Love Drunk Hearts

What is your name and role within Love Drunk Hearts?

Aaron Ikin – Main songwriter, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist.

Where are you currently based?

The Northern Beaches of Sydney.

How did you first start playing music?

I had always had an inclination for poetry growing up and an ear for good music, but it wasn’t till I lost my dad at 21 to Motor Neuron Disease I taught myself guitar, singing and songwriting. I decided at that point music is twofold – great for self-expression but also a gift to someone else.

How did Love Drunk Hearts form?

There was a warehouse in Brookvale on the Northern Beaches which was a bit of a hub for a lot of musicians and bands. Some features included an Elvis picture on the wall and a bike hanging from the ceiling. Benny Bryant (Bass) had auditioned Chris Falkland (Lead Guitar) to play in his old band Bec and Ben and invited Chris along to a party at the warehouse. Aaron was there with some pretty raw and undefined songs and hit it off with Chris over ‘Rock The Casbah’. Michael Brown (Drums) had also played with Benny in his old band so we asked if he wanted to jump on board. It clicked.

Your new single ‘Those Boys’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

The sound has a definite 90’s feel in both guitar and melody. I really love the Britpop songwriting. Oscar Dawson of HOLY HOLY produced the track and had such great input on the song sonically and structurally.

How did you go about writing the track?

Initially I had come up with the verse and chorus melody over 2 chords. I sang this in practise, and everyone immediately clicked with it. Chris had been working on his own song called Ghost Town which had an eye worm riff like the 90’s. I couldn’t sing Chris’s melody as it was too high so we decide to marry the 2 songs together and it worked a treat. Brought the song to life and a great example of all our heads working together. We then took it into the studio with Oscar and he added a whole another level of knowledge, experience and flair!

Where and when did you record/produce and who with?

In Melbourne at Aviary Studios with Oscar Dawson. That was April last year. We had a blast.

How did you approach the recording process?

We came at it from a live feel. We all got in the room and tracked live. After 3 or 4 takes we would escape to the NASA control room and pick the best parts. Once the bed of the track was done we recorded the vocals and worked on extra guitar parts.

How did the concept for the music video come together?

The inspiration for the video came from the title of the song (i.e. ‘Those Boys’). It along with the lyrics tend to ignite ideas that sometimes many men or boys can get lost in their own world of interest or passion. The 1978 BMX footage (that we were so fortunate to use) was a perfect vehicle for this, showing all the men passionately supporting each other, when people not part of this scene might not find it interesting/impressive at all.

Who did you work with to create the music video?

It was in house. Brownie created and edited the video.

What do you like to do away from music?

Everyone in the band surfs which is great for writing sessions by the coast. Michael likes his woodwork. Ben and Chris have an unhealthy obsession with golf. Aaron likes to run half marathons and perform yoga stretches.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

The new Taylor Swift album is great. I believe the guitarist from The National helped with the songwriting. I’ve been listening to some classic dance floor anthems like Praise You and Music Sounds Better With You. Love the idea of those circular melodies. It’s melody economy.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?

Another track to release for summer. We’re currently putting the final touches on a new song, set to be released real soon and also getting ready to film some draft ideas for the video this week.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

I’d have to say a burrito with chips. California style with a beer. The best every time. I love hanging out in Manly by the beach. Nothing better. Home in Freshwater isn’t too bad either.