Songmakers: Féz talks production, influences and the impact of the streaming economy on songwriting
Welcome to our new interview series Songmakers, where I chat to producers and songwriters about their journeys, processes, struggles and successes. They are the creative force that underpins the music industry, to whom much is owed and often little is given. Over the last decade there have been significant changes in the revenue opportunities for songwriters and producers, with the streaming economy complicating an already impenetrable royalty system. Payouts are heavily weighted towards master rights holders - meaning those with only a share of publishing rights may be left shortchanged. I want to explore this new frontier, gauging the impact of our new normal, seeking out solutions and shining a spotlight on the talented creatives that sit at the heart of it all.
Credit: Charlie Thornton
Hi Fez, could you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi, my name is Féz - full name Oluwaferanmi Ogunseyinde. Born in Nigeria, raised in SE London. I'm a songwriter, producer & musician - also a lover of coffee, a good book and a glass of Red.
Where are you based?
I'm based in Rochester, Kent. Just a little outside London.
How did you make your first steps into music?
Well, I started out in music when I was 10/11. I got a guitar for Christmas and immediately started writing songs. I don't remember any of them but doubt they were any good lol. Shortly after, I picked up a pair of stick and started playing drums, wouldn't say I was any good at that either but I stuck to it. I grew up in a pentecostal church that music was a crucial part of the experience, I think exposure to that level of musicianship had a massive influence on me.
Did you always know that you wanted to end up in the industry?
I wouldn't say I knew I wanted to end up in the industry till I was 15/16. All I knew was I wanted to play drums and in my high school I was probably one of the few students that actually took music seriously. I didn't make the decision to pursue a career in music till my 2nd year at The Brits School.
Do you remember the first song that you made?
I don't remember the first song I produced but I do remember having Cubase on a PC when I was 13 and being very frustrated that I didn't know how to work it. Youtube had just started but there wasn't nearly as much information then as there is now. I also don't remember the first song I wrote but I'm sure it was about a girl lol.
Was there a moment when you realised that you were going to pursue making music professionally?
As soon as I started 6th Form (Brits), I landed a gig with a gospel artist who was pretty big deal on the Christian music scene at the time. Being surrounded by professionals and experiencing first hand the work ethic, dedication and skill they all had, I figured I could do it too.
I also played drums on an album for the very first time, hearing the songs back had me feeling like this was what I was supposed to do - like I had found my calling.
What was the biggest hurdle for you early on in your music-making journey?
One of my biggest hurdles early on was access to equipment. I wasn't able to afford a drum kit till I was 18 and even after buying it I didn't have anywhere to practice with it. The town I grew up in had no facilities for creative arts which was difficult for me because I wanted to learn more about music production, performance, songwriting etc but there was no where to go for any of that. That being said I am also grateful for that season because it helped me to embrace patience, something that I believe is core to surviving the music industry.
Do you feel that there was a breakthrough moment for you?
One of my first breakthrough moments was winning an Accenture Prize for music performance at The Brit School. Winning meant I got to attend a fancy dinner hosted by Sir Tom Jones and rubbed shoulders with industry legends. Truthfully I was most excited about the money I won, it paid for my first ever drum kit - pretty sure I still have receipts from what I sent the money on lol.
Credit: Charlie Thornton
Did you have a mentor, or person that helped you to develop?
I had a few mentors that helped me over the years. Most of them I met at gigs or played in the same band with. I was the youngest member in most bands I was in at the time and grateful that some of the more seasoned professionals would pick up my call lol. They taught me mostly about work ethic and resilience; I am still grateful for those lessons till date.
What have you been working on recently?
I've been co-writing/producing with some exciting artists that I'm a fan of. Also been working on my own music, that I feel both excited and nervous about putting out into the world. Mostly I've been keeping my head low and grinding, doing the best I can with what I've got.
How has the streaming economy affected you professionally?
I started producing in 2011, at the time CD's were still very much in fashion and I could see how Independent artists made a living by selling their records. Streaming economy has flipped that completely. That's affected my production work significantly, there's less money being generated by artists which in turn means there's less money to invest in the creation of the art. The quality of a song seems to be judged by streaming numbers first and what it sounds like second. I think that's backwards.
Do you believe the industry is doing enough to support songwriters and producers at the moment?
Yes and no. I think the industry (post BLM & Pandemic) has shifted slightly. Conversations around the worth of songwriters and producers have increased, I think it's a great start. No, because practically speaking, songwriting & co-writing is still largely pro-bono. You go into a session in the hope of writing what I call a 'Unicorn' - a song that is so undeniable that racks up big numbers and hopefully puts some money back in your pocket. It's not a sustainable way to live.
How do you believe we can better support songwriters and producers?
There are a lot of conversations brewing at the moment regarding fair pay for songwriters that I think are necessary and a good start. However, I think the core issue is the inability to earn a living as a songwriter if you haven't had a 'HIT' yet. I've always thought more songwriters and producers could be treated as staff for labels, publishers, management etc. Songs are really the driving force of our economy and employing the creators of songs seems like an obvious solution for a consistent supply of songs and in return, stable income for the creators. This model does exist already but is vastly disproportionate to the talent that exists in the UK alone.
Is there other change within the industry that you would like to see?
I think for the most part the strength of a good song is measured by data than it is by the strength of the song itself. Granted, it is an industry and money needs to be made, I'd just like to see more opportunities for talented, hard working individuals without the numbers. In my opinion, it seems like social media influence is more important that the art that's being created. I'd like to see that become a little more balanced. I don't believe everyone wants to be famous, some folks just want to create incredible art and be valued for it.
Do you have any tips for those who want to pursue what you do?
I often approach being a songwriter/producer as a sport. I think it's in the repetition and dedication to the craft the opportunities show up. I'd say, Wear your heart on your sleeve, Write what YOU believe, Remember the song is KING.
Who is your favourite songwriter?
Ohhhh, I have more than a few. Right now, it'd have to be Ryan Tedder (One Republic), John Ryan (John The Blind) & Labrinth.
Who is your favourite producer?
Again I have more than a few lol. Still - Ryan Tedder (One Republic), John Ryan (John The Blind), Labrinth & Fred Again...
Who should we be listening to at the moment?
That's a hard one! I'm constantly listening to new music! My top picks at the moment would be Joy Oladokun, Patrick Droney & Mustafa.
What are you looking forward to over the next year, music-wise?
I'm looking forward to making more music with old and new friends. Oh and releasing some my own music at some point :)
Where can we find the music you've worked on?
I've put together a little playlist of select songs from my Discography:
Keep up to date with Féz:
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