Loop artist Jeremy Loops is known for his signature harmonica and guitar sounds. He’s previously toured with Twenty One Pilots and is now back in the UK following the release of his debut album Trading Change. We caught up with him, and here’s what he had to say…
First thing’s first… How was touring with Twenty One Pilots on their Blurryface tour? Are there any stories you can tell us?
We were in Germany when we found out about the Paris attacks, and they decided to call off the last 3 shows. Instead, we went to a German Christmas market, which seemed like a celebratory end to the tour. Josh from TOP was with us the whole time. We rode rollercoasters and drank wine; it was nice to see them with their guard down. They’re just nice, regular dudes.
How did Jeremy Loops come about? What is the background story?
I studied business at university, which was difficult, and I didn’t study as much as I should have. Instead I played guitar like crazy and became pretty good. After uni, I decided to travel and spent 2 years working on a yacht in Italy. I bought myself a loop pedal, and spent a lot of time in my cabin where I looped and made music. Two years later, aged 26, I came back and people back home went crazy for my music. I started doing festivals and put a band together, now I’m selling out shows all over the place.
It sounds like you went on a completely different path to what you studied, do you enjoy what you do?
I love what I do, absolutely.
What is your favourite song on ‘Trading Change’?
I really enjoy playing ‘Down South’ and ‘Sinner’. ‘Sinner’ is a harmonica driven folk song which has done really big things in its own right so I don’t think I’ll ever get bored of playing it. When I wrote Down South I thought “ah this is a great song, I love this song”. It blew up internationally and was Number 1 in South Africa. I suppose it is our hit single and I’m so glad it’s my favourite song. I’m happy I have to play it all the time – it’s a nice problem to have.
Are there any pre-gig rituals that you want to share with us?
Solid deep breathing exercises. I’ll take some time out before my shows to get in my zone, just come to terms with everything that’s happening. It’s so easy to get distracted when you are about to step on a massive stage. I like to go sit behind the curtains and watch the crowd, just absorb all that tension.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Twenty One Pilots!
How did your organisation Greenpop come about? Why is ‘protecting the planet’ important to you personally and what is the message you want to spread?
Growing up in South Africa I saw the massive disparity between affluence and poverty. The income gap is increasing; people struggle everywhere and many don’t see it. Many just struggle to find a platform to connect with what’s really going on around the world. When I was working on that yacht I worked for a really wealthy billionaire, which just exposed me to the extent wealth can corrupt. When I got back home, I took a deep look at myself and at what was happening in my country and decided I wanted to be a part of a solution. A group of us got together and we started planting trees in underprivileged areas. Before long, we had international volunteers arriving, to join us on this quest to make spaces beautiful again. Six years later, our organisation is about 70,000 trees deep. It’s really just a way to get people to do something, to take some action. The message is that life’s too short. I’d hope everyone can find some way to lend their life to something that’s positive.
Heavy stuff… moving onto something lighter, what is your favourite TV series to binge watch?
House of Cards, Game of Thrones, Vikings, Californications. Usually we don’t get much time to watch stuff, so it tends to be pretty incidental. Someone will come in and be like “you have to watch this” and I’ll be like “okay”. If I have a gap and am off tour I’ll just binge it!
What is your favourite food to eat whilst hungover?
Pasta pomodoro. I spent two years living in Italy and I love pasta. I’m the pasta monster. Whether I’m hungover or not that’s my favourite food by far.
We’re excited to see you at Leeds University Union on Thursday. Are you excited to play?
Yes absolutely! We had a great show in Leeds last time and wanted to book a bigger venue so we did. We have a bunch of wintery merchandise to sell – sweaters, hoodies, beanies! We’ve also got a bunch of harmonica necklaces which audiences can toot on their way out, so that’ll be cool!
Loops is working on his second album, so be sure to keep a close eye on him. He’ll be playing in the LUU on Thursday 13th October; watch this space for a review. Oh, and be sure to check out his new single, ‘Still with Me’!
Interview by Anika Vadukul