1.Growing Up
Growing up in Tahiti definitely played a big role in the way I perceived music early on. It was all about what was happening in a world that wasn’t physically present around me – most of what I thought of it came from TV and a lot of imagination. Growing up on an island in a micro-environment but surrounded by endless ocean gave me a contrasted view of music. I had traditional music played everywhere but at the same time the feeling that there was more to it. It gave me a perspective of space. I was always attracted by the ambient sound, the ocean, big mountains.
2. Inspirations
When I was a kid, monsieur Jacque Brel, for his lyrics. He was a poet – one of my dad’s favourites too. The first time I heard him was on a Sunday afternoon while my mum was cooking. Also a lot of Pink Floyd. I love Brian Eno, Tame Impala and The Flaming Lips, and very recently Tycho.
3. Your Band
The band is made of Rhod [Davies] and myself. We met five years ago [when] he moved into the same building; we used to call it “The Block” – oh those days! We jammed, got drunk and now somehow I’m still able to appreciate his friendship [laughs]. I hate to say it but Rhod had a big influence on the music I listen to and how I started to change the way I play. We recently recruited Jonathan James on the bass and Tull Kidron on drums and samples to join the band.
4. The Music You Make
Someone told me that we were a trip-pop band. I still think you can call it indie and a bit of psychedelic something; you decide. We recorded at King Sound Studio near Central, with mister Alex Frew AKA Goldielocks as our producer – great guy, competent and a friend; what else do you need, huh? We play atmospheric pop songs with a heavy dose of weird synth sounds, harmonies and effects pedals on everything. It’s all about the sound. Our set is like a landscape where we start slow, lull you into our universe and it gradually takes over.
5.Music, Right Here, Right Now
Locally these folks are doing rad things: Jack Ladder and The Dreamlanders, Mezko, Lovely Head, Shebeen Queen, Borneo… Their music has definitely shaped the way I want to write. Good music is generally not an easy thing to find; you’ve just got to scratch beneath the surface. We appreciate these glorious pockets of creativity around Sydney, but until we find our big money backer, we’re sticking to our DIY ethic and doing everything ourselves. It can get stressful, but the rewards will be tenfold.
(I’m Not A King) Or Anythingby Juju Wings is out independently on Monday February 29; and they play Brighton Up Bar Thursday February 18.
