We talk new material, the power of the euphonium and touring with Naima Bock.

We’re looking forward to hosting Hoy Chorale at the Horse Hospital in a special showcase this Saturday, 21^st February. Built around the songs of Oscar G. Guardans, Hoy Chorale transforms into an enchanting seven-piece for live shows. The set brings lustrous depth to the core songs, which draw from Americana and Catalan folk in equal measure. This weekend, they are joined by Lanny and Camberwell Group, tickets and more info available here. Ahead of the show, we caught up with Oscar for a taste of what we can expect.

First up, how did this project begin? Has this been an outlet for all of the songs you write, or is there a more specific remit?

HC: I think the thing began during breaks from duty in my old band Family Time, as a discreet vent for all the smaller songs. Inevitably, the songs got bigger and bigger over time, I got really ambitious as a first-time producer, and thankfully found some great people to join who could actually pull it off. We’re now a really, really good seven-piece band.

What are you most excited to be working on right now?

HC: Nailing this first album in its coffin and working totally from scratch. I don’t think I’ve ever done that. I also have a potential collection of all my most show-tuney songs, provisionally titled ‘Schmaltz!’, to be recorded totally straight with Old Hollywood arrangements, but that will require a lot of willpower.

You have teased that you will be showcasing some new material at this show. What can you share about that work and how it has developed?

HC: Yeah, I felt like we were missing some capital-S Songs on the album, so we’ve now introduced a couple of them. They’re more to the point, one’s called ‘The Incredibles.’ Also, it’s very likely we will have a euphonium in the band. Have you ever heard a euphonium live?

How has touring with other artists informed your own work, both as a

songwriter and a performer?

HC: I have toured with my friend Naima Bock’s band for a few years now, it’s a really enjoyable thing to do. I’ve learned a lot about strong and benevolent leadership.

If you were to suggest one song of yours for new listeners to start with, what would it be and why?

HC: I’d say ‘The Jingle’, because it took years out of my life to record and the numbers could reflect that a little more. I also like the story, it’s a fun story time song.

What is your favourite thing someone has said about your show?

HC: I feel like I’m on holiday!

What is your favourite moment of the live set?

HC: The first time we hear a euphonium live.

What can we expect from Hoy Chorale over the rest of this year?

HC: An album release and shows to go with it. Total success or failure. No middle ground.

Finally, if you were a tribute act, who would you be paying tribute to?

HC: Right now, Robert Browning. Camberwell’s own. ‘I sprang to the stirrup, and Joris, and he / I galloped, Dirck galloped, we galloped all three!!!’