7. Talking music with Iwan Gronow
Iwan Gronow’s music has been shaped by his time and experiences in two worlds: his youth spent exploring the grunge scene in Cornwall and later becoming deeply embedded in the music of Manchester. Iwan’s first three singles demonstrate his versatility as an artist. Debut In The Mire combines a melodic Numan-esque feel with a dark undercurrent. Single number two, ‘Second Guess’, is a more upbeat, striding song that touches on influences from Depeche Mode and XTC. Highest Symbol, Iwan’s third single, feels more rural and hints at his past in the South West. It shows a different side to his creativity. While still deeply melodic and building in intensity, the new material is introspective and emotionally rich.mMoving to Manchester with his band Haven in the early 2000s, Iwan started a new chapter in his musical journey. Throwing everything they owned into a van, Haven turned up on the doorstep of the late, great Joe Moss. Joe, who managed The Smiths, built a strong relationship with Haven and would become the band’s manager and mentor. He introduced Haven to Johnny Marr, who produced both their albums. Haven signed to Radiate, a subsidiary of Virgin, and their debut album Between The Senses charted in the top 20. The album included the hits Say Something and Till the End. In 2013, Iwan was invited to play bass in Johnny’s band, a position he’s held ever since. As well as performing on the albums Playland and Call The Comet, Iwan has toured the world and played festivals including Glastonbury, Coachella and Fuji Rock, while also appearing on Later With Jools Holland and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
