interview: tom lee-richards

Tom Lee-Richards is a Melbourne-based musician with a debut E.P coming out sometime this year. After recent touring, Tom left his day job for music. And why not? His highly-textured, magnetic sound begs pursuing.

1. What fell into place for you to quit your day job and pursue music full-time?

Good question. I was touring NZ and Australia late last year and was enjoying playing in different places so much that I thought why don't I just do this. The volatile state of the world we are heading into has only really highlighted that nothing's as important as the things that make you happy - cos none of it lasts forever anyway. Plus, people find a way. If they don't well then they have to change something. I'll see how I go.

2. Where and how did you record your new E.P.?

This is my debut solo E.P actually and is probably more of a mini-album just because there are a fair few tracks that had to go together. I recorded it mostly with Pip Norman aka Countbounce (Jarryd James, Troye Sivan) at his studio in Northcote, Melbourne. One track was recorded with Matt Neighbour (Matt Corby, Courtney Barnett) at Sing Sing Studios. There are a couple of tracks that some regular band mates played on but a lot of it was shaped from the ground up from a demo guitar take or mouth percussion improv.

3. Can you tell me about the collaborations that happened when making this E.P.?

Working with Pip Norman was great. I sent Pip a few recordings and he was drawn to 'The Wearing Kind'. He said, "I really like 'The Wearing Kind' - I think it's got a charm and magnetism that I feel I could bring something special to". We agreed we should explore the song's calypso influences in a fresh way that suits us, whilst staying true to my vocal delivery and the nostalgic feeling in the song. It wasn't long before Pip was swinging his arm at a solo floor Tom, hammering out what would be the backbone of the track. I grew to love Pip's signature sample-driven approach and the wisdom he brought to the process. I laid down the vocals, guitar and (usually) bass and then we worked on adding some synth and keys magic.

Matt Neighbour, who co-produced 'Madness' with me, is a young production star and a super nice guy - loves 'Parks and Recreation' amongst other good shows. I had previously worked with Matt on my band Catch Release's album and was always impressed with his technical nous and consistently patient listening mode. 'Madness' was really about capturing what I do live and adding the bare minimum in a tasteful way. I knew I would enjoy that process with Matt.

Rob Wardrop (keys), Thomas Young (bass) and Danny Finkelstein (drums) also played on one of the tracks giving it killer feel. The E.P/mini-album thingy is a definite journey.

4. What are three words you would use to describe your new music?

Rhythmic, nuanced, textured.

5. Where is the best place in Melbourne to write music and/or to get unexpectedly inspired?

Haha well I may not be fully aware of where I'm going to be unexpectedly inspired next and that's awesome. I often find myself on a park bench looking sideways at a flying bird. The bird often doesn't make it into the song but is aware I'm there. I do also like grabbing a coffee somewhere and letting the wash of social noise create enough distance to write.

interview: alanna eileen (musician)

Alanna Eileen has a quiet, pressing presence when she performs. She may describe herself as shy - her music is anything but. Alanna is on the cusp of releasing her first full-length album, which was produced by Ben Edwards (he also produced Aldous Harding's and Marlon Williams' albums). She'll be touring New Zealand in February before the release of her first single. Keep an eye out.

1. How does your self-described shyness and your desire to perform interact?

If you’re quiet and introverted, it can be quite daunting getting up on stage.  Being a naturally introspective and private person makes me nervous about performing, but it’s a great feeling when you overcome it and manage to connect with people.

2. What was it like to do shows with your dad?

It was a valuable opportunity to get comfortable performing in public without the pressure of being entirely solo.  I learned a lot about people and the multifaceted nature of adult life because I was singing alongside my father in bars and other venues while still only a teen.  It was also the first time I realised my voice seemed to have an impact on people and that, while surprising to me, was a great feeling.  It felt like I suddenly had a place in the world.  Additionally, I got better at singing harmonies and that remains one of my favourite things to do.

3. What are 3 words you would associate with your new album?

Hushed, atmospheric, real.

4. Where and how did you record your new album?

I recorded the album at The Sitting Room in Lyttelton with producer Ben Edwards.  I had been playing shows and traveling around New Zealand for about a month before we were due to record.  I also spent some time alone in a shack in a remote mountainous area and wrote some of the songs that ended up on the album while there.

The recording process itself took three weeks and we tracked a lot of it live.  I felt like a different person by the time we finished.  Ben Edwards is so gifted at what he does.  He’s funny and genuine and fosters a non-judgmental environment that mitigates the anxiety typically associated with recording.  He seems to understand the importance of space or atmosphere and the album is what it is because of that.  He also works extremely dedicatedly and the studio feels like a magical place to make music.

5. Where are you looking forward to playing in New Zealand?

I’m looking forward to playing at Wunderbar in Lyttelton; it’s quite an intimate venue and I really like the shadowy, red-curtained vibe.

interview: nik thompson (44th sunset)

It has been four years since Perth band 44th Sunset first came together. After releasing their EP Boa Constrictor Hat in 2012, which featured the poppy and cleverly bitter "Caesar," the band are now working on a new album, as well as planning an Australian wide tour in 2015. Behind the scenes, 44th have shifted from a major label contract to littleBIGMAN records - a process that involved existential musings and reformation. Following the recent release of "The Hills," here's a bite size Q & A between 44th's Nik Thompson (vocals, guitar) and I.

What is the story behind your name "44th Sunset"? 

"The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry teaches us that forty-four sunsets in a row can pretty much fix any emotional stress you can have. And I seriously love that book - I have a tattoo from it and everything.

After ending your contract with a major label, what did it take to unwind from your "convoluted state of being”?

First a large transitional period of just re-evaluating the band. The project needed to feel distinctly evolved. Then we had to re-assess how we got things done.

How is this change currently affecting the sound of your upcoming album?

There won’t be as much female vocals in the track now that we’re an all-male group again. The change hasn’t dramatically changed the sound, otherwise. The main difference is that the record is actually really happening.

Lyrically, where do you draw your ideas from?

Mostly the lyrics reference my insecurities in an obscure way, it feels good when you yell them out.

After being a band for four years and with an Australian-wide tour planned for next year, what experiences do you draw on for momentum to keep going?

Memories of other tours drive on the future ones. I/We like touring quite a lot.

A lot of people comment about the engaging experience of watching you live, what do you think happens within you and the band to make it so?

We really like to perform and feel comfortable releasing on stage.  Also, I always take off my shoes - that’s a big deal.

Does the Perth music scene have any characteristics that set it apart from other cities in Australia?

The Perth music scene is surprisingly large for Perth’s population. I guess the main characteristic is often just bands playing to the other bands.

What three things do you recommend for someone to do if he or she is into alternative music and visiting Perth?

Browse Noise Pollution Records. Come to one of our shows. Go to a Love Junkies show.