This article is an instalment of the Songcards Spotlight series where we interview the humans that make it all possible. We recommend you start by clicking the play button above and reading whilst enjoying the artist's music.
Who is Spelk?
Spelk is Iain Thomas. A multi-instrumental solo artist, producer, arranger, ghost producer, band member (Splinter (Indie Pop), 70’s Sons (Classic Rock), Simple Majority (Electro-pop/rock)), a mix engineer (Chief Engineer at Soundtopia Studios and head of mix reviews at Unlock Your Sound) and mentor to artists worldwide.
What is your origin story?
I started playing the usual instruments at school, recorder, violin etc and always enjoyed making the right notes come from an instrument. Then at the age of 12 I was given a 12-string acoustic by my father to practice on as he played his 6 string. We’d swap about and I learned the basic chords. At 15 I got my first electric guitar and set up a local band with a couple of mates. The halcyon days of 1985 saw Status Quo covers and folk standards being belted out in the local village halls and a recording session to make our demo. We were rubbish but we tried hard.
1989 saw me join Generation of The 13th Floor and we cut a demo for EMI, on the day of signing the deal the drummer left and that was that.
Jump to 1999 and I started mixing music on 4-track, jumping after a couple of years to digital, then full digital later on which is where I’m at now. 25+ years of mixing has taught me many lessons and I am eager to help others understand the art whenever possible.
Whether on my solo work or as part of the bands I am in, I just enjoy creating music art.
When did you realise you wanted to make music?
12-13 years old and it only grew stronger over the next decade.
Who are your long-standing influences?
I have a massive wide taste in music, from Tool to Stan Getz, Queen to Coldplay, U2 to Pachelbel, 70’s funk all the way to modern Slap House. My main muse if you like however would be Sting. A pure genius of a man, a modern day poet and bard, and from my original part of the world so he can’t be that bad! For more instrumental stuff I tend to lean more towards Depeche Mode for inspiration.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a musician?
I could be predictable and say practice but beyond that stage, especially for an independent artist, is to be true to your art. Don’t try to be just like someone else, enjoy what you do, put your heart and soul into your creations and those that like it, will like it. Don’t worry about those that don’t, you cannot please everyone. And when you’re working on a song, know when it’s done, don’t try and polish and polish as you’ll never be satisfied and have time for the next one. Remember, the best song you may ever do could be the next one.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m currently working on a few projects in the electronica genre, something for the summer….
What would you tell your younger self?
Keep going, you’ve got this.
Which band or artist are you really excited about at the moment?
I heard about a band the other day from a friend who went to see The Pixies in London. They were supported by Big Special and I’ve been listening to their back catalogue.
Where can people find your music?
All major streaming services but the best place and where new releases will be aired is of course on Songcards!
What’s next for Spelk?
Spelk will be taking a short sabbatical on releases over the summer months as a solo artist project in my own name is being finalised as we speak. An indie rock EP of 4 or 5 songs has taken up most of my year so far and I need the focus for the final push. But I’m always working on new stuff…
