UK alt-rock cello virtuoso Calum Ingram takes aim at the proverbial “man” with his foot-stomping new single ‘The Man’ out 22nd March. It’s the title track from his forthcoming album slated for release 19th April, pre-save the album here.
The anthemic track is a satirical nod to the classic rock n’ roll trope from the 60s and 70s referring to who’s really in charge, and epitomises who Calum is as an artist. His impassioned vocals carry the story of power imbalances that plague the music industry and beyond, using bluesy cello riffs and rhythms to drive the momentum forward.
Calum explains “it’s about the idea of someone towering over you, showing you that they are the only ones worthy of power. It’s also about the stranglehold that men have had over women through the generations. I feel very passionately about women’s rights, so this is a reminder to people that are stuck in the past to wake the hell up!”
Inspiration can often strike when you least expect it and the single came about from an improvised jam between Calum and his band in the studio. The talented crew, consisting of Chatona Ridley on bass, Moss Taylor on keys and Jose Rojas on drums and percussion, embarked into the wild unknown and soon fell into a pocket that became ‘The Man’.
Although trained in both classical and jazz, Calum refuses to be pigeon-holed and leans into his passion for rock and blues. He’s inspired by the likes of Peter Gabriel, Jimi Hendrix, John Mayer, Jack White and more, and he finds immense joy in changing perceptions of what can be done with a cello. His passion for what he does shines through and has caught the attention of musical legends such as Tony Viscont and Jack Bruce, support from BBC 6 Music, Radio 2 and BBC Scotland amongst others.
Calum’s forthcoming album ‘The Man’ is out on April 26th April.