Interview - Liam Pilmore

With Light, Nottingham-born singer-songwriter Liam Pilmore steps into a new creative chapter, one defined by introspection and quiet confidence. After years of performing and refining his craft, Pilmore turns inward, delivering a melodic pop track that trades grandiosity for nuance. Built on spacious arrangements and an intimate vocal performance, Light showcases an artist unafraid to let subtlety lead. The song explores themes of absence and memory with a delicate touch, blending conversational lyricism with understated emotional depth. It’s a carefully balanced piece, modern in its production yet rooted in acoustic sensibilities, that positions Pilmore as a compelling new voice in contemporary pop.

Welcome to MeloDrift. Can you tell us a little bit about your musical background?

I remember my first guitar. My dad bought it for me from a car boot sale when I was about 11 years old. Even before that, I loved singing. In my teens, I played in bands — a lot of grunge stuff — but I was always drawn to the more melodic songs. Those grunge boys could really sing.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be?

Probably some dodgy beatbox loop. I find music in everything and love making beats out of random sounds.

Who or what have been the most impactful influences on your musical style and sound?

It’s hard to pin down because I love so many different kinds of music. But I’d say the big singers and pop icons over the decades have had a huge impact on me. I grew up in the 90s with massive pop stars on TV, posters on my wall, Top of the Pops — all of that definitely left a mark.

How do your life experiences shape your songwriting, and what emotions or ideas do you hope listeners connect with in your music?

My music comes directly from life. Without that, it feels empty to me. Music has always been an anchor through difficult times. I just don’t think I fully knew how to use it until now.

Each phase of music-making — writing, recording, rehearsing, and performing — has its own unique rewards. Could you share a memorable moment from each stage?

I love writing lyrics. The other night I finished the words for my next song, Towers, after a few days of editing. I wrapped it up around midnight, and it felt great going to bed knowing I’d really put the work in. My latest release, Light, was recorded in my mum’s summer house. Ironically, it was cold and raining most of the time, so I had to heat the place with two oil-filled radiators before going in. But recording there late at night, while everyone else was asleep, gave it a really special feeling. Live, I’ve been using the Sheeran X looper pedal. A looper can be a bit unpredictable, but when it works, it really works. I usually practise with headphones so I can block everything out, although my sons do occasionally wander in mid-song trying to get my attention. Performing is a different world altogether. I was recently on a very bouncy stage and the mic nearly flew into my face while I was singing the “oh” in Light, which weirdly worked perfectly in the moment. Things like that take the seriousness out of it a bit. When people are smiling and enjoying what you’re doing, there’s no better feeling.

Is there a song of yours that holds particular personal significance? We’d love to know more about the story or the inspiration behind it.

I have a song called A Little Longer, and it’s a direct snapshot from my life — one of my first love affairs. It takes me back to being about 15 and completely crazy about this girl. That song still holds a lot for me.

If you could swap lives with any musician for a day, who would it be and what would you do?

Probably Ed Sheeran. He’s been doing these massive stadium tours, and I can’t even imagine what that must feel like. He’s a huge inspiration to me as a solo artist.

What’s a guilty pleasure song you secretly love but might surprise your fans?

It’s probably something like Mötley Crüe or KISS. I love 80s music. And Big in Japan by Alphaville never gets old.

Looking ahead, what are some goals or dreams you have for your music and career?

The sky’s the limit. I feel like I’m only just getting started. I’m taking it one step at a time, but building a real fanbase and community around the music is definitely where I want to go.

Finally, is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers before we close?

Just thanks for reading and thanks for supporting independent music. Go put on a song you love (one of mine), turn it up, and if you’ve got a guitar nearby, even better.