Music Interviews

Where are you currently based and where are you from?

We are both from and based in Southwest Sydney, Campbelltown 2560.

How did you’s first start playing music and rapping?

Growing up our oldest brother Rodz was always playing rap and hip hop, He was always in tune with the scene back then and even had all the latest hard copy CD’s and albums so of course being the little brothers we looked up to him and wanted to be like him in every way. In doing this we both found our passion in rap and rapping. Our older brother even helped us write rhymes when we were little and bought us our very first microphone to record tracks.

How does your background and where you are from play a role in your music?

We are both full Samoan so being samoan we were raised with a strong musical background from singing hymns in church to playing the guitar and singing and rapping at drink ups. Being from Campbelltown we were also influenced from our area and surroundings, Campbelltown being a part of Sydney that is well away from the city with half of our area being housing commission and all of it being very multicultural. Growing up in these types of areas there is a big hip hop and rap culture and influence and being from there is a big part of our artist identity.

What’s been happening recently?

Just the usual working at our jobs and also working on our music, We recently signed with Biordi Music so from there it’s just been full blast with our music. We’ve been trying to perfect our art as much as we can and record as much quality tracks as we can so the studio has been like our 2nd workplace. Also a lot of strategising and organising with our team at Biordi music, a lot of things to look forward to from all of us.

Your new single ‘The Top’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting for this track?

As soon as we heard the beat we just vibed out and put our own twist on it. It’s different to what we normally do so we just wanted to still keep our style and flows on it and in the end it all worked out and it’s a banger.

How did you go about writing The Top?

We actually wrote this track in the studio our manager Lowkee came in with a beat and said there’s this beat that we have to jump on and as soon as it played we were both feeling it. So we wrote the track then and there and recorded it in the same session.

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

We recorded it at red stage studio with DJ Sefru and it was Mixed by Mixtri and mastered by Chunkyluv, So a big shoutout to all these guys. Also the producer for this track is relyt who is from the UK.

What did you find most challenging and rewarding through out the creation of The Top?

The most challenging thing would probably be not knowing how the Australian audience will take it, as there’s not much tracks like this in our scene.

The most rewarding thing was probably just putting the track out there. Before this we had a bit of a break from making music so putting this track out as our first one back was really rewarding for us.

What do you like to do away from music?

(Pistol) VIP lounge and sinking a pint at the local.

(Enzo) away from music, spending quality time with my son & my partner is what’s important to me.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

(Pistol) I listen to a lot of old school like Dre, Big, 50, Lil wayne and also listen to some of the current UK artist like Dutchaveli, Dave, Tion Wayne, Jhus, But mostly I’m listening to instrumentals and beats that I can rap on and also the tracks I’ve made.

(Enzo) lately I’ve been listening to a lot of uk/aus rap artists but always crank meek mill & b.i.g those 2 are my go to.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2020?

More banger singles and an EP

Favourite food and place to hangout?

(Pistol) my favourite food would have to be a mad seafood platter, Lobster, oysters, kina and all that stuff ay and also any Asian food would have to be my favourite.

My go to hangout spot would probably just have to be Any VIP lounge or Dragons Den. IYKYK

(Enzo)  favourite food has to be seafood oysters,muscles,prawns,etc . Don’t have a favourite place to hang out as long as the company’s good.

Where are you currently based?

I’m based in a small, sleepy town in the countryside, about half an hour outside of Bristol, England.

How did you first start playing music?

Like a lot of children, I asked for a guitar for Christmas one year and that was my first introduction to music. I had lessons for a couple of years, but my interest was always in discovering the instrument myself, working out how I wanted to play it and that carried through to other instruments, and eventually production.

What’s been happening recently?

I finished the new record early this year, and now I’m taking this time to experiment with ideas for the next record. I rarely have these sustained periods of flow, my inspiration generally comes in short bursts, so I’m just enjoying this moment and trying to understand what the next record will be.

Your new album ‘Half Light’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

The main influence was a struggle to express. I never intended for this record to be so intimate, but the sound of Half Light reflects the process.

How did you go about writing the album?

The process was kind of fragmented. Off the back of the last record, I jumped in to a few different projects and didn’t really focus on album two for a while. I’d be working on very loose ideas, sketches that I thought had potential.. but rarely structured, never taking on a solid form. We moved out of the city mid 2019, and I knew that I’d have to dive properly in to the process as soon as we moved in. But I just hit a wall, self doubt started to creep in and I didn’t believe that I was capable of making a record. It was only September time that I made a breakthrough.. I wrote the opening track ‘All’, and the rest followed in four or five months.

Please tell us about your mindset before, during and after the release and how this contributed to the album and how and what affected you:

It certainly feels strange now it’s released. It’s such a personal record, I really wrestled with these tracks and it’s difficult to see them in any other light than the one they were conceived in. I’m so pleased that these songs are connecting with people, that they can take on a whole new meaning to others.

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

I produced the whole record in my loft. In hindsight, I wish the process had been a little more collaborative. I love working at my own speed, and I enjoy having that flexibility and control, but I really missed that connection with others. The brightest moments were with other creatives.. Andreya came over for a couple of sessions, my friend Jade came to record saxophone. I also worked remotely with Ghostly Kisses, Melis and Niamh Fahy (strings).

What programs/instruments did you use?

I work in Logic Pro, but I try to work outside of the box as much as possible. I’m always trying to find a balance between electronics and acoustic elements. I used a lot of acoustic guitar on Half Light, but not as a writing tool or a human element to anchor each track down, but more as a texture. I’d resample or manipulate a lot of takes, almost forming parts out of smaller fragments as opposed to writing them on the guitar itself. Most of the synth sounds on the record are from my Prophet, or Moog. Alongside that, most of the percussion on the record is formed out of found sound, field recordings etc.

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

The reward definitely came in those moments of quick release. After prolonged periods of little movement, having those days where the ideas would flood were special. The challenging part was not being able to express myself or manifest those ideas more regularly. I’d spend days trying to force ideas and would end up feeling so much worse because of it.

What do you like to do away from music?

I really enjoying cooking! It’s always been another passion of mine. I can see a lot of similarities between the two.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I’ve been listening to my label mates Zola Blood’s recent EP, and my friend Liam Mour’s new EP. Both are ace. Also, two of my best mates have started releasing under the name Aforest. They’ve been holding on to these brilliant songs for a long time, so it’s great to see them finally released and being well received.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2020?

A lot of plans are on hold, due to the pandemic, so I’m focusing on new music for the rest of the year. I’m so fortunate to have my studio space at home, I love having a space that’s always accessible. I’m taking it slow at the moment, not forcing anything but thankfully, the ideas are flowing naturally. So I’m just trying to enjoy that, enjoy the process.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Favourite sweet food.. Almond Croissants. Favourite savoury food.. I love Nasi Goreng, or a Thai Curry. Or a burger.. I love burgers.

And favourite place to hang out.. not particularly adventurous but I just love walking my dog around the fields around where we live.

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Where are you currently based?

Well, Israel

How did you first start playing music and singing?

My big brother was very popular amongst his friends because he was beatboxing and drumming. I envied him a lot, So I started imitating animals And beatboxing myself , One thing led to another I found Aretha Franklin and I want to be here ever sense.  for real now music was always there, And, it saved me from depression so many times.

In 2018 you won the Eurovision Song Contest, how did you come to be involved with Eurovision and what how have things changed for you since winning?

It actually started really different with me. It started when I was performing in Late night jams, I was paid with some beer because I could improvise in a very entertaining way.  When money came short i figured out I can’t pay my rent anymore doing small gigs , I went to a reality show in Israel just to make a living.  I ended up winning it, And The grand prize was to go to Eurovision song contest and surprisingly to me,I wan that too.  It seems like since that moment there has been a lot of water under the bridge. Eurovision has opened me to an international world, and it will forever be a part of my heart – like a mythological ex that keeps haunting you. Sometimes I call Eurovision when I’m drunk.

Your new single Cuckoo was showcased on Saturday the 16th of May to over 45 countries, what influenced the sound and songwriting for  cuckoo?

Cuckoo is like a heartbreaking lullaby for a dying relationship. I was in a moment of doubt, I doubted absolutely everything in my life. While people expected me to be happy – having a relationship and a peaking career, I felt lost and caged in their perception of what they want me to be, and what I really want to become.

How did you go about writing Cuckoo?

I was on a writing trip In LA and I got a lot of dates with writers and producers  But everything that we achieved was very mediocre.  And one of the mornings I we We’re waiting for a songwriter to show up and in Came a girl with a kimono and gave a really loud burp. And I was thinking ‘that’s it, we found her! her name is Krista Young’s and it took us three bad songs in very expensive rooms to figure out we need to go to her apartment with her roommate Burt Elliott to sit on a beer spent 10 minutes writing and then  we had  cuckoo

There are two versions of Cuckoo, please tell us how the music box concept came about:

The song speaks about a cage and I thought about cages in general I remember me as a little girl asking my mom: “Does the ballerina inside my music box ever get out the box”The loop of the music box Channels really well the  tragedy of being stuck inside a comfortable fancy cage. We spent three whole months building a custom music box which is an instrument from the 16th century for it to be in a loop and play our arrangement .

Where and when did you record/produce and  master?

After this song came out so beautiful I knew I wanted someone special to produce it.  JR Rotem Was a perfect fit to me for this track and he did such a magnificent work on it.

You also have a new EP on the way, what can  we expect?

My new EP name is Goody bag . When you get a goody bag, you actually get leftovers from the party, So you can savor the experience a little bit longer. I had an amazing two years, and this is what’s left of them. I decided to gather them up in a bundle and move on.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

little big koffee , bby motha  Doja Cat.

What’s planned for 2020?
hahaha

Favourite food and place to hangout?
I miss Thailand so bad right now ,so I have to say coconut pancakes.

What’s been happening recently?

I’ve been keeping myself busy working on new music and doing a lot of meditation and working on self-development – especially through this Covid crisis. I’ve had to really put focus on the positives. Social media can be extremely negative and draining at times, so I’ve tried to limit my use.

Your new track ‘ü wnt me‘ is out now, what influenced the sound and song writing?

I was in a relationship a few years ago with someone high up in the music industry. I truly loved him but after a while, I could see he was more invested in his money and fame and less of being in the ‘relationship’.

Where and when did you record/produce?

I’ve actually built a studio in my house so I’m doing most of my recordings here now.

Please tell us about your life growing up and how the process comes through in your music:

I lost my dad when I was 7. It was traumatic for me because I watched him die. Going through trauma at such a young age really does shape a person.

Trauma doesn’t define me though… and realising that has taken me close to 10 years – with a lot of self-growth and therapy work.

I was bullied quite badly growing up, then because of that I felt like I needed protection, so I began hanging around the wrong people.

When I was 16 that was the start of many of my close friends dying from drug overdoses through to car accidents.

I feel like all these experiences have really changed my perception about life.

I’m closer to God more than anything now and know that life is too short to worry about small issues when we should be focused on being present and living in the moment. These experiences have given me feelings that sometimes I can’t express verbally so it’s easier to write about and heal that way.

How do you use music to express your feelings and emotions and does this process have a therapeutic affect?

For sure. Song writing is a therapy in itself. I believe that’s with anything creative though. You see pain or happiness through paintings, photography, dance etc.

I believe anything expressive can be a healing process.

How did you learn to write music and how has your song writing developed over time?

With anything, over time you become better at it. Song writing was something I kind of just fell into – it was never really my intention to write music. I grew up playing violin and classical music… producing, singing and songwriting never really crossed my mind until I went to university and met my friend Mitch (who’s the lead singer in the band Chase Atlantic). We wrote my first song ‘Gone For The Night’. That was the beginning of my song writing journey.

There are general formulas. The way I write now is singing melodies first and then putting lyrics over the melodies. Everyday I’m learning something new. Everyday I’m growing as an artist and gaining more knowledge. There’s still a lot I don’t know.

Trauma is something that you have had to face and deal with, how is the process developing for you and how does your music assist in the process?

The only way to heal is to face your trauma and actively seek out.

I follow ‘the.holistic.psychologist’ on Instagram – her posts are about consciously creating a new version of yourself with exercises to practice. Being in the present moment, being aware of your current feelings (why you do and behave in certain ways/coping mechanisms) and different strategies you can use in order to become the best version of yourself. My music is therapy – it allows me to express myself the way I’m feeling at the time. People say that if you write down what’s on your mind, it helps in managing your emotions and is good for your mental health – so song writing is essentially journaling to me.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Atm I’m listening to Lil Uzi, Night Lovell, PlayBoi Carti, DaBaby & RoddyRicch.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2020?

Writing more music. Have a few collaborations in progress too.

Hopefully next year I can look at touring again after this pandemic calms down.

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Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?

I am currently based 50/50 between Nashville and Alberta, Canada. The music scene in both places is great! Obviously in Nashville, it’s very amplified with it being Music City after all, but Alberta has a great scene and some amazing music festivals.

How did you first start playing music?

I have been singing ever since I was a little girl. My mom likes to tell the story of how I could “hum” before I could talk! My first shows were at Christmas concerts when I was about 5 years old which then led to singing competitions and starting a band when I was in high school.

What’s been happening recently?

I recently released my brand new single “Dream Catcher” to all digital streaming platforms and to Canadian radio! We also just released the music video for it recently. It’s been a fabulous journey so far and I recently drove across the United States to return home to Alberta to spend the summer with my family.

Your new single ‘Dream Catcher’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting for this track?

I am originally from Alberta Canada and growing up there was a big Native American cultural influence. I have always loved making Dream Catchers since I was a little girl and while performing at a festival two years ago, I had the “aha” moment that I needed to write a song about me going out and catching my dreams, thus “Dream Catcher” was born! It’s been such an incredible journey of inspiring those around me to go out and catch theirs as well.

Where and when did you record and who with?

We recorded “Dream Catcher” in Nashville about a year and a half ago. I was able to co-produce the track with my producer Simon Gugala and it was an incredible experience to hear this song come to life!

How did you go about writing Dream Catcher?

When I had the “aha” moment to write “Dream Catcher”, I knew that I needed to co-write it with one of my best friends Andrew Beason. He is so incredibly talented in every aspect of songwriting and I held on to the idea for about three months until we were able to get in the writing room together. I fell in love with what we wrote and about a month later during a morning meditation, the bridge just came to me and the song was complete!

What programs/instruments did you use?

We wrote “Dream Catcher” on the guitar and in the studio, we used guitar, drums, piano, bass and the program Logic Pro.

Please tell us about the album that you’ve been working on and what we can expect:

I am so excited about my album and cannot wait for everyone to hear the new songs! These are tunes that I’ve written and co-written over the past 5 years! While recording them, we allowed each song to have its own moment and blossom into exactly what it should be, instead of keeping the overall album in a specific genre box. The songs range from pop and country to beachy and a little rock and roll.

You have a music video out that was shot in the desert, how did the film concept come about?

I have been drawn to the Arizona desert for years now and went out to Phoenix for a “Dream Catcher” – inspired photoshoot in the spring of 2019 that turned out amazing.  During my time there, I had some beautiful spiritual realizations and I knew in my heart that I had to go back to film the music video and get inspired by the magic all over again.

Where did you film and who did you work with?

We filmed the “Dream Catcher” music video in Tucson, Arizona. I had never been to Tucson before, but Angela – my stylist and also one of my best friends – suggested it and after seeing pictures and videos from a trip she took, I knew in my heart that it was perfect! As a crazy coincidence, my videographer Jenny is from Tucson, so we had access to some amazing shoot locations. It was all meant to be!

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

Most challenging would be making sure the weather was just right, which is obviously out of our control, so there were a lot of positive vibes going out to Mother Earth. The weather was the most rewarding aspect! The sky was stunning with light clouds. It was an incredible view!

Please tell us about your podcast:

Yes! I’m so excited about this! 🙂

I started a podcast based on my song “Dream Catcher” and knew 100% in my heart that my friend Carli Kahl was the perfect person to host it with me. Carli has been on my team for the past three years helping me out on the road as tour manager, assisting in projects, and being an amazing cheerleader on my team! We started working on the idea last summer and wanted to have a platform where we could share other people’s stories of them catching their dreams thus the Dream Catcher Podcast started up! It’s been such a great project and to receive messages on how we have inspired those around us is incredibly rewarding!

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Right at this moment, I am listening to my friend Zack Dyer! Zack and I have played shows, written together, and been on a music journey for the past four and a half years. We’ve travelled around the US and Canada performing and as of this past year, he recently signed a deal in Nashville as a songwriter! I’m so proud to see his career take off, as he is incredibly talented. Zack and I recorded a cover of Brothers Osborne “Stay a Little Longer” and put it up on YouTube a few years ago, which gained us both a bit of attention. Make sure to check him out!

What do you like to do away from music?

I love to be in nature, so hiking, biking and spending time on my longboard are at the top of my list. I am also a lover of yoga, meditation and all things spiritual. When I’m not directly doing music, I am planning out my next adventure!

What’s planned for 2020?

2020 is the year for adventure, family and spending some much needed time with myself.

I am spending the summer in Alberta in my own trailer that I have decorated myself with a Bohemian theme. One of my sisters just had her first baby and my other sister is expecting her first later this summer. So I’m so happy that I can be here for them on their journeys as moms. I can’t wait to sing lullabies and get in all the aunty snuggles. I feel like I’ve been warming up my vocals in Nashville for the past 8 years for this moment to sing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” to my niece and nephew. 🙂

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Favorite food spot would be The Wild Cow Vegetarian restaurant in Nashville! It’s the place that launched my love for vegan food and propelled me on my plant-based journey! If you ever go, make sure to order the vegan nachos!

Website: www.mandymcmillan.com
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Where are you currently based?

I am based in Singapore.

How has your COVID19 experience been?

I have been very fortunate to have found myself in a safe place and not experiencing a lot of negative news. All tours have been cancelled but that has allowed me to stay more time in the studio. I have also spent more time with family which has been great.

How did you first start playing music?

I started playing music in my room at 12 years old, I would close the door and put on the headphones, and stand up, dreaming of what it could be transmiting emotions and good vibes through music to big crowds.

Your new release “Voyage, Voyage” is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting for this single? How did you go about writing “Voyage, Voyage”?

It is a cover version of the 80’s classic by Desireless. We wanted to maintain the celebration feeling and talk about travelling at a difficult time like this.

Where and when did you record/produce?

The song was produced between my studio in Singapore, and Imanbek’s studio in Kazakhstan.

What programs/equipment did you use?

I am working with Logic Pro and an Apple computer.

What did you find most challenging and rewarding about creating “Voyage, Voyage”?

I always say that when creating a cover version, it should honor the original as much as possible, either maintaining the same level of quality and feeling, or bringing a new meaning to the song. The original is a truly masterpiece and it was hard to maintain a similar level of emotion.

What do you like to do away from music?

When I am not in the studio I am normally practicing some sports and spending time with my wife and kids.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I love to discover nice Spotify playlists. It is a great way to know new music and artists.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2020?

A lot of patience and hard work, hoping the crisis will be over soon and travel restrictions lifted.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

I love mediterranean food and I am now really missing places like KM5 in Ibiza.

Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?

We’re from Sydney. The scene feels like it’s in suspended animation while everyone works out what the new world is going to look like, when venues will reopen, and how long the government will be able to get away with playing at culture wars and try to starve the arts.

How did you first start playing music?

Year 3 guitar lessons (if you don’t count recorder lessons which you shouldn’t) 

How did Key Out form?

We’d crossed paths over the years playing in bands like Ides of Space and Sounds Like Sunset, and had free time and demos a few years ago.  

Your new album ‘Anthropomorphia’ will be released on the 26th of June 2020, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

The sound fell into place while we were recording. The experience of making our last record with Greg Walker, and talking to him about micing techniques and his different approaches to catching interesting sounds was a big influence. We did a lot of de- and reconstructing of songs and playing around with different elements. The songwriting is influenced by an interest in animals and life in the suburbs. They are the two recurring themes throughout the album.

How did you go about writing ‘Anthropomorphia’?

We worked on sketches over a few months – some words here, a line of guitar or synth there – until we had versions of the final tracks. We then spent a weekend recording some live takes which we planned to overdub a few parts on, but we ended up spending the summer pulling them apart and putting them back together. A good part of the writing happened while recording and messing with structures and arrangements. 

Where and when did you record and who with?

We recorded ourselves at home. The self-recording process gave us time and space to experiment a bit more than we have in the past. We had no real expectations and just followed what seemed right in the moment. The song Dog for example was tracked as an angular dirty guitar number, but just fell into place when we muted drums, switched out some loud guitars for an acoustic and let the extra space be part of it. 

Once we had tracked everything we handed it all over to Wayne Connolly to mix and master it, which really helped to organise the songs and straighten out some of the messes we had made. We couldn’t be happier with the job he did.

What programs/instruments did you use?

The main pieces of the puzzle were a homemade Jazzmaster style guitar, a Yamaha FG180 acoustic (Elliott Smith’s early guitar of choice), an old FM synth called a Yamaha DX7 (with 64 classic 80s sounds used on Twin Peaks, by Van Halen, Aha, Tina Turner and more) a MPC sampler and a Rogers drumkit. 

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

Learning technical elements on the job was probably the most challenging and rewarding. Things like programming the old synths, sequencing drums, and the tracking itself. Doing that gave us a different perspective about the songs we were putting together and shaped where we ended up. 

How did you come to release with Half A Cow Records?

We’ve been big fans for a long time, and probably caught Nic in a moment of weakness when we sent him our previous record and asked if he’d help us put it out!

What do you like to do away from music?

We variously enjoy writing about performance and politics, watching rugby league, eating vegan food, and getting involved in other minor creative endeavours. 

Who are you listening to at the moment?

As I type, Don’t Look Back by Kotomi & Ryan Elder, which was Rick and Morty’s wistful season 4 closer is on. But spinning this week has been Built to Spill Plays the Songs of  Daniel Johnson, Joyce Manor – Songs From Northern Torrence, Kate NV – Room For The Moon, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever – Sideways to New Italy and 070 Shake – Modus Vivendi.

What’s planned for 2020?

Hopefully playing songs off our new record to people in some public places, and improving our shaky grasp of the new instruments we’ve discovered while making this record so we can use them properly to make another.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Gigi’s Pizza Newtown and Petersham Bowlo.

Where are you currently based?

Currently residing in Melbourne, Australia

How did you first start playing music?

My mum signed me up for piano lessons when I was 8 and I took to it pretty quickly. Throughout school I picked up the violin and saxophone for a bit, but ultimately stuck with the keys. I didn’t start singing until I was about 16, in church.

What’s been happening recently?

I’ve just released the film clip for my first single ‘I Should Know Better’ and planning on the release for my second single. I have a heap of new music ready to go, so I am really excited to share that with the world. I also play keys in a couple of my good pal’s bands (Libby Steele & Big Creature, go check them out!) and studying my Bachelor in Psychological Science, so even though we’re in lockdown at the moment, things are still nice and busy!

Your new single ‘I Should Know Better’ is out, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

I’m a big fan of pop music and rnb, so I guess I wanted to combine the two worlds. I really love the sound that SB90 has (he produces most of my stuff at the moment) and I love working with my cowrite, Evangeline. She writes these amazing melodies that force me way out of my comfort zone (I’m talking range and agility!) I think I’ve really found my voice and my vibe after working with this dream team.

How did you go about writing I Should Know Better?

I met this guy at a birthday party who was a friend of a friend and we were all getting along really well. He was a bit cocky and said some things that were a bit across the line, but I kind of just laughed them off. Further into the night I offered to drop him and a friend off into the city as I was headed home and they took me up on my offer. In the car he made a brag remark about being an A-grade asshole and I, thinking nothing of it, made a witty remark about that being the reason why his ex girlfriend left him. Although I had intended it to be a witty remark (probably a little bit in retaliation to all of the shit he had dealt me throughout the night) he lost his shit and launched a tirade of horrible comments towards me and my “lack of tact”, so I kicked him out of my car. It was that moment I made a conscious decision from now on, assholes won’t ever get the better of me. Hence “I should know better, better than to care”.

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

I started working with Evangeline and SB90 last April and I Should Know Better was the second song we’ve written. All up I think we’re at about 9 or 10 tunes now. We roll into a session with nothing before hand and kind of just let the creative process flow. Pretty much every session has ended in a fully finished song. It’s such an easy way to work and I find that we get a lot done in a short time.

What did you find most challenging and rewarding throughout the creative process?

I find my own self doubt and insecurities get the better of me quite often during the creative process so it’s really nice to work with people I’m close with and that I trust. The most rewarding thing is getting to sing the song back with just a piano or guitar. The live show (with a full band) is really fun, but if the song stands on its own two feet with just an acoustic accompaniment, I know it’s a winner.

How did the concept for the music video come about?

Gary Robertson is the videographer that I worked with. I’ve known Gary for years and have worked with him on another solo project. He’s so great because he always has a heap of ideas for things to try. Originally, I wanted to put together a video with choreography and dancers, but then decided I wanted to tell the story of the song and Gary suggested we do the one shot take. It was so crazy how easy it all came together on the day. I had a great team – my friend Sara De La Cruz styled the whole thing and my friend Nerida Beardsell did hair and makeup. My long-term pal Zach Bres, a very talented writer, played the bad boy wrapped in denim. I’m very fortunate to be surrounded by amazing talent and wonderful supportive friends!

Where and when did you film and who with?

We filmed at my house earlier this year. The team consisted of Gary Robertson (videographer) Sara De La Cruz (stylist) Nerida Beardsell (hair and makeup) Zach Bres (legend bad boy actor who is actually the nicest and kindest man in the world)

Please tell us about how the music video came together:

I was really fortunate to get to work with the team I did. I’d been wanting to work with Sara for ages but I wanted to wait until I had the opportunity to work on a really cool project. She actually got in before me and reached out via insta and we met like 5 days before we filmed and cha<ed about the vision over an Aperol Spritz and a charcuterie board (she won my heart and I knew we were destined to be friends forever by ordering that for the both of us, ps). Zach and I had been talking about working together for years (he’s a talented writer and rapper) and so he was all about getting involved in this. Nerida was an angel and jumped on board the day of and Gary took care of the filming. These are my go-to people for everything in future and I can’t wait to get started on the next single with them!

You have some new music on the way, what can we expect?

I’m really happy with the new stuff that has come about. There are two new ones that I’m set to release: “All I Ever Wanted” and “Say You’ll Be There”. “All I Ever Wanted” was written about a boy who ended up being nothing like he claimed to be and taught me a thing or two about resilience and self-esteem. I’m really glad that situation happened but it also sucked big time. The timing of finishing this song was reflective of my personal state. I’d been working on it for a little while with the boys from Entente Music (Michael Best and Ezekiel Fenn) and as we’d kind of finished up with it, I realised how much I’d worked through and how at peace I was with everything that had gone down. It taught me that I need to work on not taking things so personally. People do things and say things that are entirely out of your control and most of the time, it is not a reflection on who you are. It’s important to be kind and considerate of other’s feelings but we are the ones that teach other people how we want to be treated. “Say You’ll Be There” is a friendship pop anthem written about a good friend of mine, Sally Van Der Zwart who is an absolute angel and has taught me a lot about myself and sums up every angle of what it means to be a friend. She is an incredible singer, songwriter, keys player who has new music landing very soon and you guys need to check her out.

What do you like to do away from music?

I really enjoy being outdoors in good weather with friends. I used to play a lot of sport and go horse riding, two things that I rarely do now, but I’ve found a place that’s about 40 mins away from my house where I can go riding, so I try and do that as much as I can. I love animals and growing up, horses were my way of connecting with something when life got really hard to navigate. I’ve recently taken up drawing again too. At the beginning of lockdown, I kind of realised I don’t do much that   makes me happy apart from music, so I’m trying to make a conscious effort to make time for these things.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I’ve been listening to a lot of different stuff lately. Straight up, I’m obsessed with pop music. Tove Lo and Halsey are two of my go to’s at the moment. I’ve also been sifting through a heap of early 2000’s RnB. I’m doing my best to learn some old jazz numbers from the likes of Nina Simone and Etta James (on keys and vocally) and I love listening to instrumental classical music when I’m studying. Locally, Melbourne has so much to offer and I’m constantly in awe of the local artists that are writing with other artists and / or putting their own new music out; Jess Fairlie, JANEVA, Blush’ko, Tanya George, Libby Steele, Belove, Stellar Perry, Big Creature…eek, I know I’ve probably forgotten a heap! There is so much hard-working talent around this city and I adore all of it!

What’s planned for the remainder of 2020?

Unfortunately, with the current climate that we are facing with COVID-19, gigs have been cancelled indefinitely in Australia. I was hoping to be out and playing more with the band this year, now that I have a full live set. But I’ll continue to keep writing new tunes and hopefully 2021 will be the year for the live show to hit the stages.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

I don’t really have a favourite food, because the food I enjoy or get a craving for is so dependent on how I’m feeling. If I had to pick one because the survival of the human race depended on it, I would probably say Vietnamese. There’s an amazing place North side not far from where I used to live that I would frequent quite often. As far as hangouts, I don’t mind a bar with a super relaxed vibe for a drink. Otherwise I really enjoy spending time with friends and family for dinners at home.

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Delivered, Live presents a special one-off show this weekend, shining a light on some of Victoria’s best up and coming talent. Five acts will take to the stage, once again with the now all too rare ability to perform on a fully amplified (and lit) stage.

Tickets for the show start at as little as $10 are available HERE and profits from these tickets go directly to the bands, their teams and the crew creating the show – all of whom would otherwise be out of work at this time.

First to hit the stage will be Melbourne queer chaotic pop singer and multi- instrumentalist Max Lawrence. Max will bring his dynamic stage show to Delivered Live and will win hearts with his all singing, all dancing brand of alt-pop. Hailing from the Bellarine Peninsula, Chitra will follow, bringing her 3-piece band and wooing all with the gorgeous tunes from her debut self-titled EP.

Also from the Peninsula is Fenn Wilson, who along with his band will captivate with his incredible voice and song craft – evoking the timbre of Tom Waits and Nick Cave. Rounding out this amazing collection of new talent we have Cry Club – a two piece who have been warming up stages for some big names for a while now leaving big impressions on everyone who sees them.

Closing this night of incredible music are sublime sisters of song, Vika & Linda. Not up and comers, but having just released their anthology which shot to number 1 on the ARIA charts, they are a fitting bookend to the evening.

Alongside all of this stellar music will be interviews and discussions hosted by Henry Wagons plus comedy from Sami Shah and musical comedian on the rise, Jude Perl.

July 4^th is the perfect night to discover something new, be entertained, and of course support Australia’s incredible live entertainment industry.

Producers The Handshake Agency thanks its sponsors for getting on board this event – Victorian Government, The Music, Oztix, Small Time Group, Young Henry’s, Harry The Hirer.

Tix can be purchased here:
Delivered Live can be viewed here
More info here

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