November 2014 - Foghorn News and Media

What inspired you to become a singer/writer/band? and who are your early influences.
Songwriting has always been a great creative outlet, combining my love of the guitar and the sounds it makes with my love for poetry and writing in general. I was influenced at an early age by an older sister’s boyfriend who was an amazing guitarist and who taught me some basics on the guitar. I always found it hard to copy what other bands played, so I found it easier to make my own stuff up.

Tell us a little about how you write, how do the songs come? What gets you going creatively?

I usually spend hours just noodling around on the guitar and eventually come up with a chord progression or sound that I like. From that, a melody develops and the lyrics flow from that.

What is the first record you bought and why?
The first record I ever bought was Bob Dylan and the Band’s live album “Before the Flood”. I had listened to my parents’ Bob Dylan collection but became obsessed by the song “Like A Rolling Stone” which they didn’t have, so this was the first album I came across which had that song on it and I bought it. I didn’t like the rest of the album though. The first albums I bought and loved were The Church’s ‘Unguarded Moment’, The Cure’s ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ and Simple Minds’s ‘Sister Feelings Call’.

What current OZ acts inspire you? Ditto for international acts?

I am continually inspired by three more old school acts that are still around: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Underground Lovers and The Church. All three bands continue to produce innovative and exciting music. Another major inspiration is The Vines: Craig’s songwriting is incredible and they are so exciting live. There are a number of younger local acts that have impressed me too: Papa vs Pretty stand out (although unfortunately they disbanded earlier this year) and The Trouble With Templeton. Internationally, current bands that inspire me include The National and Johnny Marr.

Tell us a little about your music and what a crowd can expect at a live show – Our music has been variously described as The Church meets Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen, an element of Died Pretty, The Go-Betweens and even a bit Psychadelic Furs – a lot of architectural guitar sounds layered over a Hammond organ base and melodic bass. Melody plays an important part in our songs and lyrics are very important too. We love to play live and are of the view that every gig should be as entertaining and dynamic as possible. So we don’t just stand still playing in t-shirts and shorts.

Favourite artists of all time?

The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Church, The Undergound Lovers, The Smiths, Joy Division, The National, Simple Minds, Died Pretty, The Go-Betweens, The Triffids, Pulp.