Melbourne’s Raised By Eagles have come into their own in 2015. Up until now, the four seasoned musicians that make up the band have spent years paying their dues on stages around the country. When you first listen to Diamonds In The Bloodstream, their latest release, you’ll hear raw and gritty Americana brought to life by soulful lyrics – but on a second listen you’ll begin to notice deeply personal tales of hope and loss, made with a lot of TLC.

“All the people involved in the making of this album were, or have become, really close friends. We’ve never been interested in working with people simply because we’ve heard that they’re a crack shot session musician,” explains affable frontman Luke Sinclair. His natural manner and self-deprecating sense of humour make it easy to see why he’s one of the most popular characters on the local circuit. “The live music scene in Melbourne is really close-knit – all of our mates are musicians, and they just happen to be incredibly talented, so that makes life a little easier,” Sinclair adds.

Mates of the band who also make guest appearances on Diamonds In The Bloodstream include Liz Stringer, Tracy McNeil, Van Walker and Jacqueline Tonks. “There was a lot of love in the studio within the band and for the people who helped us along the way, including our engineer Roger Bergodaz – he’s a very lovable guy,” says Sinclair.

With goodwill in abundance, the singer says that making the band’s second LP felt like a dream run – a far cry from reports that they felt the stress of living up to the success of their 2013 self-titled debut album.

“You know, it’s funny – I read that we felt pressure but I’m not really sure how that made it into any of the other press. What I’ve said was that it was in the back of my mind that I was writing an album that people were going listen to critically. I never really thought anyone cared that much before!” he laughs.

“If anything, this record was incredibly easy to make – it was the first one that was a struggle. We had this album in the can in five days because we just did live takes. Every song on the album was recorded live – we wanted them to sound like they would at a show. We just overdubbed some extra guitars and the backing vocals and it was done.”

Another notable change is the restrained use of the harmonica – an instrument that featured heavily on Raised By Eagles’ debut. “It was a conscious decision on my part,” Sinclair says. “I’ve played the harmonica for years, but I’ve never felt comfortable with it. It’s just such a tired way to play acoustic or Americana or folk music … We used it well on the first album, but I’m trying to phase it out of our live shows, because to tell you the truth it drives me crazy having that thing around my neck. I don’t want it anymore – I wanna feel free!”

Diamonds In The Bloodstream will be launched at the Newtown Social Club as part of a joint headline show with Perth’s Americana sweetheart Ruby Boots (AKA Bex Chilcott). “I’ve known Bex for a while,” says Sinclair. “I’ve always been so impressed with her – not only her songwriting, but her delivery and her voice. It’s just one of those voices that sounds like classic country – think Lucinda Williams. When I listen to her play I just wanna go home, play my guitar and write. It’s always good to be involved with artists that inspire you. I’m looking forward to having a beer with her and her band, now that all the hard work is done.”

Diamonds In The Bloodstream is out now through SlipRail/Vitamin. Raised By Eagles play Newtown Social Club withRuby Boots and Andy Golledge onThursday May 21.

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