A Quick Chat with The Nomadic

Can you tell us a bit about your inspiration for your single  ‘Marie Antoinette’?
Marie Antoinette is inspired by the idea of being in a relationship where things are ‘almost there’ but not quite! You both need to go off and evolve and grow more. There is a ‘revolution’ coming for both of you- it is gonna be painful, it is gonna be disruptive, but in the end, you will be better for it! 

What are your influences and how do they affect your songwriting? 
Definitely the early Britpop years- Oasis, Radiohead The Verve, early Coldplay, the 1975. Then from my time in US (2007-09 and 2012-22) indie pop influences like One Republic, The Fray etc, and then more Alt Rock/ Americana like The War on Drugs, The National, Phosphorescent. In terms of influence- it is the combination of cool atmospheric instrumentation and thought provoking lyrics that will do it for me every time! 

What’s the creative process like for you?
I try to let it happen organically- i.e. not force it! Usually if I just start playing around/ experimenting on guitar or piano, get my pedals going and look out the window, i will be taken to some different places emotionally! It was how much of my first album was written (My Mind is Racing) literally looking out on New York City and writing songs like “Manhattan View”.

Once we get in the studio it is a very democratic process as the song takes shape and arrangement. Dan Frizza, Production, Miles Thomas / Drums; Ollie Thorpe / Guitar, Brendan Clark/ Bass all play a huge role in the creative process! 

If you could change something about the Australian music industry what would it be? 
I am only relatively recently back from New York so not sure I am best placed to comment! If I was to offer thoughts it would be to find ways to support independent artists better. Radio tends to play the same songs that have been around 10-50 years, whilst there is so much new and creative talent that is not being heard. It’s no doubt to do with the structure of the industry- dominance of labels etc. And it’s probably a global issue not just Australia! And I know it varies city to city.

What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music as an outlet? 
Much more stressful! Much less grounded. I would have to find some other creative outlet- acting, comedy improv, art etc. but music is definitely my (positive!) drug of choice! 

Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?  Why?
Probably Bernard Fanning! I have always been a big Powderfinger fan! 

What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry? 
Start with your ‘why’? Once you work out your big goal (i.e. spread joy through your music) you can then work out your strengths and values, and then daily activities that contribute to your goal (s). 
Learn diverse skills so you aren't dependent on one income stream. 
You only live once- if it’s what you want, go for it and don’t give up! 
Only you get to define what success is for you. (not friends, family, society etc!) 
Keep asking yourself “What’s going well? What’s not going so well? What have I learned”? 
Enjoy the journey!

Who’s the most interesting person you’ve worked with/met? 
My friend in NYC used to be a photography for Midnight Oil! We went to see them at Webster Hall/ NY and we met Peter Garrett backstage. He regaled us with life stories for 2 hours which was pretty amazing! 

Any plans for a tour on the cards?
Yes! Hopefully from early 2025 we will start with gigs in Sydney and then plan an Aussie tour!