Music Interviews

‘7 Seconds’ is such a compelling track. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and how Clive Wearing’s story shaped its themes?

Thank you for the kind words! A few months ago, AKINAT sent me the documentary about Clive Wearing’s heartbreaking story, and it had a profound impact on me. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. Clive Wearing was a fascinating British classical musician who lost his memory and now experiences life in brief, seven-second intervals. His story made me think long and hard about the fragility of life. The fact that his wife, Deborah, remains a constant as his condition deteriorates only further proves that love truly transcends time. Drawing from both his story and our own life experiences, we wrote 7 Seconds.

How did the collaboration between the two of you come about, and what was the creative process like working together?

We’ve been collaborating for many years… honestly, the process is always seamless. AKINAT is an exceptionally talented producer, and I always love what we create together. Our history and deep understanding of each other really helps the process—plus, we know when to push one another creatively, which I personally sometimes need! When you’re creating music, it’s easy to get stuck on an idea, so sometimes you need to throw a musical spanner in the works or try something completely out of left field. That’s more often than not where the magic has been hiding.

You’ve mentioned that the track draws influence from Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams.’ How did that iconic sound inspire your approach to production and songwriting?

Yes!! Initially, we set out to write a song inspired by Dreams! It’s funny telling people that the Fleetwood Mac classic was an influence for us, as I feel that connection might be a bit difficult to make now. The track went through many iterations before reaching its final version, and I’m really curious to see if people can hear the little nods to that track throughout 7 Seconds.

Your music blends influences from artists like Jamie xx, Sabrina Claudio, and now Fleetwood Mac. How do you balance such diverse inspirations in your work?

Brilliant question! I love the depth and emotional range Sabrina Claudio consistently achieves through her music, the production and artistry of Jamie xx, and the unparalleled creative songwriting that forms the backbone of all Fleetwood Mac songs. I try to weave those influences together naturally—to be honest finding that  balance feels almost effortless because I draw inspiration from each artist in very different ways!

AKINAT, your production style is influenced by electronic greats like Four Tet and Jon Hopkins. How do you incorporate those elements while maintaining Joey’s vocal-driven sound?

I’m in consistent awe of artists like these guys – they’re particularly their ability to create a rolling, driving texture, with each element findings its pocket. It’s in that sense that i was inspired – not through genre but an appreciation of each and every sound arriving in its own time. 

Joey, living in Tokyo has clearly influenced your artistry. How has your time in Japan shaped your sound and opened up new creative opportunities?

For those who haven’t been: Japan, particularly Tokyo, is a living, breathing Blade Runner dreamscape—bustling streets, neon lights, and creativity everywhere you look! Living here and being consistently immersed in this culture has shaped me as an artist, giving me the freedom to explore and experiment, not just in music but beyond. I’ve always been passionate about fashion, and I love blending it with my artistry —the fashion scene in Tokyo is truly unparalleled!

What’s the music scene like in Tokyo compared to Sydney, and how does it influence the way you approach your work?

Live music is everywhere!! That has been the biggest difference I’ve observed between the two. Everyone loves live music here & makes sure there are ample opportunities to both perform and attend, across all genres. Musicians are championed for expressing themselves through their art, particularly Jazz musicians. If and when you visit Tokyo I highly recommend dipping into one of the moody Jazz bars like ‘Blue Note’ in Aoyama, having a cheeky cocktail & seeing where the night takes you! Living here has pushed me to search for live performance opportunities much more than I did previously, there is nothing quite as special as connecting with a person via music.

The themes in ‘7 Seconds’ touch on profound connections and love that transcends memory and time. How do you hope listeners interpret or connect with the story you’re telling?

Oh, I love this question! The beauty of music lies in how uniquely it can be interpreted by each listener. One of the most rewarding aspects of creating music is seeing how people connect with the tracks and relate them to their own life experiences. We also hoped that featuring samples of Clive Wearing himself might encourage listeners to explore his story, if they haven’t already. He captures the essence of life and love in the most profoundly beautiful way.

Since releasing your first single in 2021, your career has gained momentum. How do you feel you’ve evolved as an artist, and what’s next on the horizon for you?

I am feeling immensely grateful as we wrap up 2024. The New Year always feels incredibly cathartic—a chance to reflect and recognize how much I’ve grown over the past year. Heading into 2025, I already have four new songs ready to go. I’ve had the privilege of working with some sensational producers, and I can’t wait to share everything we’ve been creating!

Do you have plans to continue experimenting with different styles and textures in your music, and are there any collaborations or projects in the pipeline we can look forward to?

Absolutely! I will be hitting the ground running in 2025 with a few collaborations I secured at the end of this year. I couldn’t be more excited about the songs we’ve created—they definitely explore different textures/styles, and I’ve really pushed myself out of my comfort zone with songwriting! Keep your eyes peeled!

‘7 Seconds’ is out Now
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“Tonight” is a beautiful blend of 80s-inspired R&B and retro funk. What inspired you to explore this nostalgic yet modern sound, and how did the collaboration with Carlinhos come about?

For some reason, ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been drawn to nostalgic sounds. Not just in music, but to the very concept of nostalgia itself. For example, I remember feeling warm waves of emotion when I was 6 or 7, triggered by certain scents that reminded me of my even earlier childhood, like when I was 3 or 4. I think many of us have experienced something similar. This innate attraction to nostalgia naturally extended into other aspects of my life—art, music, literature, paintings, and more. As an artist, though, you don’t just want to recreate what’s been done before; you also want to leave your imprint and make it clear that this is “now.”

Carlinhos and I met in 2022 when I was sending out my demo songs to labels. We instantly connected over our mutual love for nostalgic, retro music. “Tonight” is our second collaborative effort, and it’s significant because our creative partnership has evolved. Carlinhos, an ex-member of Papanegro—a popular Chilean funk band—brings deep musical insights and a unique transcontinental approach to the creative process. I’m immensely thankful for our collaboration.

The concept of “New Retro” is central to “Tonight.” Can you explain what this term means to you and how it influenced the song and its visual storytelling?

Great question. I touched on this earlier, and it’s a central theme for me. Nostalgia often comes from a longing for the past, but it’s a romanticized version of the past, stripped of its unwanted or negative aspects. Importantly, this reflection on the past happens in the present. To me, the concept of “New Retro” acts as a conduit that brings the past into the present and reinvents it. It transcends time and gives the art a timeless, universal quality.

The cinematic romance depicted in “Tonight” feels timeless. How did you approach writing the lyrics to convey such vivid imagery and emotional depth?

Storytelling is a key theme in my songwriting. I want my songs to tell a story, even if each listener interprets it differently or applies it to their own experiences in their own way. That said, storytelling through songwriting is easier said than done, especially when writing lyrics in English. Unlike Japanese, where the phonetics allow for a broader range of words to complement the music, English often prioritizes phonetic congruence. This can create a tension between the melody, rhythm, and narrative.

When writing the lyrics for “Tonight,” I first had to feel and understand what the music was telling me. Once I grasped the sentiment embedded in the music—including life’s complexities and love stories—I worked to create lines that were vivid, visual, and metaphorical, all while staying true to the melody and rhythm. It took a long time to finesse the lyrics. I also drew inspiration from retro slow jams and R&B love songs, incorporating elements of their lyrical style.

I admire Rupert Holmes as a master storyteller in music, not surprising, as Holmes eventually became a playwright. His ability to craft a short story within a song, has been a huge influence on me. His storytelling inspires me to push the boundaries of narrative within the confines of melody and rhythm.

Collaborating with Carlinhos and chao! brought international influences to “Tonight.” How did this fusion of Japanese, Chilean, and Australian creativity shape the final track and video?

Beyond transcending time, I wanted to transcend national borders, languages, and cultures. For this reason, it was essential that this song involved collaborations across three continents. This universality added a unique timelessness to both the track and the video. That was my hope, and I believe we achieved it.

Your music video for “Tonight” was directed by Taisei Sanada and features actress Sakura Ariana. How did you work with the team to bring your vision of a glamorous yet bittersweet Showa-era vibe to life?

The biggest credit goes to Mr. Sanada for bringing the song to life visually. Communication and a shared understanding of the vision were key. We spent hours over coffee discussing and refining this shared vision. It also helped that Mr. Sanada had experience working with retro music and aesthetics in his previous short films.

For the casting, we chose Sakura Ariana from a shortlist of actresses who fit the role perfectly. Her part-European ancestry aligned with my vision of cultural transcendence, complementing both the aesthetics and the concept of the video.

City Pop has a massive following in Japan. How do you see “Tonight” fitting into this genre, and what sets your take on City Pop apart from others?

City Pop, by definition, embodies an urban, sleek quality, with 1980s Tokyo as its central figure. This aesthetic arose during the growth of Tokyo as a global urban centre in the 60s and 70s, attracting young rural Japanese chasing the “Tokyo dream.”

I’m in a unique position, writing this “city” style music from rural Australia. Portland, Victoria, where I’m based, is over 350 kilometres from a major urban centre and couldn’t be further from Tokyo’s urban landscape. Yet, subtle traces of my surroundings sneak into my music. For example, the line “sprinting through the meadow” in “Tonight” is not an urban scene. Even the artwork by chao! features green, undeveloped hills rather than a bustling cityscape. In this way, I’m tacitly stating that City Pop isn’t just about the city—it transcends different types of human settlements.

What have been some of the highlights of your recent live shows in Japan, from performing at the Tanzaku CD Festival to the Yokosuka Jazz Rock Festival?

Performing in my home region of Japan was incredibly special. For these occasions, I brought band members from Australia to join my Japanese bandmates, creating an international band for the performances. It became a celebration of international friendship and collaboration, so a huge thank-you to Doug, Saori, Atchan, V, and Dennis. I’m also grateful to my friends and family who supported this journey, and most importantly, to my mother. Though she intended to be there but couldn’t be there—and never will be again—she still heard from me that everything went well. Thank you.

The retro resurgence offers people a nostalgic escape. Why do you think audiences today are so drawn to the sounds and aesthetics of the past?

Memories grow sweeter over time. Nostalgia offers a romanticized version of the past, an idealized escape from reality. But this isn’t about running away—it’s about drawing strength and resolve through reflection. Nostalgia reminds us of simpler, better times, even if those memories are tinged with illusion.

As a Japanese-Australian artist, how has your multicultural background influenced your music, and how do you navigate blending these cultures in your creative process?

Thank you for this question. Growing up across two cultures has strengthened my conviction that what I uniquely bring to the world is the ability to unite Japan and Australia through music and other creative endeavours. If I can serve as a bridge between these two cultures, my mission will be complete.

Looking ahead, what can fans expect from you next? Do you plan to further explore retro-inspired music, or are there other styles and projects you’re excited to dive into?

I’m always up for new challenges, so expect something slightly different in the future. That said, my music will always explore key themes like nostalgia, timelessness, cultural transcendence, and storytelling. Regardless of the style, there will always be something uniquely “Jun Parker” in my work. I’m currently working on a full album, planned for release in early 2025, so please stay tuned!

Nate and Reggie, what inspired you both to start this band, and how did the idea come about?

Nate and I had discussions on a project colab where music informed art, we had worked together on a number of NFT’s where the art informed the music so we decided to flip the concept , that’s when things got out of control … ending up with us building a rig with a speaker under a canvas to create the art for each song

Can you share the journey that led you to create “Hold You To Your Word”? What was the initial spark for this single?

The song was a study in suspicion  and conjecture of what we know as a political system. We all have suspicions as to what we think goes on, and none of it sits right, especially when it comes to accountability hence the title, and also leans into the frustration we have in said system and helplessness that we have with our leaders

How does “Hold You To Your Word” reflect the mission or vision you have for the band?

Its sits pretty solid in the middle, the mission of the band is wide and varied, primarily its half art creation and half music creation, and the single represents one lyrical facet of where we come from, we like to ask questions that lead to more questions, in the hope that we all can collectively find solutions not reasons. Our hope is to show people that you can also do things not on a computer.

What themes do you explore in “Hold You To Your Word,” and how do they tie into the overall concept of your upcoming album, “An Exercise In Letting Go”?

Its not uncommon for us to talk about the things that affect us and hold you to your word reaches into the place where we feel helpless and frustrated under a political system and there are other moments on the album where we refer to scandals of politicians, these are things that you make a choice to react and be militant and aggressive or you can take it as a teachable moment and realise that they are just faulty broken humans like so many. So you hold onto that memory for future reference in the hope that it won’t repeat and if it does then that sways you voice when you get to vote or be active. And that NOT being reactive is “An Exercise In Letting Go”

Can you describe the musical influences that shaped the sound of “Hold You To Your Word”?

The entire album was written on one guitar with a non standard tuning which meant that all the usual tricks don’t work so it was like relearning guitar and as we were writing the sound of that guitar was shaping what we were writing but I must say that when it took a turn toward Queens of the Stone Age and Royal Blood I kinda helped it along

What was the collaborative process like when writing and recording this single, especially between the two of you?

We would always jam the song in its inception. I would start with a riff or nate would start with a beat. There ways nothing preconceived it was a really spontaneous organic moment between 2 blokes.
This song was no exception

How do you envision the visual representation of “Hold You To Your Word” through music videos or artwork?

This was the reason we started the project… we create painted canvases by the canvas (30cm X 30cm) over a specially built speaker box and then we pour paint on the canvas and play the song through the speaker to make the paint bounce around and the end result is the artwork for that song … it was our way of pushing back at what seems to be a massive lean on AI to create art … I mean if we can do it so can you. The music video was a straight up performance video with some b roll. but there are some breadcrumbs in it that point to our push back against AI

What challenges did you face when starting the band, and how did those experiences shape your music?

When we started it was more to create organically driven art and as it progressed it seemed to want to be more song based and then the melodies and lyrics came very quickly so it choose it own direction
Not having a bass player for the process I think initially was a concern but when we had our first session we didn’t even consider it and I’m glad we took this path

Please give us an idea of how you approached the songwriting and then recording process:

No agenda the songs chose us, we would usually do a song in roughly a day and then some overdubs and lyrics and vocal on the next day. but a lot of the time when we were jamming the melodies and lyrics would start to appear, so sometimes it was a panic to get the overdubs done so I could start the vocal.
Generally we would have a protools session open with everything plugged in so after a while of jamming and we had a solid arrangement we would hit the red button and throw the bones down live

How did the concept for the music video come about and how did you approach the film and video production?

We and our long time friend and confident Lucas Packett set up in the studio as we would normally to write and then Lucas would blaze away with the camera
We also have been distorting our personas in an attempt to push the narrative that it’s more about the art . But it’s also music . So we set up a rig for the paint and we built rig for the paper to fly at us and Lucas  used a power drill wth a sponge buff to shoot A4 sheets of (Recyled) paper at us … its always fun..

Looking ahead, what do you hope listeners will take away from “Hold You To Your Word” and the album as a whole?

Just that if your frustrated at our system understand that it was built to be attacked .. so maybe pick your fights and wait for your time to choose as part of a more equitable resolve ,,, maybe from the inside ?
Accountability is everything.

Nate and Reggie

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“Drunk Plans” has such a relatable theme. What inspired you to write about unfulfilled plans and the honesty that comes with them?

This song started with the fact that I am notorious for making plans, especially when I’m out and about. I came in with the idea of writing a song about making brunch plans, which quickly turned into drunk plans. I just think it’s such a fun take on a universal topic.

How was it working with Brad Hill on this track, and what unique qualities did he bring to the production?

Working with Brad is always a lot of fun. He has such great intuition when it comes to the musical direction of a song and how to tie that to who I am as an artist. He’s really great at tailoring his production to each artist, so getting to collaborate with him has been pretty special.

“Drunk Plans” leads your upcoming EP. Can you give us a sneak peek into the themes or stories we can expect in the rest of the EP?

The upcoming EP feels pretty unapologetic. I really wanted to write what I felt and not worry so much about outside opinions so I could get back to the root of why I started music. A lot of the writing on this EP feels empowered, with a level of self-awareness in each song. It comes down to me dialing in who I am and acknowledging or poking fun at certain parts of my personality. It’s been pretty reflective writing this project, haha!

You’ve had a phenomenal year, from your debut at CMA Fest to performances with iconic artists. What has been the most surreal moment so far?

It’s been a pretty surreal year, that’s for sure. It’s hard for me to nail down one moment because there’ve been so many, but if I had to choose, it would probably be CMA Fest. Playing that festival has always been a dream of mine, and being invited to make my debut was a huge reminder that I’m on the right path.

Your ballad “If This Is Love” resonated with many fans. How did it feel to see it gain over 1.5 million streams and win you two BCCMA Awards?

That was a huge milestone for me. “If This Is Love” still stands as one of my favorite songs I’ve released, so to see a song I was so attached to find that success was such a career highlight.

After being named Rogers Media’s “One to Watch,” how has that recognition influenced your career or approach to music?

It reassured me to trust myself in the kind of music I want to create. Watching “If This Is Love” find success on radio and streaming was a big catalyst for creating this current project. It let me know that I can make the style of music I love and carve out a space for myself in the industry. That recognition changed a lot for me and my approach.

You’ve performed in diverse settings, from Canadian festivals to Nashville’s Song Suffragettes. How do these different audiences impact your performance?

It definitely prepares you for any situation. I’ve been lucky to be part of so many incredible shows, and I think it builds your performance chops. Writers rounds have made me more comfortable sharing my life and letting people into an experience, which has made me more open in bringing that same vulnerability into a full band show.

As an Alberta-raised, Nashville-based artist, how do these places influence your sound and songwriting?

Growing up in Alberta, I was surrounded by country music. It was always playing around the house, and that’s where I really found my love for it. Moving to Nashville has been one of the biggest influences on my most recent writing style. Being surrounded by talent here builds confidence in your originality. There’s a lane for everyone, and Nashville has been pivotal in learning that.

Your recent single “Sendin’ Myself to Church” was well-received. What message or feeling were you hoping to convey with that track?

“Sendin’ Myself to Church” was such a fun song to write. I’d love to think I’m always level-headed and watching my P’s and Q’s, but I can admit that every now and then things tick me off, haha! I love the idea of admitting when we need a little help to keep it together because taking the high road doesn’t always feel like the easiest path.

With “Drunk Plans” out now, what are you most excited about for your fans to experience with this release?

I’m excited for people to get to know my personality a little more, and I think it’s a great indication of where I’m headed musically. “Drunk Plans” is a lighthearted take on the empty plans and promises we make, and that kind of self-awareness carries throughout this project.

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Congrats on the release of ‘Clutter’! Could you tell us a bit more about the story behind the track? What sparked the inspiration for that ‘cluttered’ feeling in the song?

Thank you so much! The inspiration for ‘clutter’ came from the emotional whirlwind of being deeply affected by someone. I’m a very emotionally driven person, and I tend to feel things very intensely. When I’m going through something, I take those feelings straight into my songwriting. With this track, I wanted to capture what that initial spark feels like, meeting someone new and finding yourself unable to stop thinking about them!

You’ve nailed that feeling of a mind swirling with thoughts of someone special. Was there a particular moment or experience that helped you tap into those emotions?

I’m so glad it resonates! In terms of tapping into those emotions, I’d say that my current relationship definitely played a big role in bringing the song to life. I think it helped give the song personal authenticity and I hope others can relate to it too.

The music video for ‘Clutter’ has such a warm, early 2000s vibe. What was it like working with Nikola Jovanovic to bring that aesthetic to life, and how did the location choice, The Press Coffee and Book House, come into play?

Picking a visual aesthetic for my music is always one of my favourite parts of the creative process—I usually have a vivid idea of how I want it to look. For ‘clutter,’ I drew a lot of inspiration from early 2000s fashion and media, and my friend Siena helped bring that to life by creating a lookbook to style me. I envisioned a cluttered, book-filled background, and The Press felt perfect. I was able to organise a shoot after hours, and it turned out exactly as I imagined. Working with Nikola is awesome and we just have this great creative synergy that makes every shoot feel effortless.

Your music blends so well with influences like Gracie Abrams and Olivia Rodrigo. How do you bring your own spin on indie-pop while pulling inspiration from these artists?

Thank you! I have so many music influences across different genres, and while they don’t always directly reflect in the sound of what I create, they definitely inspire me. When I hear a great song, it’s less about wanting to replicate it and more about the way it motivates me to write and create something of my own. I think that’s how I bring my own spin to indie-pop—I channel that inspiration into my emotions and experiences, making the music feel authentic to me.

‘Clutter’ captures the light-hearted yet intense emotions of a crush beautifully. How did you go about layering the romantic piano melodies with the livelier elements of the chorus to build that feeling?

Working with Gracie, my producer, is such an amazing part of the creative process. I don’t always know how to put exactly what I’m imagining into words, but I always have a distinct sound in my head—and it’s like Gracie can read my mind. She just gets it. For ‘clutter,’ she really helped flesh out the layers, It’s amazing to watch her bring those visions to life so effortlessly.”

With each new release, you seem to grow more confident in your sound. How has your style evolved since your debut EP ‘Bleed’ last year?

I totally agree! I think most artists would say that as they grow, their music grows with them. ‘Bleed’ is such a special part of my journey—I can listen back and instantly feel who I was and what I was going through when I wrote it. It’s like a time capsule. With my newer releases, I feel like I’m really starting to find my sound, and that’s so exciting. I’m looking forward to writing more and seeing where this path takes me next!

What was it like performing alongside acts like Taj Ralph and Seb Szabo? Did sharing the stage with them influence your approach to live shows?

Performing with Taj and Seb was such an amazing experience. One of the best things about being a new artist is getting to watch people you look up to and seeing how they do things on stage. It’s so inspiring and helps me figure out my own style. I love performing, and it was such an honour to support them.

Triple J and Triple J Unearthed have shown such strong support for your music. How does it feel to get that recognition from platforms so integral to Aussie music?

I’m so grateful for the support and feedback I’ve received from the Triple J and Unearthed teams. Unearthed is such an amazing platform for emerging artists—it’s incredible to have a space that champions new music like that. It’s been so encouraging, and I really hope to keep building connections and fostering those relationships in the future.

With Newcastle being such a key part of your journey, how has the local music scene helped shape you as an artist? Do you feel there’s something unique about creating music here?

The Newcastle music scene is something I’m incredibly grateful for. I’ve felt so welcomed and supported since I started making music and playing live. Being in a smaller city, there’s this tight-knit community where everyone in the scene is really connected—it genuinely feels like a family. That sense of closeness and support has definitely shaped me as an artist and made creating music here feel really special.

‘Clutter’ explores vulnerability in such a refreshing way. What do you hope listeners take away from the track, especially those who might be caught up in their own version of a ‘cluttered’ crush?

Thank you so much! I hope listeners find comfort in knowing they’re not alone in the overwhelming feelings that come with a crush and that it’s okay to embrace it. Being emotional or even an overthinker can actually be a blessing—those cluttered feelings often lead to something really special. I want the track to remind people that those moments of vulnerability can be just as beautiful as they are intense.

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