Owen Cutts is a writer and producer who has recently worked with artists such as Stormzy on his latest record ‘Heavy is the Head’, and Empara Mi. He has just released his own track ‘Weekdays’ under his artist name Mr Cutts.
Do you have any creative rituals or routines?
I try to get to the studio early and put on a vinyl while I set up and have a cup of tea. It seems to put me in the right mood to start making tunes.
What is a project you’re particularly proud of and why?
The Stormzy one for obvious reasons but also because I stuck my neck out and took a chance and it worked out. I’m about to put out an album that I’m very proud of too.
Who or what is currently inspiring you?
All my friends who are putting in the hard work are inspiring me at the moment. Michael Kiwanuka is inspiring me, but that also has a lot to do with Danger Mouse and Inflo.
Which part of the creative process do you enjoy most?
The start, when everyone is excited over a little idea, when you know you’ve got something good.
What is on your bucket list? What do you hope to achieve/do in future?
I’d like to do more whole albums, write and produce with a little team on whole records. Making a living from music was my bucket list so I’ve already achieved that, everything else is just a bonus.
Song/album you wish you’d written?
I wish I’d written ‘Hallelujah’ by Leonard Cohen, I wish I’d written ‘Revolver’ by The Beatles and I wish I’d produced ‘Ready to Die’ by Biggie, ‘Illmatic’ by Nas or ‘36 Chambers’ by Wu Tang.
Last song you listened to?
‘My Queen Is Mamie Phipps Clark’ by Sons Of Kemet.
Favourite film score/soundtrack?
A Bronx Tale.
Advice for your younger self?
Turn it down, you really will ruin your ears. Trust me.
What do you do when you’re not working? Any guilty pleasures?
I wish I had time for guilty pleasures, my kids take up most of my free time. I do love 35mm film photography, I’m rubbish at it but I’m obsessed.
You’ve collaborated with lots of brilliant artists across genres from Stormzy to Empara Mi. How do you approach and adapt to projects of different styles and how does your role as writer/producer vary?
Luckily I’m into most styles of music and really enjoy making them. I can switch from hip hop to folk, to me it’s all the same. The main ingredient in everything I do is soul music. I feel like it binds everything together.
Is there a creative area you want to explore more in depth in the future?
I’d love to be able to mix, I think that’s a different skill set all together. I just don’t have those ears I don’t think.
How do you see the music industry evolving over the next 10 years? What big changes are coming?
I see it becoming more artist led, more independent led. Artists using socials and streaming sites rather than labels to gain success.
Who would you love to collaborate with in future?
Childish Gambino, Radiohead, James Blake.
What’s something you’ve learned from past projects and taken with you?
Don’t be afraid to ask someone to do something again if it doesn’t feel right the first time. Basically do whatever it takes to get the best record possible.
