Back in 2015, at Darren Middleton’s Melbourne launch of second solo album ‘Splinters’, I was naively surprised how varied and expansive his repertoire was. Ranging from earlier bands (notably Powderfinger and DRAG) as well as his solo career ranging over four albums, I was taken with how many memorable songs he had written, including the beautiful … Continue reading Darren Middleton
Will Cuming, aka LANKS, is an Australian songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. His debut album twentyseven is full of sweet, melodic layers and sometimes reflective moods of an artist expecting more from life and himself, as he moves through his late 20’s. Songs such as ‘Yours’ and ‘Comfortable’ are cruisy and easily accessible, whereas the title … Continue reading LANKS (Will Cuming)
Ben and Julian from Ukelele Death Squad are both keen to chat. Their ukelele band have been selling out their live shows, as word has quickly spread of their talent, improvisational skills and funny banter. This has lead to the four piece be asked to play numerous festivals since forming in February 2016, and they … Continue reading Ukelele Death Squad
After some initial discussion on Melbourne’s ongoing changes, and moving between north and south, i’m speaking to an articulate Dan Kelly about his writing process. It’s the middle of winter so luckily we find a heater and some wine and get chatting. Dan is amusing, reflecting his outlook on influences, old style 4 tracking, layers … Continue reading Dan Kelly
"Well you'll have a better life. You'll have a better life, you mark our words. Have a better life, you'll all get what you all deserve. Oh man, this is too f***** up. In anybody's language it ain't good enough. 'Cos I've been here almost fifteen years. In anybody's language, this is fight or … Continue reading Liz Stringer
Mark Seymour recognised his difficulty with song writing, after Hunters and Collectors disbanded in 1998. Suddenly faced with writing alone, and having a family to support, he says “The criteria were pretty strong, so gradually I figured it out. The problem wasn’t so much I was looking for a style, I didn’t really understand how … Continue reading Mark Seymour
Influenced by bands such as The Who and The Easybeats, Ashley Naylor already had a keen interest in power pop when starting his first band as a teenager, which ultimately led to forming his current band EVEN, still going "22 years strong". Ashley is keen to talk about his “absolute favorite thing”, song writing. This is affirming, … Continue reading Ashley Naylor
I sat down for a chat with Nick Barker on a Saturday afternoon, over a beer in the west of Melbourne. He's very fit for a seasoned musician! I soon find out this is due to surfing and kickboxing with a group of locals, some musicians, around the corner. In his words, he’s been … Continue reading Nick Barker
When you hear about Mick Thomas around Melbourne, you’re pretty much told he’s approachable, an interesting conversationalist and a familiar face in many a pub front bar. He even recently co-owned a pub. We meet at the Wesley Anne - for its quietness, and Mick says the beer is good. It’s dark and there’s … Continue reading Mick Thomas
