They deserve all the luck and success that they are sure to amass.

‘Menagerie Melodies’ is the publically audible inception of solo musician, Son Joan. An EP comprising of four grunge laden, psychedelic tracks that are available through Quatre Femmes Records. How did this intriguing project come about?

“I started writing about 2 years ago with the intention of starting a solo project. The songs started to take shape and it was clear that there wasnÔÇÖt any need to involve anyone else. I decided that this is how I want to be making music” So, Son Joan is solely comprised of you, Ethan Attwood-Summers. Why the pseudonym? “The music emphasises certain personality traits that were less exposed previously, which made me want to have the music fall under a pseudonym. Even though itÔÇÖs not a different person it puts me in a much better mindset for making music.”

This restricted line up is not a fashion statement. Nor is it about punishingly challenging themselves musically. Or worst of all, an ego-trip. It is simply what felt natural, and it’s a blessing to hear that. In fact, as a brand new and a completely solo musician, you’re left with a lot scope. That must be quite liberating.

“Definitely. There are a lot of different directions the writing could go but it’s obvious to me when IÔÇÖve found the right one. When I listen back itÔÇÖs a full sound. Full of everything I want to project and thatÔÇÖs all I really want to do. There is no need for useless filler in the music. Everything has its intentions.”

The EP itself is beautifully raw. The guitars have a warm, fuzzy and grungy tone to them; as does the brilliantly haunting vocal performance. “I love harsh, beautiful music. It was recorded in a way that could capture a primal sound. ItÔÇÖs really how the songs were meant to be heard.”

But, there’s also slow, rolling riffs in there. As well as a fast paced, Johnny Cash-esque flair on lead single, ‘Sucker Punch’. Bearing in mind this is all sitting atop a drum machine. It’s a hugely diverse sound. Does Son Joan even know where it all comes from?

“ItÔÇÖs difficult to pin down influences. I like to be aware of everything that is going on and IÔÇÖll write the bits that are significant down. IÔÇÖm influenced by really good music and art, but I find I rarely listen to it when IÔÇÖm writing.”

Perhaps there’s a flourishing and supportive local music scene in Hampshire hometown, Fleet, that can answer for this. “There definitely is. There are some really interesting, talented musicians in the area. There isnÔÇÖt a genre that ties all of the music together; all the music that comes out of it is incredibly strong in its own identity. I do feel supported though. We all have such a passion for it. TheyÔÇÖre people who really care about music.”

And that becomes even more apparent when Son Joan divulges how the EP was actually recorded. “It was recorded by friend/musician, Hannah Lou Clark in a Quaker Meeting house in Farnham. The aim was just to get an honest representation of the songs. Hannah really understands where the songs are coming from so there wasn’t really any need to over work them. It was mixed by Clarence Clarity. Both really understood how I intended the songs to be heard.”

As if they didn’t have enough to think about, the wonderful artwork for, ‘Menagerie Melodies’, is also penned by the fair hands of Son Joan themselves. If you choose to purchase a physical copy of the EP you will find that the lyric pamphlet inside is also hand written, alongside unique doodles.

“IÔÇÖm really particular about it. IÔÇÖve always wanted to do my own artwork and art is something IÔÇÖve always done. I make a lot of drawings and paintings alongside writing songs. I really like creating a whole world for the music and artwork plays a really big part in that.”

The EP has been billed as a ‘testament to the energy and honesty of youth’; which sounds very Holden Caulfield. Is there an attempt to preserve the innocence of youth from the corruption of experience here? “I feel that the concerns of youth get understated and should definitely be addressed better, but that statement applies to me foremost. ItÔÇÖs a personal collection of songs and that statement matches the sound of the EP appropriately. I think being innocent and na├»ve to the world is a beautiful thing, especially when youÔÇÖre young. But, itÔÇÖs essential for me to be moving forward and learning along the way.”

And with a profound statement like that, Son Joan seems well equipped to tackle art in music on their own. With sound morals and a solid DIY outlook, they deserve all the luck and success that they are sure to amass.