Where are you currently based?

The sleepy town of Kurnell, New South Wales Australia.

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

Covid was pretty tough on us financially as we all had our jobs put on hold. Creatively though it really forced us to finish off the album we had been recording at my place intermittently over the past year. We live together so it made it easy to knuckle down and put time into the recording and mixing process.

How did you first start playing music?

I first started playing the trumpet when I was about 4, haha. I picked up a guitar at the start of high school and haven’t looked back. We’ve all been a part of many bands growing up and all have metal backgrounds so playing the style we are now is really refreshing.

How did Beyond The Willows form?

Beyond the Willows formed after Matty (guitar) actually approached me to record a song for him. He was cousins with one of my best mates Harry who was hanging out with us during the recording process and we ended up having a jam afterwards.

We got on really well and the rest was history. We have had a few line-up changes since then but our current line up; Matt Joyce (guitar), Mitch Coelho (bass) and Liam Newman(drums) has been the driving force along with myself in putting this album together.

Your new single ‘Into The Sun’ is out now, what or who influenced the sound and songwriting?

Into the Sun is a song I wrote just under 3 years ago after I lost my best mate in a tragic accident. It had been stowed away for a long time and we decided to bring it out for this album at the last minute. We have a lot of blues and country influence in our earlier songs. Keeping it acoustic but still at a rock tempo just made it a lot more fun to play and kept the vibe of the song more positive than your traditional blues sound.

How did you go about writing Into The Sun?

Matt brought the music to me one day pretty much complete minus a few sections and we worked on it with some lyrics I had been writing at the time. It came together really quickly.

How did you come to work with Ruby Fields and how was the experience? 

Ruby is one of my best friends and had previously released the song ‘Conny’ on her last EP. She had asked me to play the guitars on that song as it is about the same friend of ours. As soon as we started recording the song I wanted Ruby to be a part of our song as well as he meant so much to both of us.

Where and when did you record/produce?

We recorded and mixed the whole album in my house. It was a fun experience doing it all ourselves, Daniel Antix at Def Wolf Studio then mastered the record for us.

How did you approach the recording process?

Most of the songs I had recorded demo’s for with midi drums so they were pretty much complete tracks. We then started from the ground up and re-recorded each section again getting everything perfect. It’s a longer process doing everything twice but it just gave us the opportunity to really listen to each song and make any structural changes before we were too far down the rabbit hole.

What programs/instruments did you use?

I use Pro Tools  and a UAD rig for recording. We play a selection of Gibson and Fender Guitars through Fender and Orange amps. Liam has a pretty nice custom Pearl kit and way too many Cymbals.

You have an album on the way, please tell about the creative process and a little idea of what we can expect:

The album is quite a bit heavier than any of our previous releases. We still have kept our roots however there is a heavy doom and psych influence throughout the album.

What do you like to do away from music?

We all live by the beach so surfing is our main hobby aside from music, besides Matt he’s pretty good at rock climbing and sinking beers though.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

All Them Witches new album has been on repeat the last few weeks for me, I can’t fault a song on that. We all have pretty heavy taste between us so a lot of Polaris and bands like Witch, Graveyard etc. Ruby’s latest release Pretty Grim is epic too.

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

Having plans in 2020 is almost laughable hey, I’m done with trying to plan anything and just taking each month as it comes. We are hopefully going to tour this record in Summer though! Fingers crossed Covid chills out.

Favourite food and place to hang out?

Kurnell Rec Club and the internal Chinese restaurant is where you’ll find us most of the time.

Into the Sun Single Launch

Brass Monkey, Cronulla  Wednesday 30^th September and Thursday 1st of October – both sold out.

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What’s been happening in the last couple of months?

Lachlan: in the last couple of months we’ve been doing plenty of song writing for our next album, planning the year to come and recording for a special release in Christmas!! We also just released our new single Woodstock69.

Your new single Woodstock69 is out now, please tell us about the influences and songwriting process?

Sarah: I wrote this song over in Nashville as an ode to one of the most iconic music festivals of all time and generally, that era in music which we love so much. We grew up listening to all of that music from the 60s and 70s and it’s had such a big impact on us as a band and as people. I wanted to write a song on our debut album that spoke to that influence and love we have for that music.

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

Lachlan: we recorded, produced and mastered everything over in Nashville Tennessee with the legendary Chad Carlson, it was an insane experience to say the least and we’re all over the moon with how everything turned out. We’ve also been doing alot of recording in my home studio while working with Chad Carlson remotely in Nashville for an up and coming release this Christmas.

The video clip was directed by Molly Buckley at Chris Murphy’s property, Sugar Beach Ranch.  Please tell us about how the film clip concept came about and the special meaning that this clip has to you in particular:

Molly: Creating and directing the Woodstock69 music video was such an incredible journey/ experience and to also be able to film it on Chris Murphy‘s property ‘Sugar Beach Ranch’ gives the music video such a deeper meaning.

The music industry has dealt with so many losses these past couple years and still continues to, so when coming up with the initial concept for the video I was exploring how I wanted to visually communicate the song in a time when the lyrics couldn’t seem more prevalent and real.

‘Woodstock69’ has so much more meaning to me after this experience. I realised it’s representing everything we have all been so greatly missing – live music, festivals, singing crowds, dancing feet, and peace.

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

Molly: I can’t think of anything that was the most challenging, especially since I absolutely loved every twist and turn that came with the creation of this clip. There’s so much knowledge and growth that comes with the challenges I was facing with editing, or the day of filming and making sure everything was lined up etc. The most rewarding part was probably overcoming any challenges that came my way, also proving to myself that I could make a music video from start to finish was an awesome feeling.

Sarah Buckley recently won the APRA development award, how did this come about and what does it mean to you?

Sarah: To be recognised by APRA and winning the Professional Development Award is such an honour for me as a songwriter. I applied for this award many months ago and to be honest, when applying for awards like this I often end up forgetting about it because I don’t think anything will come of it or that I’ll win but it’s always worth a shot! When I found out I won it was so unbelievably exciting and unexpected and I just feel so thankful to be recognised as a songwriter by such a prestigious organisation as APRA.

You’re playing Bluesfest next year and will be playing live shows as soon as lockdown is over, how has not being able to play live affected the band?

Molly: It’s been really really hard not being able to play live shows.  We miss being on the road, the adventure, the people and the atmosphere of a live show… everything! We couldn’t be more excited for our upcoming gigs!

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Lachlan: I’ve been listening to a lot of Allman brothers band and A Tribe Called Quest. Those two groups have some of my favourite music in the entire world!

What’s planned for the next few months?

Sarah: Well it’s the Christmas season and we’re very excited to be releasing our very first Christmas track! I think people will be really surprised by what’s coming and we’re excited for them to hear it… Christmas like you’ve never heard it before!

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Where are you currently based?

I am currently based in the hinterlands of the Gold Coast. 🙂

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

To be honest, it hasn’t changed a whole lot for me.. I’ve been teaching the same amount and have been working on writing and recording some new tunes in the background. 

How did you first start playing music?

My mother caught me singing around the house (and everywhere I went) when I was about 9 and booked in a singing lesson for me. I’ve never looked back since. ? I fell in love with playing the piano, flute, cello, and started writing songs in Grade 10 after borrowing a guitar from my work experience week working at a primary school.

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

Ah – for a long time (probably since I started writing). I always really wanted to write a pop song – the best pop song that I could ever write.  I’ve played in bands all throughout university and after I realised that I wanted to be a solo artist and pursue writing the ‘best songs’ that I could write. 

In the recent year, I’ve been wanting to challenge myself and try to write the catchiest, strongest pop song I can write. DNM was one of those songs that came out around that time.. I really love the fat synths from The Chainsmokers and am obsessed with ALMA and Years and Years’ music. I wanted DNM to fall in line with these artists. I wanted it to be catchy, and big and melodic. I hope I have achieved this. ? 

How did you go about writing DNM?

One night I was feeling supa lonely and had so many things I wanted to share with someone. “I’m dying for a DNM” came to my mind and I immediately went to the piano with my thoughts and this melody. That’s how it was born. When I played the hook on the piano “I’m dying for a DNM”, I knew there was something there worth trying to conceive. 

Please tell us about the studio that your partner and yourself built in the Gold Coast Hinterlands:

Yes! Ah, it has been a journey!

I used to own a music school in Parkwood, Gold Coast called Nighitngale Music. We did super well but I kind of struggled with managing the whole business as well as trying to pursue my own music, so I sadly decided to close down the school. The funny thing is that I would’ve had to close it down anyway because of the pandemic. Anyway! Josh and I live in the hinterlands and knew that building a studio was an option so my dad had us digging holes the very next week which would 

My room really is for artists to develop themselves. To come in, develop their singing voice and songwriting and for me to also help in any mentoring way that I can. One of my students Jenna is an up-coming singer-songwriter on the Gold Coast who’s only 17 and is AMAZING. I am so passionate about helping her in her musical career.

Josh on the other hand is the master-mind. He does an incredible job at understanding an artists’ vision and bringing that vision to life, mostly in terms of production but also in artist-development areas. He put in a lot of detail into making his space really accommodating for artists. His studio space design has a boutique feel and is super Instagram-able! 

We may plan to build a room for artists to stay here during their recording process, as well. We’ve called the studio ‘Our Space Studio’.

Is this where you recorded?

Actually, we recorded DNM mostly in our bedroom while the studio was being built however, we recorded my vocals at QSound with Maddy Breen.

Please tell us about your music teaching and who are some of your clients/students:

I have been teaching for a decade now and every year I seem to love it more and more. I really love to motivate and inspire people and I thoroughly enjoy teaching students who are currently singer-songwriters and wanting to break into the industry or kids who are passionate about music and singing.

One of my students, Jenna Cogzell who I mentioned above is a singer-songwriter with incredible talent. I’m trying everything I can to help guide her in the right direction. You should go check out her song Roses! Go now. ? ? 

You have a few upcoming releases with some collabs with popular artists, please tell us more:

Yes! I absolutely LOVE to collaborate. It’s so much fun and it kind of takes the ease off coming up with the chord progression and the feel. I think I tend to stick to the same patterns so it’s super refreshing and inspiring to write to something new.

I have a song coming out with TINY on October 23rd who is a good friend of mine and a successful DJ, producer and singer-songwriter! I am so honoured to be releasing her very FIRST original track with her called ‘On My Mind’. 

I also have a song coming out with the amazing Luke Howell who used to tour with One Direction!! (Fun fact!). We have a song called ‘Closer’ coming out in December.

And then I also have a collaboration coming out in November which this Instagram artist called Tokyonite from Kenya!! The track is a vapourwave pop-ballad and I absolutely can’t wait to release it because it’s been a dream of mine to record something like this!

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Oh man, I found this chick called MARINA who I’m loving lately and also watched the Above & Beyond Acoustic live show which brought tears to my eyes – absolutely beautiful! 

What do you like to do away from music?

I actually like to be a boring 27 year old haha. I really enjoy just being at home and being creative.. Cooking, cleaning, gardening.. I also take care of my grandma and uncle who is disabled which brings me a lot of joy. <3 

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

I’ve got so many tracks coming out in the next 5 months, I am so excited! Mostly those collaborations but then hopefully a couple of more strong solo songs early 2021. 

Favourite food and place to hangout?

The Henchman in Miami is my new grill! The burgers are amazing and I’m so glad there’s live music there too. But otherwise, I really like Dust Temple or any cafes that allow me to sit and ponder for hours while drinking amazing coffee… 

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What is your name and role within Love Drunk Hearts?

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

Where are you currently based?

The Northern Beaches of Sydney.

How did you first start playing music?

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

How did Love Drunk Hearts form?

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

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

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

How did you go about writing the track?

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

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

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

How did you approach the recording process?

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

How did the concept for the music video come together?

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

Who did you work with to create the music video?

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

What do you like to do away from music?

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

Who are you listening to at the moment?

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

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

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

Favourite food and place to hangout?

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

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