Oliver James – Guitarist
Where are you currently based?
We’re in Perth, Western Australia
How did you first start playing music?
Necessity. A friend played guitar and really wanted someone to jam with. So I scraped some money together and bought a drumkit. That’s where I started.
What’s been happening recently?
We’ve just released our latest single ‘Fantasma’ and are heading back into the studio with a few new songs. A lot of gigging and writing, which is what we love.
Your latest single ‘Fantsma’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
Mostly straight up unapologetic ’80’s love songs. Mummy Calls, INXS, Richard Marx. They could have been motown songs in a different decade, but they found themselves steeped in keys and saxaphones instead. Lyrics that now you look at with concern due to their overt creepiness.
How did you go about writing Fantasma?
It started with a casual writing session; two guitars and an all-nighter. Once we had the bones we started writing the little melodies and hooks, changing keys, adding and cutting parts. Endlessly tinkering until we felt we had it.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?
We recorded it with Dave Parkin at Black Bird Studio and it was mastered by William Bowden.
Please tell us about any upcoming projects:
We’re heading back into the studio asap. We also have a few exciting live events to announce soon. Between those two it’s more shows and writing.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
The posthumous Mike Noga album ‘Open Fire’ has been on repeat. Also loving the new Midlake single.
What do you like to do away from music?
Damian and I watch a lot of movies and play chess. Everything else is a distraction from that.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2021 going into 2022?
We’re heading back into the studio to record some new material. Between now and February we have some cool shows and then another launch to be announced.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Food – pizza. We’re loving Milk Bar at the moment. Really cool venue.
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