah, it varies from day-to-day and depending on songs. Bass virtuoso Jaco Pastorius is a definite start. Then take sweet, folky singer songwriters, and mix that up with odd time signatures.
Tell me about the first ever gig you played and any memorable experiences performing ever since.
James: Our first ever gig was an open mic event in the Underbelly’s Cow Café at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2011. We performed a 15 minute set of drastically rearranged covers; from Amy Winehouse to Elliot Smith.
Laila: Something memorable to me wasn’t a performing experience, but a weird recording session held in a freezing barn on the Isle Of Wight – I had about 20 layers on and still couldn’t warm up!
What story does the music tell?
Laila: Oh wow! Well, some tell definite stories, and others are about relationships and experiences. These tend to be contemplative streams of consciousness.
James: It can tell anything the writer wants. The lyrics can go one way, the music can compliment it, or not. Most importantly it should take the listener on a journey and engage the emotions.
Where do you see Kids With Crayons being in five years time?
James: Argumentative but creative.
Laila: But if course still making interesting music!
Top Tip
James: Always tune all of your instruments before a performance. Don’t get caught short in the middle of a set!
Laila: Say yes. Get involved. Let the sun shine in.