A Quick Chat with The Audreys

Can you tell us a bit about your inspiration for your single ‘Second hand boots’?

It’s a true story about a very awful relationship I found myself in several years ago. I was so destroyed and weakened by this person that it became very hard to leave, and that was a huge surprise to me because I’d always thought of myself as strong and resilient. So it’s a sad song, but it’s hopeful and beautiful too. And it’s about boots, which can only be a good thing. 

What are your influences and how do they affect your songwriting? 

I’m passionate about great songs, so I’d have to say all the great songwriters I grew up listening to from my parents’ record collection. Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Dolly Parton, Bruce Springstreen, Neil Young, Willy Nelson, Gram Parsons. 

I love the way they reveal themselves through their songs, I think it’s brave and honest. I resisted being so open in my songwriting for a long time, but now I just embrace it. I don’t care anymore what people think of me or how I’ve lived my life, I just want to make them feel something through my songs.

What’s the creative process like for you?

I used to write with my songwriting partner Tristan Goodall, but he very sadly passed away in 2022. So a bunch of these songs I either wrote by myself or with my guitarist Tom Kneebone. Tristan’s brother Cam also brought a lot of song ideas to the band. It was a very different approach but a very exciting and creative one, although I missed Tristan terribly of course. I used to only play piano, but I got bored during lockdowns and learnt to play guitar. I wrote a bunch of these songs on guitar, which was great fun. I did get to play a little bit of guitar on the album, but I think I’m pretty quiet in the mix. I still have a long way to go. 

If you could change something about the Australian music industry what would it be? 

The amount artists get paid for streaming. 

What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music as an outlet? 

Oh jeez. I’m not sure what I’d be doing with myself. I nearly became an academic, so maybe I’d be doing that and publishing papers no one reads. 

Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?  Why?

Lots of people! Nick Cave has always been up there. Paul Kelly. Basically any other great Australian artist, plus Dolly Parton. Always Dolly! 

What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry? 

Be flexible about what part of the industry you might end up in. Not everyone has to be on stage! There are lots of great careers, and almost every lighting tech, artist manager and music writer I’ve met started out as a musician and pivoted at some point. 

Who’s the most interesting person you’ve worked with/met? 

I once met Steve Earle and was deeply uncool and embarrassed myself. That’s how I like to roll. 

Any plans for a tour on the cards?

Yes! Our record comes out in February and we start touring in March, and honestly I hope to spend the rest of the year on the road. It’s my happy place!