Where are you currently based?
In the hinterland of Byron Bay, Australia!
How did you first start playing music?
We’ve grown up in a very musical family, so music has always been around us ever since we were babies and we fell in love with it from a very young age. There was always instruments at every corner of our house so it was very natural for us to pick up an instrument and jam together.
How did The Buckleys form?
We’ve always played music together, but we we’d say we officially formed ‘The Buckleys’ at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2011 when we were busking on Peel Street. We were notified the next day that we had come top 10 in the Busking Competition with around 600 acts competing (and we didn’t even know we were in a competition!) and were invited to play to a few thousand people on the main Toyota Park Stage. That was the biggest stage we had played on at that time and it was insane! It was a massive experience for us especially being so young and we definitely caught the bug!
You’ve recently been on a virtual tour with Live Nation, how did this come about and how has the experience been?
We had touring plans this year that we obviously had to postpone, but we love playing live and connecting with people so didn’t want that to stop. We think it’s really important to bring a bit of positivity back into the world right now as well, so it was great bringing some fun and live music to other peoples homes all around the world, from our very living room. We are so grateful to Live Nation for making it possible and the amazing team at Petrol Records and UMe too.
What did you find most challenging and rewarding during the virtual tour?
The timezones were probably the most difficult part of the virtual tour, but I guess that’s the same as if we were playing a normal tour…. just lucky we got to roll into our comfortable beds here at home afterwards!
Your latest single ‘Money’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting for this track?
We envisioned something really fun for everyone around the world to be able to dance and singalong to. We were inspired by the fun, energy and spunk of the 60s surf rock and pop bands and music videos where it just feels like a party and you want to be there. We carried that vision through from the writing to the production, music video and photos etc. It’s bright, colourful and a party!
How did you go about writing Money?
Sarah: I wrote this song in Nashville with two buddies of mine, Phil Barton and Dave Thomson. I had this guitar groove and a bit of the verse already so showed them and we all just dove into it straight away! It was a really fun write with ideas bouncing around everywhere very quickly! The lyrics and melodies were really fun to play with and write.
Where and when did you record/produce and who with?
We recorded ‘Money’ November last year in Nashville with Chad Carlson (Taylor Swift, Jewel, Hunger Games soundtrack) at the Sound Emporium Studios. It was very cool recording at sound Emporium because so many legends and musical hero’s of ours have made some of the best records of all time there. You can feel the musical legacy in the walls. It’s very inspiring to be around when creating.
What programs/equipment did you use to record/produce?
Lachlan: Throughout the album I was using my 2 guitars, the “epiphone les Paul” and “Fender Mustang”. I play these guitars through my pedal board which consists of 2 overdrive/distortion pedals, Wah pedal, Boss DD7 delay, Rotovibe, Strymon BigSky reverb pedal and a classic BigMuff fuzz pedal. This allows me to have a vast option of sounds when it comes to recording so I’m able to mix and match everything to each song!
What do you attribute to your rapid rise within the music industry?
The past year and a half especially has been pretty wild since signing our record deal with Petrol Records and Universal Music and releasing our debut single ‘Daydream’ which went #1 in Australia. That was definitely a massive moment and changed the landscape for us very quickly and we are just so excited and humbled to be in this position where we get to share our music with the world and work alongside so many amazing, creative people who are also so passionate about music.
Any tips for upcoming artists?
We are still learning so much everyday, however right now something that we’ve learnt and is really important to us is just staying true to who you are and making sure you enjoy what you play and create. Following your gut is so important and just making sure you enjoy every moment of the ride (because their lots of up and downs!).
Who are you listening to at the moment?
We listen to a whole range of things and it’s different for each of us… and really depends on the time of day! Right now we’re on a bit of a 70s female rocker binge and are loving the likes of Joan Jett, Blondie, The Pretenders etc. to be honest! Also recently discovered the Electric Light Orchestra and wow just wow.
What do you like to do away from music?
When we’re not playing music we love to go out into nature and surf, explore waterfalls, go on bush walks or maybe just stay home and watch a movie. But nature is definitely something we love and appreciate no matter where we are. The beach is a big part of our lives when we’re home too.
What’s planned for 2020?
2020 is a big year for us. Positivity and music is something we all need around the world right now, so we don’t intend to stop or slow down anytime soon! We are really focused on giving people as much quality entertainment via social media and the technology we have available now, and of course music to connect us all. We have our debut album coming out which we are really excited about and our documentary ‘Meet The Buckleys’ just came out as well. We’re writing and working on lots of new music always too!
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Our favourite food and place to hang out would have to be this this wicked burger bar in 12 South Nashville Tennessee, called “Burger Up”. We literally spent 2 weeks eating there almost every night and day while we were recording our album because you just can’t find any burger of such sacredness and quality on earth!! Haha. And we were living within walking distance and have no self control.
