UK producer and composer Ross Tones, under his Throwing Snow name, has teamed up with Cork author and mental health advocate Daragh Fleming for new track, Pedalling. We asked Ross the BIG questions . . .
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Throwing Snow has toured with Thom Yorke's Atoms for Peace, Bonobo and Jon Hopkins. Now based in Donegal, Throwing Snow has released a string of EPs and albums on Houndstooth, and will return this September with a new EP on Max Cooper’s label MESH.
Daragh has delivered talks at TEDx and corporate events and served as an ambassador for See Change Ireland and Movember Ireland.
Originally composed as part of a creative project for architect and extreme cyclist Philippa Battye, the instrumental version of Pedalling was designed as a companion for Battye’s long-distance climbs.
But when Throwing Snow discovered Daragh’s work, the track took a new direction. "When I first came across Daragh’s work I was bowled over by his lyricism, storytelling and message," Ross says. "Within a week, he’d sent back an amazing poem capturing childhood memories and long summers riding bikes. The track now had a new life."
Daragh adds, "This is obviously my first step into music, which is very exciting. When Ross reached out to me it felt like perfect serendipity because putting words to music has always been an aspiration of mine, and now there was this incredibly talented music producer in my DMs talking about doing just that.
"This track is about how we're always chasing our youth—the invincibility of those days. I think we're all, in a sense, longing for a simpler time, when there wasn't so much to worry about."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
My Lakeland terrier is called Indiana Tones. In America, I am officially one inch taller than I am over here. I once told my teacher, Mrs Urwin, I wanted to be a spy...she replied, 'There's your first mistake'.
How would you describe your music?
Under my Throwing Snow alias, the music is for dancing while crying, a feeling of euphoric melancholy. Hopefully, it moves people in more than one way.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Too many to mention really, as I draw from diverse sounds and influences, but Earthtone9, Session A9, Fanu and Steve Reich to name a few. The themes of my albums range from mathematical structures in nature to prehistoric anthropology, so my interests outside of music have a strong influence on my writing process. Instruments play a big part as well, I started playing an Indian instrument called an Esraj and it has become a large part of what comes out in the studio. Working with talented collaborators, such as Daragh Fleming, is also a huge influence.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Idlewild in Durham
What was the first record you ever bought?
Probably, Pennywise - Full Circle. The record still resonates with me especially tracks like Society, turns out nothing has really changed!
What’s your favourite song right now?
Sully and Tim Reaper - Windswept (Sully Fader Mix). This track released on Future Retro has everything, microtonal Maqam-esque synth lines, classic sub bassline, a chopped amen break and impeccable production...what's not to love?
Favourite lyric of all time?
'And I'll wear you like a hood, for a hood is a home for someone who lives alone' - Fionn Regan. It's just so visual and emotionally insightful.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Otto Lindholm - Nilindigo. I remember hearing this for the first time and being blown away. I contacted him to share my appreciation and invited him to my studio at the time. We ended up improvising for three days, processing his double bass live...the project became Everything Falls Apart and a strong friendship was born out of music. Plus, the track is 17 minutes long so there is no way to get bored of repeated listens.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Throwing Snow on Instagram, Bandcamp or here.
Alan Corr
