What is now considered folk music is a notoriously difficult genre to stand out in. That said, Lincolnshire is blessed with folk acts that have broken the traditional mould and have stood out. One such act is His Flying Machine.
Taking his stage name from a classic 1960s comedy, His Flying Machine, real name Richard Whiston, has developed a sound that even he has difficulty putting into words: “It’s hard to explain,” says Whiston, “it’s acoustic folk with a pop twist.”
Giving it a specific label is tough, but what matters is the feeling and the passion put into the music. And this Whiston does in abundance. It’s toe tapping, it’s wholesome, and it possesses something that is so often lacking in music today: charm.
The majority of the bands’ charm comes from Whiston’s voice; it’s tender and deep, resting over the beautiful melodies of the acoustic guitar. But while it is a focal point, there is more to His Flying Machine than just a great voice.
For his charming sound Whiston cites indie art-rockers The Decemberists as an inspiration, while the catchy tunes that are so prevalent comes from his fondness for pop music. A guilty pleasure for some, but not for Whiston who looks to genres far and wide for inspiration: “Melodies usually spark my imagination, it could be from any genre of music,” he says.
“I’ve always enjoyed writing different vocal melodies, I think that’s why my songs are so short. I get bored singing the same line twice. I guess in that respect my sound has developed quite naturally.” His Flying Machines songs are, as the saying goes, short but sweet.
The band has come a long way from the days of Whiston practising in his bedroom, but the most notable changes have come in recent months. Recruiting additional members has seen His Flying Machine become more than a studio project. With Chris Harding, Eve Morris and Charley Wilson completing the line up, the three additions have allowed Richard to recreate the intimate sound of his latest EP “Alive At Midnight” on stage.
But with new additions, CD releases, and radio performances under his belt – what is left for Richard Whiston and his ensemble to do? “First I need to get this university malarkey out the way and then hopefully we’ll tour the EP this summer,” says Whiston, “then I’d love to record again later this year and try something different with more instruments.”
Listen to His Flying Machine’s impressive EP release “Alive At Midnight” on their MySpace and watch out for tour dates in the near future.