A Quick Chat with 40th Parallel

Where did the name 40th Parallel come from?

The name was inspired by the line of latitude found 40 degrees south of the equator - it runs through the Bass Strait between mainland Australia and Tasmania, as well as off the coast of my hometown of Albany in WA. I feel somehow connected to the Southern Ocean, and I've always been interested in geography, thus bringing the name of the project.

You had a previous band called Spacedive that you are no longer making music with. Can you describe the difference in sounds and style, and what drew you towards the new music you are making now?

My old band Spacedive was playing psych-rock/pop which I have been growing away from over the years, I'm now finding more interest in jazz influenced music and improvisation, as well as modern post-punk bands - a lot of my music interest seems to be coming from the UK and Ireland recently.

Tell us a bit about the new single. What does it mean to you?

The new single is a step in a new direction for my songwriting - it's more intricate, more jazzy, and overall pretty raw. The song is about my desire to experience more in life without it getting in the way of other things that are important. 

Are there any inspirations you look to beyond music when writing or performing?

I try to achieve a feeling of melancholy in my songs by making them dark but also dreamy. I love that feeling, and I hope others can experience it through my own artistic expression. When performing I try to be as honest and genuine as possible, hoping the audience can feel exactly what I am. 

Who would 40th Parallel love to share a stage with?

I would consider myself ultimately successful if I had the chance to share the stage with Crumb, King Krule or Mildlife. My ultimate goal is to play at Panama festival in Tasmania or at End of the Road in England.