YOYO Issue 2

Many thanks to Liam at YOYO (and also of The Vortex fame) for featuring me in the latest issue of the fanzine.

Despite still being at the age where he's legally not allowed to vote, Ned Swarbrick is some sort of veteran of York's music scene.

His old band The Corsairs started as a relatively rowdy affair, inspired by the likes of The Kooks and The Libertines, but their April 2024 single 'The Blues and the Brown' showed Ned pulling in a new direction, taking musical and lyrical cues from Belle and Sebastian and pointing the way for a more wistful acoustic-based approach. Ned released his debut solo EP 'Michelangelo' in October and embarked on a flurry of gigs, including a prestigious Leeds support slot with former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler.

Please describe your music in 20 words or less.

Kind of folky, think Nick Drake meets Belle and Sebastian. Melancholy, upbeat, sad, happy, tongue in cheek and serious.

What is your key early musical memory from childhood?

When I was about age 9, my aunty Jane gave me a 3/4 size guitar and I learnt to play 'Let It Be' from an old 60s songbook we had. I got my first proper guitar when I was about 12. It was secondhand acoustic from RWB Music in York, another Christmas present. It was bigger than me, but I was assured I'd grow into it. I still play it today at most shows; it's a brilliant guitar. I also got my first harmonica that same Christmas and I'd pose in front of my bedroom mirror pretending to be Bob Dylan.

Which of your songs is a good entry point for someone who's never heard you?

'Michelangelo' is as good a place as any for the folky stuff. It was my first release. For a flavour of the lighter side of my writing I'd recommend 'Say What You See' or 'Confessions of a Justified Sinner'. These are unreleased, but can be found on my Soundcloud.

Tell us about any non-musical things that have influenced you.

People, the weather and occasionally my dreams.

What's your favourite pub, café or restaurant in York?

The Golden Ball. They have the best open-mic night every Monday. Everyone is really friendly and encouraging, it's a great place to get up and have a go.

My favourite place for food in York is Smokehouse Burritos on Shambles Market.

What do you have for breakfast?

Weetabix

Have you seen anything good on TV recently?

I really enjoyed 'Ludwig', the one with David Mitchell in it, but the thing I keep returning to is 'Alan Partridge'.

Are there any other local musicians or bands you'd like to namecheck?

Needlework are awesome, as are Captain Starlet. Bull (obviously). Tom Beer is lovely. I recently saw Vehicle as well and they blew me away.

Please can you pick 3 songs you like (by any artist) for our playlist?

'Road' - Nick Drake (the guitar is superb)
'Feelin'' - The La's
'I Can't Stop (Holding On)' - The Cleaners From Venus