Indie folk songwriters, McDermott & North, have been charming their fans for a number of years now with their sweet and sophisticated, 60’s inspired tunes. They have now just delivered a carefully-crated track, ‘Elope’, which captures that sweet, innocent feeling of being helplessly in love. The duo are on tour with their band over the next month and we caught up with Rhys North to find out more about the track, their inspirations and more.

Can you tell us about the new track and what you want people to take away from it?

Elope is a love song that taps into that nostalgic feeling of the first experiences of being in love

Who are some of your influences and why?

We’re huge fans of the 60’s the Beatles, The Kinks, Bob Dylan etc.

We adore the simplicity of the 60s, and the timeless nature of the melodies can't beat it.

What's the creative process for you, from writing through to recording?

We write both separately and together. Then once the song has been written, we then record with the great Darek Mudge in his home studio and that’s where the real magic happens.

What do you think makes a great song?

Melody has to be at the forefront of any great song for me with the sort of thought-provoking lyrics that ask questions but can be easily interpreted for a range of topics.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

I mean a collaboration between Phoebe Bridgers & McDermott & North would sound alright I think? we’re mega fans of hers and that would be a dream collaboration.

When not working on music, what other creative outlet/s do you have?

I do a bit of drawing. I always have I love art I think its a very similar feeling to writing a song the sense of accomplishment is very cathartic.

Who are some local bands we should check out?

We relocated to Melbourne at the start of the year so we’ve had the pleasure of hearing some real class acts in Melbourne but one of our favourites in Melbourne are a band called “Sin City” great songs great stage presence they would be the first to spring to mind for sure.

Winter or summer and why?

Winter! I feel winter evocates more inspiration for us we’re both from warmer climates in Far North Queensland so winter doesn’t exist up there so going through a Winter feels a bit surreal almost.

What else do you have planned for the year?

We’re just about to head on a National tour with our band so that's the next thing for us. We’re not looking past that at this stage.

McDermott & North Tour

Sept 30 - The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne

Oct 1 - Hiway Bar, Sydney

Oct 7 - The Metropolitan Hotel, Mackay*

Oct 8 - Mansfield Hotel, Townsville*

Oct 9 - Dunwoody's Hotel, Cairns*

Oct 14 - Nightquarter, Sunshine Coast (Acoustic)

Oct 22 - O'Skulligans, Brisbane

Oct 23 - Dust Temple, Gold Coast

*Supporting Alex Lloyd (Acoustic Shows)