Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?
Hello, I’m currently based in Sydney. Sydney has been struggling in terms of nightlife due to lock out laws but I love going to watch my favourite bands play when they’re here. I’ve been lucky enough to live in major cities all my life, my first show I went to was to a Spice Girls comeback show when I was living London with my family. I went to Uni in America and it was really cool seeing Australian acts come over and perform there, Alex Lahey killed it at Rough Trade.
Your single ‘Waste of Time’ is a lyrical beauty, how did the lyrics come about for this track?
I think I’ve struggled this year to write songs. I have been worried about being good enough as an artist and this song I guess is about letting go of fears and expectations and being happy with where you are. I had all the verses down in bits in my phone and then it all just came together!
How did you come up with the music to accompany the lyrics?
The verses just came out of my brain haha. I had help with the chorus and the bridge, it’s the first song I’ve co-written so that was a really cool experience.
Where and when did you record?
I recorded it in London at Rak Studios with Jonathan Quarmby who co-wrote and produced the song. I was there for a songwriting camp with APRA. It came together in less than a day and I listened back to it while I was touring and playing at Primavera festival in Barcelona and decided it was something I would be happy to release.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
At the moment I’ve got Lily Allen’s new album on repeat. I’ve just read her book and I think she’s an amazing artist. I’m really excited for her to come to Australia.
Soon you’ll be touring Australia and taking part in Shakafest, where are you headed and what can we expect from these shows?
I start out in Melbourne and play The Corner which I couldn’t be more excited for, I played there with Stella Donnelly earlier this year and I played there on my first support tour with Lisa Mitchell and Dustin Tebbutt. Then Adelaide, Shakafest, then Sydney which is my hometown, then finishing off in Perth. I think with these shows I’m just trying to step it up another level, we’re working on the aesthetics of the shows, I’ve been trying to make my performances of the song better, I’ve got some incredible supports and I really feel the most prepared for this tour out of any I’ve done. I’m really excited.
It’s been just over a year since the release of your second EP ‘See You Soon’ do you have any new releases coming up?
Yes!! I’ve just released “Happy Song” which I’m really really proud of. I wrote the song and Sam Cromack and Dan Hanson from Ball Park Music produced it. We worked really hard on it and we’ve been recording more. I also just left London and recorded four more songs with Jonathan Quarmby so I’m really doing my best with it!
You’re currently on tour in the UK/Europe how has the tour been so far? Most memorable moments?
It’s been great! I started out in Manchester and played at the Neighbourhood festival, then made my way to London. Then I spent two weeks driving through Germany and Austria which was so beautiful, its much more green than I expected. Most memorable things were staying on a riverboat in Manchester and sleeping amongst the swans, and recording at Rak Studios in London and pretending to be a Beatle out the front of Abbey Road. All around a great trip.
I hear that you used to be a soccer player in college, do you still play?
Hahaha not really. I wanted to try something new so I started playing AFL but I decided it was too dangerous. I almost got snapped in half a few times.
What do you like to outside of music?
I sometimes go surfing, I am terrible at it but it’s fun. I also like walking with my cute dog Tilly.
Who or what influences your songwriting?
I guess what I’m experiencing or seeing around me. Definitely, the music I’m listening to has an impact as well as movies. You take out little storylines and try and make them into songs.
What do you have planned for the remainder of 2018 going into 2019?
I’m playing my Space Tour and then recording more, playing at Woodford festival and generally just working towards another release. I’ve been learning the drums and piano so maybe they’ll come into the shows somehow!
Favourite food and place to hangout?
I love Hungry Monkey in Kiama. It’s so great. They have the best Nutella hot chocolates and pancakes in the whole world.
