Third Floor aka Aaron Bannie is back on the road to recovery after going through a tough year and has released his ‘Almost Whole’ EP to sum up the lessons he has learnt during this process. Third Floor is unapologetically honest in his work and below he chats to us about his latest release and how he created it.
There’s quite a deep meaning behind this EP, could you explain it?
Yes very much so, this EP is a very personal conceptual EP. I’ve spent the last 18 months battling a chronic illness that has seen me endure several surgeries and rehab, all whilst suffering a romantic heartbreak. Almost Whole EP is an ode to my journey of recovery physically, mentally and romantically. The title itself Almost Whole, meaning I’m almost repaired. The tracks on my EP explores a multitude of lessons learnt during that time such as honesty in relationships as expressed in the track ‘Lying Eyes’ and learning self-love in the song ‘You’.
How long did this EP take for you to make?
I returned home to the UK to see my family for the 1st time in 2 years after my illness. To be surrounded by unconditional love inspired me to write about my journey. It’s almost like my personal diary delivered sonically. I wrote all the songs whilst being home, which was around 4 weeks.
Which is your favourite track?
All of the tracks are very personal to me but if I was to have a favourite then ‘Our Song’ featuring Kamaliza. ‘Our song’ aims to show how we can depend on our partners in our deepest, darkest & lowest points in our lives. The verses convey the anguish while the bridge and outro are the realisation of how significant this person is to us and how much we need them as we navigate our way out from despair.
How would you describe ‘Almost Whole’ in 3 words?
Vulnerable Honest & Real
What’s the one piece of studio equipment you can’t live without?
My HP Spectre x360 – I’m able to take my laptop anywhere and create ideas anywhere in the world.
What are your hobbies besides music that help with your creativity?
I’m an early riser, and I always start my day with a coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Bronte Beach. It’s like my mediation – I always feel inspired round nature and I often hear melodies whilst on this walk, my phone is full of weird and wonderful voice notes that I take back to the studio to evolve.
Talk us through your creative process?
My creative process really depends on how I’m feeling. I’m able to channel & express that emotion through music. For example, if I’m feeling sad or nostalgic I’ll always set the bpm around 100 and create from there.
What would be your dream label to release with?
For my solo project – here in Australia would be the label Future Classic. They have some great artists and music from that label.
If you could choose one song to listen to forever what would it be and why?
Massive Attack – Tear Drop, a beautiful yet haunting track, a brilliant fusion of atmospheric trip-hop and chill, every part resonates deeply with me and is my all time favourite song.
What more can we expect from you in the future?
Moving forward in the next phase of Third Floor will be more house-inspired singles. My EPs will always be concept-based and inspired by personal events in my life.
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