Niall Tarmey and Donny taylor

Tell us about the track ‘madelyn.wav’ off the EP.

Niall- This song came about a couple of weeks before we wanted to release the EP. We had four songs, but one of them just wasn't working for us. So we said we'd go in again and try and make something. I showed up at Donny's, and he had a little vocal idea he had come up with whilst playing FIFA. He sang me 'you make me mad and I feel like-' and from there I came up with some guitar and bass and started writing a verse, while Donny recorded his hook and produced and arranged the song. It all happened pretty fast, and I remember we were very excited listening back to that 2nd hook with the ganged-up vocals. It was a fun time. Then getting to perform the song on mainstage Forbidden Fruit with KhakiKid was sick and gave the song a whole new life.

Donny- It was a fast song to make. I remember Niall was supposed to come over that Sunday because one of the tracks off the EP was just not working out. I was playing some FIFA that morning; idk why. The game sucks, and it was pissing me off! And I just came up with the hook idea for Madelyn. It was spontaneous and quick. I think that's why it worked so well. Niall laid down the guitar, and it all made sense from there.

How important has collaboration been for you? 

Niall- For me, it's been vital for improving my craft over the last year. I always collaborated with my friend Tristus Boyd when it came to mixing and mastering. He's done all my stuff for the last while, and because of him, I've learnt so much about mixing. When it comes to actually making songs with people, I have really only started doing that in the last year. Donny was the first artist I properly got in the studio with, and it just seemed to work with him. No matter what, we would always make something every Sunday that we'd meet up. That's when the idea for a joint EP came up. I always think collaborating has made me a much better artist and brought me up to a higher standard, whether it's working with Donny, Earl Gasket or working on mixes with Tristus Bovd.

Donny- I wouldn't say it's important. I always viewed collaborating as if it makes sense to do it, but it's not necessary. It made sense to do it with Niall; we knew each other for a while. And the more we made shit together, the better it got. That's how this episode came. But in general, I started collaborating more now. I feel like you get to learn things and grow. It's worth it because, in the end, you will make better solo stuff from the experience you gain.