Music Interviews

Where are you currently based?

I’m born and raised in beautiful Calgary, Alberta (Canada)! 

How did you first start playing music?

Music has been with me as long as I can remember. Ever since I could talk I would sing, and I’ve always loved writing poems and stories which became songs around the age of ten! My dad has always been a lover of music and sings as well, so it’s been in and around me forever! 

What’s been happening recently?

I’m so happy to say my debut single “Blame it on Me” has been released! The song also has a music video to accompany it! All in all, I’ve been writing music constantly and working with incredible artists and producers who continuously challenge me to create a better song than the last, every single session. It’s been a blast! 

You’ve just released your single ‘Blame It On Me’. What influenced the sound and songwriting?

I owe the sound to the incredible Jackson Willows, who I personally believe to be a total wizard. He has such a strong vision for the music he works on, much like myself when it comes to lyrics and storytelling and I think by working together we created something really special. Joseph of Mercury was also on deck and the three of us clicked in such a great way. I can’t imagine this song coming about with anybody else! Dan Kurtz also jumped in for insight and by the end of the songwriting and musical journey I was so happy and eager to release it! 

 How did you go about writing ‘Blame It On Me’?

Jackson Willows and I were actually jumping into another song for that session – we were circling back to a tune that we thought might have some potential but needed tweaking. However when we got in, both he and I felt it just wasn’t clicking. And personally, I believe that when creativity comes to a place where it needs to be dragged through the mud and forced, it’s no longer genuine. And that’s totally okay! So we decided to start a new song, and that was the start of Blame it on Me. We finished the majority of the song and that’s when Joseph jumped in to help wrap up and tie up loose ribbons and give the song his magic touch. When we decided this was going to be the first single, that’s when Dan Kurtz came in for a session to give his thoughts. After that, we were off to the races!

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

I recorded physically at OCL studios in Calgary with wonderful sound tech Josh Gwilliam, and through super cool technology, I had Jackson Willows and Joseph of Mercury in my ears listening to and directing the session. Jackson Willows produced, and Jay Dufour mixed. Finally, Alexis Psaroudakis mastered the song! 

 How did you approach the recording process?

Like I said, I was physically in Calgary recording, while my producer Jackson Willows and co-writer Joseph of Mercury were in Toronto. Technology is so advanced now that we were able to hear each other while I recorded in Calgary, and the two of them directed the session while Josh was there to facilitate and physically record. It was a super interesting experience! 

 Who are you listening to at the moment and who influences your sound?

I’ve been loving JP Saxe recently, as well as Conan Gray, Ruston Kelly and Lennon Stella. It’s hard to pin down who influences my sound as I feel I have a real unique vibe going that’s a combination of folk, pop, alternative and singer songwriter. I’m super inspired by Stevie Nicks though and older 70s 80s music and putting an organic and modern twist on it! 

What do you like to do away from music?

I have all kinds of creative outlets like drawing, painting and writing – but I have a huge love and passion for photography and visual content creation. Being the creative director behind all of my music promotional images and aesthetic has been so fun, and doing that for other people is always so rewarding as well! 

Does songwriting come easy?

For me personally, I would say yes! Of course everyone gets into creative ruts or phases of writer’s block, but in general I would say that writing has always come very naturally to me. Whether it’s poetry, story telling, essays or songwriting, stringing words together to create an image is one of my favourite things to do. 

What’s planned for the remainder of 2021?

I will be releasing a second single this Fall! And hopefully an EP will be coming shortly into the New Year. Stay tuned!

 Favourite food and place to hangout?

My favourite food has got to be potatoes. In any form. They’re just so versatile haha! 

My favourite place to hangout is wherever my favourite people are. I’m very lucky to have found a group of friends who are so joyful, driven and loving. I am my best self wherever and whenever I’m with them. 

Twitter: @jennieharlukmu1

Facebook: /jennieharlukmusic

Instagram: @jennieharlukmusic

TikTok: @jennieharluk

Website: www.jennieharlukmusic.com

Where are you currently based?

I’m currently based on the forever buzzing King Street in Newtown, and have been for the past 5 years.

How did you first start playing music?

I started singing when I was a kid. I was that annoying kid that performed at all the end-of-school celebrations and talent shows, hah. I started writing my own music when I was about 14, but back then I didn’t have anyone to write with so I’d hopelessly try to strum on my dad’s old and out of tune guitar (with no talent for it whatsoever).

Since then I’ve been in a number of different bands, mostly back in Sweden, but because of different priorities and moving locations, those projects didn’t last long.

I went solo about two-and-a-half years ago, which has been wonderful. I still collaborate a lot, but it’s been great to have the control to keep things going, taking me to where I am today.

What’s been happening recently?

I’ve been working away on everything that compliments the music for the release of my debut EP, ‘Do You Remember That?’, and I’m so excited to share the images surrounding the EP.

I’ve also been working on sharpening the live set, adding live bass and drums. Previously it was just me and my collaborator Simon Brock on stage. It’s been so great to hear the music reach another level by adding two incredibly talented musicians to the mix.

Your debut EP ‘Do You Remember That?’ will be released on July 30, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

Having removed so much of the regular joys this past year due to Covid, I’ve been reflecting on some of the most impactful moments in my life. It’s been a journey taking me from the highest highs to the lowest lows in the past 15 years. Because of this, I wanted the whole EP to be drenched in nostalgia. I hope that the listener can feel those big swings of joy, to anger, to desperation, to love.

How did you go about writing the EP?

The writing of the EP started a year ago, almost to the day. Me and my partner and collaborator, Simon, went away for a long weekend to a super cute AirBnb in Wollombi. I tend to write best being out of the city, away from any distractions.

It would’ve been soon after the first Sydney lockdown had lifted and we were craving inspiration more than ever. I can clearly remember writing ‘Daughter’, track four on the EP. The song is an emotional and desperate call for normality, and the song unfolded late at night.

From that point we wrote additional songs from our home in Newtown, drawing inspiration from past life experiences.

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

All of the vocals are recorded in our little home studio (bedroom) and all the tracks are produced and mastered by an absolutely incredible and wonderful LA-based producer called HVTCH. We’ve built an amazing rapport with HVTCH, who did an incredible job elevating the songs with lush production. It’s been such a wonderful experience adding a third person to our little writing team and getting a fresh perspective on how the songs could sound.

What did you find most challenging and rewarding during the creation of the EP?

It’s definitely been a double-edged sword sorting through my past experiences, some being so beautiful to revisit and others more painful. I think It’s allowed me to process things that I didn’t realise I was still struggling with.

It’s been so joyous to have HVTCH join us on the execution of this EP. I love that he’s added part of his sound to this record.

What does this EP mean to you?

I am so excited to finally release my debut EP. It’s been a long time coming and I’m ready for the world to hear it! It’s such a personal selection of songs but I hope that people can still relate to the words. You’ll find anything from newfound love and self-affirmation to heartache and loss. I’m wearing my heart on my sleeve and it’s never felt so good.

Please tell us about any upcoming live shows:

I will be doing an EP launch party with a full live band at the Oxford Art Factory Gallery Bar on October 1st. If you’ve seen me live before, it’s nothing like it will be for this show! Because of Covid restrictions there’ll be limited tickets available so get in quick!  

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Right now I’m obsessed with Telenova, Mø and Oh My My. They are constantly on repeat.

What do you like to do away from music?

I love photography and it’s what I do for a living outside of music. I tend to do all the concepts and lighting for my artworks and PR shots, and usually get help from a friend to shoot it. For the EP photoshoot I got Simon to shoot it (he knows very little about photography but I’m training him, hah). I also had help from epic creatives Olivia Waugh and Hamish McIntosh.

Other then that I love sunshine, wine and cheese!

What’s planned for the remainder of 2021?

I wish I could say, but the future is very up in the air at the moment. What I will aim to do is play more live shows in, around, and outside of Sydney. I don’t have much hope of this happening this year, but as soon as possible I will get back to visit my family in Sweden. I don’t think I can stop writing about the longing I have for my family until I get to see them again.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Cheese platter or pizza! I’m obsessed with the potato pizza at Bella Brutta or the Village Green at Epic (add chilli/chilli oil of course).

For hangouts I rarely leave Newtown/Enmore/Erskineville to be honest. You’ll find me at Camperdown Memorial Park, Jacoby’s, Queen Chow, Newtown Hotel, Martini,The Erko or on my balcony.

‘Do You Remember That?’ EP Out July 30

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milanile.music/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MilaNile.music

Website: https://milanile.com/

What is your name and role within Spillage?

Tony de Pasquale and I’m the bass player

Where are you currently based?

Essentially Brisbane but Sam lives on the Goldie and Nathan on the Sunshine Coast. David’s in Brissie too.

What’s been happening recently?

Just finished recording the new album. It’s getting mixed now. We had a single launch (You Said No) a few weeks ago at the Greaser that went really well. We’ve got our 2^nd single launch (Unawares) at King Lear’s Throne on the 14^th of August.

How did the reunion after two decades of not playing together come about?

Asho (from Footstomp) suggested it to Sam one night and he asked all of us and we all jumped at it. There’s nothing like being in a practice room making noise with your mates.

Please tell us a little about your history as a band:

Well…..in a galaxy far far away………it feels like that sometimes.

We were a 3 piece back in the 90s. Sam and I are brothers so we grew up playing music a lot. (My first instrument was an accordion when I was 5!) Played a lot of gigs with a lot of different bands. The main venues back in Brisbane were The Zoo and The Orient, the Roxie, The Funkyard and Metropilis. We played pretty much every other week for a few years. We put an album out in 94 and it sold about 14 copies. We were big in Ballscratch, South Australia.

Your live shows are as tight as ever, was the chemistry right where you left off?

We were a bit rusty at first but it came together pretty quickly. It helps that we’re not super stoned all the time like the old days.

We asked Gorky (David Gaukrodger) to join. We always wanted to be a 4 piece with the extra guitar. We’d known each other for years and he fit right in.

Your single ‘Unawares’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

I think you’d have to say the influence for the sound came from one of our fave bands of the ages: Husker Du. The lyrics are about living in a drug fuelled fog and wondering why your life is such a shit sandwich. Then turning it around and really seeing that the world can be a beautiful place.

How did you go about writing the track?

Sam came in with the song and we all added our little sparkles. It just seemed to get better and better and when we recorded it, it really jumped out. It goes off when when we play live as well.

Where and when did you record/produce/master?

We recorded with Jeff Lovejoy at Blackbox Studios and the mastering was done by Matt Gray at Matthew Gray Mastering

What can we expect from your upcoming album to be released in October?

A mixture of songs. Although our roots are rock/punk/grunge there’s a few different sounds emerging. A few of the tracks are from the old days but the majority are all this century.

How did the new grunge sound come about?

Similar to the old grunge but new and improved!! I think as you get a bit older and you listen to a whole lot of different music, your taste widens and you can draw from a wider sound palette. Our roots are still guitar based rock but we like to throw a few spanners in the works to make it exciting.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I can’t speak for the other boys but 2 bands I’m into at the moment are Badflower and Cleopatrick.

What do you like to do away from music?

I like to spend time with the fam. I’m a Dad so there’s always sport with the kids on the weekend. I coach my daughter’s Netball team and my son’s cricket team. I like to get out and see local bands and comedy when I can.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2021?

We’ll finish mixing the album, get that released and hopefully get a little tour going (Covid permitting).

Plus we’ve already got a bunch of songs for the 2^nd album so we’ll keep working on them.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Being Italian I’m a big pizza fan. But a close 2^nd is Vietnamese food. Fave hangout would have to be the praccy room with the crew. As far as clubs/bars go – Greaser Bar and the Jolly Roger in the Valley. Plus Blutes on a Sun arve.

“UNAWARES” IS OUT JULY 28

https://www.facebook.com/spillagepeople/

https://www.instagram.com/spillage_people/

Where are you currently based?

A) The village of Canning, Nova Scotia in Canada.

How did you first start playing music?

A) 12 years old, acoustic guitar, learning Beatles tunes.

What’s been happening recently?

A) Parenting, pacing, hovering, drinking, stewing, and whining.

Your new album Dusted III is out on the 23rd of July, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

A) I wanted to capture a handful of songs, to sort of cleanse them from my busy mind. I wanted them to be recorded simply, naturally, the way I play them at home. The songs and lyrics come from a ten year period of my life, but the final selection seems to have an overarching feeling. It went well with all the transitions in my life- moving, returning to the province of my youth, saying goodbye, and embracing something new.

How did you go about writing Dusted III?

A) I write all the time, so this selection was more to do with curating a digestible handful of songs. I didn’t overthink which ones I picked. I still have a few more records like this that I hope to finish. This is a step towards that goal.

What does the album mean to you?

A) Leaving things behind, and stepping towards the unknown.

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

A) I booked Palace, a studio in Toronto, ON, the first few days of March 2019 and recorded everything there, live-off-the-floor, engineered by Chris Sandes. It was mostly vocal guitar, but also bass and wurlitzer. I then brought the album with me to Nova Scotia where I finished it in a makeshift home studio. A final drum and horn session was booked again in Palace when my other band Holy Fuck went to Toronto to do a CBC session. That was just before the pandemic began. I sat with it for a few months doing nothing, just settling into a weird time. And then I got cracking on the mixes. I sent them around to a few people, but luckily found a guy named Shuta Shinoda to do the final mixes. I have one song mixed by Dave Newfeld and one by Jarvis Taveniere.

How did you approach the recording process?

A) We set up many mics, more than we’d need, but that allowed me to go through and select the few that I liked for the mood and tone, depending on the song. I like field recordings, demos, very natural and unadorned recordings, so I just followed that instinct. The benefit to finishing this in a peaceful environment in Nova Scotia, Canada, was that I got to capture the sounds around me to give the album a sense of space and time – birds, rain etc.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

A) I had a DJ gig last week where I played a lot of my old disco and breakdance/ hip hop records. Last night I played a board game with my folks listening to Black Sabbath. The usual I guess. 

What do you like to do away from music?

A) Escape to nature!

What’s planned for 2021?

A) Get this record out and hopefully play shows! I have another thing, a four piece called Quilting, that is hopefully releasing something, definitely playing shows in the fall, and maybe some Holy Fuck thing.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

A) I haven’t really lucked out with that here. I miss traveling. The Valley in Nova Scotia, where I live, is known for vineyards, but the dining scene is geared for students and tourists, but has shit-hours. Nothing is open late, so I mostly put on my headphones and walk around my backyard in the evenings when my daughter finally sleeps. 

Twitter: @totallyDusted

Facebook: @totallyDusted

Instagram: @dusted_brianborcherdt

Where are you currently based?

I’m living in my hometown, in Orillia, Ontario.

How did you first start playing music?

I started playing piano when I was 6, and singing in school talent shows a couple of years after that. I got a guitar for Christmas in the eighth grade and taught myself how to play so I could write songs with it. It wasn’t until high school that I started playing my own songs in front of people, which quickly became my favourite thing to do at every coffee house/ open mic I could get myself on the sign-up sheet for!

What have you been up to recently?

I have been pretty consumed with getting my new EP ready to release– making videos, doing photoshoots and all of the administrative stuff that comes along with being an independent artist. It’s pretty all-consuming, but it’s been really exciting for me! I’m also starting to write again and enjoying some time in the sun hanging by the lake!

What influenced the sound and songwriting on your new EP Enough?

I started writing this EP right around the time that I was dropped from my previous label deal.  I felt like I hadn’t gotten personal enough in my prior releases and really wanted to get uncomfortably honest in my writing. All of the songs are relationship-focused and autobiographical– covering breakups to being in love again. I went into recording just focused on making something I was excited about, and wanted to try new things and have fun in the process. The sound was born out of a mix of contemporary pop influences with pop punk influences that I grew up with. 

How did you go about writing the music?

I write about my own experience and that’s always been important to me. I fell in love with music because I found solace in the words of other artists who wrote really personal lyrics. Growing up, I was always posting song lyrics to my MSN status and Facebook wall about how I was feeling *SO CRINGE*. 

Now, if I’m writing for myself, I like to use songwriting as a way to sort through my head and whatever I’m going through… (call it cheap therapy).  Most of my songs start with a few lyrics, or a small poem in my notes app that I’ll eventually revisit and turn into a song when I am a little more removed and have a clearer headspace to sort through the feelings/ emotions.

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

Some of the songs were written as early as 2018, but I started recording these songs in 2019.  The EP is 100% female produced– Hill Kourkoutis produced ‘Unsolicited Contact’, ‘I Don’t Trust Anyone Anymore’, and ‘Darkside’ in Toronto, and Robyn Dell’Unto produced ‘We Might Break Up’, ‘I Don’t Hang out with My Exes’ and ‘Enough’ in Nashville. They’re both so amazing at what they do and it was a dream working with them. Jason Dufour from Toronto mixed the EP, and Emily Lazar did the mastering.

How did you approach the recording process?

I had worked with only male producers previously, so I wanted to work with female producers on this project (especially because it came from such a personal, female perspective). It was such a different experience being in the studio with all female energy. Hill and Robyn are so talented, and I felt really comfortable to just be myself and try new things. I felt free to be creative, experiment and be vulnerable, which was crucial for this EP and made it so much fun to work on. 

What does this EP mean to you?

“Enough” is a collection of songs that focuses on relationships, and explores both dealing with heartbreak and finding love. I understand that, thematically, the two don’t go together, but I’ve found in my experience that love and heartbreak aren’t sequential. It’s entirely possible to experience feelings of heartbreak and longing while being completely in love with someone new. 

In the case of the title track, it’s about finding love and wholeness—acknowledging that real love, above all else, is enough.  In the songs about heartbreak, the title is more about closing the door behind me and saying things that I didn’t have enough courage to say before. It’s about saying enough is enough to those feelings. 

This project also acknowledges my journey as an artist and all of the self-doubt that has come along with my experiences. Throughout the making of this EP, I was able to remind myself that I could in fact do things my way, and that the work I created— despite my fears— has always been good enough.  That I’m enough. 

Who are you listening to at the moment?

My favourite band right now is Winnetka Bowling League– I love all of their songs and think Matthew Koma is a lyrical *genius*, but ‘On the 5’, ‘are you okay?’, and ‘Slow Dances’ are probably my favourites… It’s the type of songwriting that makes me want to be a better, more honest writer. 

What do you like to do away from music?

I love spending time with my friends and my extended family– that’s where I’m happiest (and also why this last year has been particularly difficult for me to manage). When I have free time I love sewing, crafting, and getting active– playing tennis, rollerblading, and running. 

What’s planned for the remainder of 2021?
A) Lots of fun things to come alongside the EP release — a couple more videos and even some merch.  Beyond that, I’m excited to take a bit of a breath and recharge after the release. I’m looking forward to writing more again, doing some travelling, and hopefully making up for some lost time with my friends and family! 

Favourite food and place to hangout

I have the biggest sweet tooth… anything baked. There’s a place called Mariposa Market here in Orillia and if it was acceptable to eat donuts for breakfast, lunch and dinner, I would eat their Texas donuts until I literally turned into one.

I’m not the biggest fan of going out– although after this year I’m sure my friends and I will be doing lots of that… But to be honest, my favourite place to be is at a friend’s house– hanging out and having a few drinks (and a lot of laughs) with my favourite people around a table, on a basement couch, or on the living room floor.  Can’t wait to get back to that!

Twitter: @cassiedasilva

Facebook: /cassiedasilvamusic

Instagram: @cassiedasilva

TikTok: @cassiedasilva

Website: www.cassiedasilva.com

Head Of Clouds is a Spanish artist and record label project based around cinematic sounds and compelling melodies both poignant and uplifting. Their first release “Almond Eyes” is out now and their second release “When Magic Happens” is out on the 12th of July. Excited to learn more about this stunning project, we decided to catch up with Head Of Clouds and ask them a few questions…

Where are you currently based? 

I am based in Barcelona, Spain. 

Could you describe your style for those who have never heard your music before?

I would not define my music with any concrete style. This is why I would tell those who have never listened to me to forget for a moment what is established, not to think of any musical style, simply to feel the music and enjoy the experience. I understand my music as a language, a different way to express my perceptions.

How did you first get into electronic music?

I have been familiar with electronic music for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a home where luckily Enigma was one of the classics. That says it all. 

All that love for electronic music that I have been experiencing over the years awakened in me an early concern to explore the world of music production. At the age of 13, I started creating my first tracks.

What’s your local music scene like at the moment?

After this pandemic year, the scene has been really affected economically and emotionally. This emotional change has been reflected in the music, from productions to the musical criteria of the DJs. I think this change made an improve to our scene, since many artists have been able to remove the standards from their heads and finally do things with their hearts. Let’s not forget that music is art and not maths.

What inspired your artist alias?

When I began to articulate the project, I had in mind that the artistic name had to reflect in some way the essence of what I want to convey. I was constantly looking for inspiration in different artistic fields. Coincidentally, on a visit to the Dalí museum in Figueres, the inspiration I needed came in a painting form. When I saw “Man with his head full of clouds” I felt instantly identified and felt that the project should mention this beautiful piece and Dalí’s philosophy.

Have you released music under any other names?

Yes, but I prefer that no one knows that Spiderman is Peter Parker haha. 

The objective of this project is to bring all the focus in the music and not on the artist identity. I do not want there to be any kind of prejudice for whoever is willing to listen to me.

How did you approach the recording/production process? 

To compose each track I base myself on a perception of reality, how can I capture it through music and how can I cause this feeling to the listener. I am never thinking if the listener will like my music, I am just worried about if the listener will understand what I want to express.

Once I have the track in my head, I sit at the piano to find the chords that make me feel what I want to express. The rest is simply transferring the instruments in my head to the DAW.

There is no element in my songs that is randomly placed, everything has a meaning and a reason. And that’s how the creative process of these two tracks has also been. For the nerds, in my social networks I will go into the details behind Almond Eyes and When Magic Happens.

For finalizing the process of both tracks, I needed a very concrete texture, a full-bodied, sweet and creamy compression that I could “only” achieve with a Fairman TMC. So this is why I decided to visit The Mars Citizen Studio, who has one of the exclusive units we can find in the world. David, the owner, was also in charge of mastering the two tracks, and the result speaks for itself. He is one of the bests.

What equipment is in your studio?

My setup it’s very simple for now. The digital tools are very powerful.

Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire (Audio interface)

Casio Privia PX-S1000 (Digital piano)

Adam Audio SP-5 (Headphones)

PRS Standard 24 Limited Edition (Electric guitar)

2 x WARM AUDIO EQP WA (Analog Pultec style EQs)

JOEMEEK SC2.2 ver. 4 (Photo optical stereo compressor)

You recently launched your new label, could you tell us more about the project? 

Head of Clouds is not only my artistic identity, it’s also a way of perceiving and expressing art. The alias and the label are merged with the intention that Head of Clouds Records will only release my music not focused on the dance floor. Each track is released with a piece of art made by another artist in his field, expressing his/her perception about the track concept. This artist can be a graphic designer, a photographer, a poet, a filmmaker or whoever makes art.

What do you like to do away from music?

I love doing myself reiki, it’s just a space where I can have a date with me. Nowadays we spend lot of time with other people and we forget ourselves.

I am also a big fan of riding motorcycles and travelling.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2021?

During this year the main project is and will be continuing making music with different artists, which result will be able to start listening from 2022. With these collaborations I intend to bring naturalness and new sounds to electronic music.

From September a monthly single will be released until the end of the year. 

Stay tuned! 🙂

https://www.beatport.com/artist/head-of-clouds/983300

Where are you currently based?

We are based out of Nova Scotia, Canada’s Ocean Playground.

How did you first start playing music?

Music and entertaining was something I enjoyed since I was a young kid. I picked up the guitar at age 12 when a couple of my good friends started learning guitar and bass while my best friend has been playing drums since he was five. Shortly after that we started a band writing our own material and covering songs from rock n’ roll heavyweights like Rush, Guns N’ Roses and Motley Crue.

What’s been happening recently?

A few weeks back we released our final single “Homesick” before the album release. This song features Christopher Thorn of Blind Melon and has been getting great reception from radio, and our loyal and new fans. We have also been busy planning and prepping for the album release. This includes rehearsals, social media connection, booking gigs, and lots of press. We recently had our song, “Overtime” off our new album play on the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs during a montage going into OT during game 4 where the Montreal Canadiens (our favourite team) won the game.

After a long hiatus where entertainment wasn’t allowed because of the pandemic we are thrilled to be able to start playing shows again in support of our new album.

Your new album ‘No Fools No Fun’ will be out on July 9, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

I had an interviewer a few weeks back ask a similar question. He said very animated, “Where did you come up with this sound?!” Then began to describe what he was hearing to me in a perfect way. The interviewer at the time noticed the 60s Brit Rock vocal stylings combine with the 70s and 80s rock n’ roll attitude that was blended with a 90s image and 90’s/2000’s pop/rock sound. That was all mixed in with some doo-wop style vocals and harmonies that could work for a country band. This can be called, “Grease Coast Rock N’ Roll” which is our signature genre that is easiest describe as “Southern Power Pop Rock.”

How did you go about writing the album?

The album is all based on experiences I’ve had in my twenties. A huge growing decade where in the second half I found out who I really was and why the places I’ve been were so instrumental (pun intended) to the journey and my growth as a person. Songs like “Homesick” highlight my life on the road as a musician and sheet metal worker while “Sympathy Card” and “Read Between The Lines” are songs that are a “look in the mirror” kind of tracks; take ownership of your wrong-doings and don’t put blame on anyone but yourself. It’s an album of hard work, perseverance and to make sure you have fun in the meantime while doing all of this.

Where and when did you record/produce the album, and who with?

We recorded the album at Chalet Studio in Uxbridge, Ontario. A beautiful, secluded spot in the country that included our lodging for the duration of tracking. We began recording in the spring of 2019 where we tracked half the album then and the other half in fall of 2019. The album was produced by Brian Moncar (Alice Cooper, Our Lady Peace) and had guest producer John Angus MacDonald (The Trews) who produced ”Sympathy Card.”

How did you approach the recording process?

We wanted to create an album that best represented the energy we bring at our live shows so we did the album live off the floor with everyone tracking together at the same time. The vocals were overdubbed afterwards so there wasn’t any bleed into the tracks. This is definitely the way we’ll be recording for the rest of our career because it is the most genuine representation of who and what we are as a band. 

What did you find most challenging and rewarding during the creation of the album?

The most challenging thing was holding off on releasing the album. We had initial release plans of a Spring 2020 release, but the pandemic put that to a screeching halt so we had to go back to the drawing board. We worked hard to stay creative to not only to keep momentum but build our fanbase while not being able to perform live. We had the intention to release the album to go hand in hand with our live show so naturally that meant touring the album. With the world opening back up and our new release date of July 9th it seems that our patience will be worth the wait. The most rewarding part about it all was having a dream come into fruition. We collaborated with a slew of fantastic industry professionals on this album and the end product is something we can be proud of forever.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

The latest Foo Fighters album, “Medicine at Midnight” has been on heavy rotation for me for the last few months. They’re such an inspirational band. The good guys in rock n’ roll who we strive to be like. Good role models, amazing vibe and fantastic music.

What do you like to do away from music?

Honestly music consumes my brain a good 90% of the time. When I’m not doing music, I like to create posters/graphic work (that usually is for the band or my own solo work…whoops, haha.) I love to adventure and see what nature has to offer. Living in Nova Scotia we have such a beautiful landscape where hiking, road trips, and one-off breweries pop up from town to town. Adventuring would be my favourite pass-time besides music.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2021?

The remainder of our year consists of touring Canada in support of the album release. We’ll be doing multiple dates in the Maritimes all summer before heading to Ontario in September for gigs and some unfinished business. This trip will also include planning for album number three and a live album in between the two studio releases. 

Favourite food and place to hangout?

I just moved to a place called Stellarton in Pictou County and coincidentally down the road from my house is a spot called, “Andre’s Pizza.” I obviously was intrigued because the spot had my name which isn’t a popular one in the area so the first day here I stopped in. It turns out the restaurant is a music themed place that has a jukebox from Elvis’ Graceland collection, some of my favourite records displayed on the wall autographed and the best pizza you can sink your teeth into. I’ve been back there more than a handful of times and know it’s going to be another home for me, haha. On the other side of things about 10 minutes in the opposite direction is the studio we rehearse at called, “Sea Level Sound.” The band has been going here since 2016. It inspired a lot of songs from the album; “The Swedish Motel” and “Labels” in particular. The owner, Gord Stensrud is a great friend of ours and was also a guest on the “Labels.”

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Releasing a full collection of music can be daunting for any artist, though dropping an album like this after the year we’ve all just been through feels cathartic – how are you feeling about the whole process, now you’re at the end of it?

I think yes to a lot of people, the idea of dropping any type of work during or post covid is a bit of a weird one. For me the concept of releasing my own album was something I thought I’d be delving into years down the line. I wouldn’t say my project was the sole consequence of covid, but it did play a big part. Like many I was out of a job, I had moved back home, and it gave me a chance to listen to a lot of the music/demo’s I had done over the past three years. About half of the songs on the project are a result of this study and the rest of the songs came through time and as the world kind of grew back together. Whilst I’m super proud of the album itself, I still feel a sense of imposters syndrome about it all. ‘How have I even put this together?’ etc etc. In saying all this, the album to me was about my personal growth, and has been a really good basis in the new music which I’m writing everyday. 

We’ve heard some tops singles already from the album – how do you think they represent who Oly Sherman is as an artist in 2021?

I think with any of my work but particularly my singles off the album, they quite literally depict my life in those circumstances. Songs such as ‘Madness’ and ‘In The Summer’ are lyrically, pretty accurate representations of my emotional and physical state within the perspective. Whilst saying all of this, my taste and musical writing continues to grow. This album is definitely a representation of myself, but also a chance to show my growth. I’m even more excited to show what I’ve been cooking after the albums release. 

And within the wider scope of the album, what is it about these recent singles that represent the energy of the whole album do you think?

I think in regard to a ‘wider scope’, these singles best represent my first few years of song writing as a whole. I was and to some respect, still am super familiar with writing those types of songs. The album is definitely a representation of that type of writing process that I felt comfortable with. 

What has it meant to you that you’ve been able to have music as an outlet to concentrate on as we’ve had to grapple the pandemic?

I think its necessary to firstly say, that I was definitely a lucky one during covid. I was very, very thankful to have my family there as a support and know that a lot of other people weren’t so lucky in those respects. For me music and writing of music will always be a personal thing. I’m lucky enough that I can somewhat place that on an empty canvas and share it with the world. It’s a creative method which seems both easy and ‘nonchalant’. Rather than a distraction, I used my music as a means of perspective. It was present every day and kept my mind on what made me mentally healthy. 

For people who might be coming to your music for the first time with this music, is there a particular song/s off the record that you’d say are the one/s you’re most connected with now (and why)?

Different for me, as some of the songs from the project I love in certain ways, and some songs which the band and I have performed I love in different ways. I think for someone coming to my gig for the first time, the main message from me is just to just focus on having a good time. I think especially when comparing it to covid related things, everyone coming back to gigs just want to be happy and share the joy of live music again. I want nothing more than that in my live shows. 

This album is one of those records specifically made to be listened to front to back: was this an element you always had wanted to implement?

To be honest at the time, no but I think projects and music grows naturally into ways you didn’t expect them to prior. I’ve listened to the album a number of times and am pretty confident the order shares my mind state throughout.

Land of All Pretend is out now.
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Where are you currently based?

Melbourne, Australia 🙂

How did you first start playing music?

When I was 5 I started singing in a choir! I started playing professionally at 15 by pretending I was 18 and getting into bars.

What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?

I just released my new single “Can’t Do Anything Right” and I have some huge things happening in August you should keep an eye out for. Covid has been a roller coaster for many artists but I’ve persevered staying positive and active, I released a full EP called Normality in 2020, another single “Welcome” in 2021, a film clip and sold out my show at Howler.

Your new single ‘Cant Do Anything Right’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

I was frustrated! I felt like I couldn’t do anything right for myself or live up to everyone else expectations even though I was trying my hardest. It sort of just came out in 5 minutes.

How did you go about writing ‘Can’t Do Anything Right’?

I vocal looped it, did some pretty harmonies, a beat and a heavy simple bass line then I just started singing how I felt; “I can’t do anything right, trying my best, help me if I look left or I need my rest”. Then I added some instruments to thicken it up this time.

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

I wrote the song at home in my room, on my looper after receiving an email I was frustrated at in about April and recorded it in May, produced it Michael Cooper and Mastered it Nicholas Di Lorenzo, Panorama Mastering.

How did you approach the recording process?

I always have my own demos, phone recordings and all my ideas stored in my looper, then I smash it all out in the studio and add the cherries on top with extra layering or effects.

You’re playing Chapel Off Chapel on the 31 of July, how do you prepare for shows and what can we expect?

Yes I am! I will be looping, might play some guitar, I will also have some friends joining me on stage.

Who will you be playing with?

I will be solo with my looper and special guests.

What do you like to do away from music?

I’m pretty music obsessed, but I love a red wine over dinner or exercising.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Fresh Finds Australia and New Zealand playlist on Spotify because Spotify just added “Can’t Do Anything Right” to that Spotify playlist!

What’s planned for the remainder of 2021?

Can’t say too much yet but SO much, keep an eye out as you won’t be missing it. Expect an album in 2022.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Shujinko Ramen, Russell Street, Melbourne

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Where are you currently based?

I am usually in between LA and Sydney but with the travel restrictions I am based in Sydney, Australia for the time being

How did you first start playing music?

I’ve always loved to sing! I remember my first time singing in front of my family was when I was 8 years old at my sisters birthday party

What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been?

When Covid really started to get serious I was in LA, and had to rush home to make it in time just before the lockdown. I was meant to be back in LA after just a few weeks but haven’t been back for over a year and a half now. At first it was really hard to adjust to the shift in environment. Being in LA it is really non-stop, and being home especially with lockdown it was super slow.

A lot of my projects were pushed back because everything planned in LA couldn’t go through, (shooting visuals etc). So I really took the time to meet with the creatives here in Sydney and find people I enjoy working with. I learned a lot more about engineering my own vocals, and about directing. The good thing is that with technology I am still able to work closely with my team in LA. Its been really fun diving into different parts of the industry that ultimately have helped me grow into a better artist!

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

I love telling stories, and really finding melodies that carry the emotion of the lyrics I am singing to it. That is always my priority!

As for the inspiration behind the story, being in this industry can be very tricky. Theres a lot of smokey mirrors and blurred lines. I was offered a deal whilst in LA that seemed amazing but something didn’t feel right. I was back home in Sydney when I had to make a decision. As I was reflecting on my journey so far, the inspiration just hit. All those feelings of fear, chaos and belief started to write the song for me. The lyrics reminded me to trust myself. So I said no.

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

The song was just living in my notebook, until I was in LA again a few months later. I was singing at a live music venue when I caught the attention of My guy Mars. He mentioned that he wanted to work with me. So we went to his studio and I showed him the song I had written called “Trap house”. He instantly loved it & agreed to produce the record for me. 

How did you approach the recording/production process?

Being in the studio with mars was really mind blowing. Watching him in his element just create with so much passion and ease was insane. He had the first demo done within an hour session. I had a few elements I still wanted to add so we had another session working together and finalising the production. Once that was done we went to Sound Factory Studios, and I worked with Austen Lux chandler on the vocal production. He was great to work with and really helped to get the best vocal performance & he created some awesome harmonies too! 

How did the concept for the music video come about?

While searching for someone in Sydney to direct the music video, I was so lucky to come across Connor O Connor. She is a genius. From the first time meeting her I knew she was the right woman for the job. We had a few conversations about the meaning behind the song & the story. We worked very closely throughout the entire process but it was really important to me that she had creative freedom. She had created the concept, and the creative direction for every scene.

Where did you film and who did you work with?

We filmed the video at D1 Studios in Marrickville, Sydney. 

Connor O’ Connor (Director) put together the entire team / crew. 

What did you find most rewarding and challenging whilst creating the film clip?

It was very challenging organising the shoot with the covid 19 rules changing weekly. We wanted to make sure everyone was safe & that we followed all the rules correctly.

The most rewarding part was being able to play the video to my family.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I am always listening to different music, I can never narrow it down to one artist haha.

What do you like to do away from music?

I love hanging out with my family !

What’s planned for 2021?

My plan is to just keep releasing music, keep making music !

Favourite food and place to hangout?

My families restaurant Villaggio for both!

( I promise my dad didn’t make me say that) haha

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fZAWrNHg1k

Hi Ban! The vibe of the track is dope – were there any specific sonic influences you were vibing with when making this track? 

YOOO TY MY G and yes WAP was definitely a huge influence, I think both conciously and subconsciously. That track was everywhere at the time so you know you couldn’t escape it, therefore I felt like I wanted to make something that would just bang from top to tail you know?

All of your material is pretty groove and rhythm-heavy, where does your love for production and this sort of music come from?

Damn I think it all really stems from spending alot of time listening to soundcloud back.

when it first started like 2014 or something. There were so many “backyard producers”  and “cloud rappers” like Flume, WhatsoNot, Lido, Major Lazer, Chance the rapper, Yung Lean, Spooky Black, Asap Rocky?!?! who were just posting certified banger after banger. Alot of that early soundcloud vibe is what keeps me making music and evolving I feel. Big shoutout to my homie Hatch for putting me onto soundcloud and for teaching me how to use Ableton. Honestly if you get a chance check out @hatchbeats on ig mans is a G

What makes a song like Anime Eyes the perfect jam to get to know you through?

Content wise this track isn’t deep enough to get to completely know me through BUT it is a decent introduction, and it hopefully pushes first time listeners to check out the rest of my

catalogue and really get a feel for who I am and what my music is.

Can you tell us a bit about what’s coming next for you this year?

Ofcourse! I’m working on a lot of new music and have a couple really dope colabs, from some hella dope local acts to some awesome international artists. I’m also looking to drop a couple more singles this year too, after that I’d say an ep than an album. My homie and I are talking about starting up a podcast too, you know, whole lotta unpopular opinions and hot takes on Music/Anime/Movies etc. So look forward to that too at some point.

How crucial has songwriting been for you through lockdown?

It’s been everything honestly, I’d say if I didn’t have this “gift” through the whole of 2020/21 I might of gone mad. I would’ve spent the whole time playing ps4, watching anime getting fat(ter), worrying about how I’m gonna pay the rent and feeling sorry for myself. Without getting too deep, being able to write songs and make beats and put those out into the world whilst being locked down has been UBER crucial.

Have you discovered any new artists or music that you can’t stop listening to atm?

Hmmm yeah actually I recently watched Eurovision 2021 and there was this artist from Iceland, Dađi Freyr been bumping his tracks alot, other than him I’ve been jamming alot of Brent Faiyaz, ¿Teo?, Emefbnx an aussie rapper/producer from Syd absolute heaters from him and Reggie Banks an

aussie producer from Sans Souci where I grew up dudes such a G shoutout to him. Oh and I’ve had ‘The Off-Season’ on repeat since it dropped.

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