Feature: Rob Mawer Decodes “Cairo”
What was the creative process like for this particular song?
The synth bass was the first part I came up with. I thought it sounded quite amusing initially, like a noughties pop song. Then after layering on guitars and percussion it took a darker turn, reminding me more of some goth techno or something.
I had visited Cairo on holiday not long before. I loved the seemingly lawless and chaotic nature of the city. For me it represented a place where someone could freely embrace the darker parts of themselves without judgement. The sheer density of people seemed to make each individual even more anonymous. These thoughts were ruminating in my head for a few weeks before I managed to organise them into lyrics for Cairo.
How do you feel "Cairo" represents your artistic identity?
Cairo has a dark hedonistic quality that I've been trying to implement in my music for a while. I've had a fair few low moments in recent years which has definitely translated into my music. The somewhat ominous and restless vibe of my new stuff is quite represantitive of where I'm at in life now. Having said that, the act of writing and releasing this music has been my saving grace during difficult periods, and as a result I'm glad to say that my day to day is not nearly as ominous as my music.
What did you enjoy most about making "Cairo?"
It took quite a while to crack Cairo but it was a very satisfying feeling when I finally got it right. It's quite a different arrangement to anything I've done before so it felt quite fresh and progressive for me. It was the first song I wrote for this new project and it really set the benchmark for what's to come. Just the validating feeling that I'd stumbled upon something new was the most enjoyable part for me.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
My Dad was an 80's kid so is a big fan of all the classic rock stuff. I remember him showing me loads of bands from that era, and I was as impressed by their music as I was by their outfits. Seeing these androgynous looking guys swaggering around in leather trousers and cowboy boots was so alluring. To be honest I probably thought "I really want to look like that but can't possibly justify it without learning to play the guitar..."
I also had friends at school who were learning to play instruments so it only made sense to start a band. When it came time to think about choosing a career path I realised music had completely eclipsed everything else, so I moved down to London and haven't looked back (and I still wear cowboy boots).
How do you continuously grow and evolve as an artist?
I think collaboration is key. I have so many talented friends in music who inspire me to no end. I try to write with them as often as possible, and always leave those sessions with a new perspective or approach. Writing music is so personal, sometimes detrimentally so, so it's good to have someone else in the room to bounce ideas off.
I also think it's important not to rest on your laurels and to keep your mind open to new sounds. Part of maturing as an artist is keep refining your tastes. In my teens I'd have turned my nose up at the music I enjoy these days.
