A Quick Chat With The Steele Syndicate
Meanjin funk-rock octet, The Steele Syndicate have been working towards their debut album all year. They have now released their feel-good, uplifting album ‘Weekend’s Coming’. Brought to life by plenty of horns, stabs on the keys, and strokes on the guitar, the feel-good funk coming out from this band is the real deal. Running through the emotions of love, happiness and that desperate plea for the weekend, The Steele Syndicate have managed to pack it all into this truely well-rounded record. We had Steele run us through the album, their influences and some other things too.
Can you tell us what this album means to you and what you want people to take away from it?
The album spans three themes - work, love, and happiness. To me it feels hugely fulfilling to bring my musical ideas to life with such a huge band! This album was recorded using only analogue instruments. Every horn stab, synth note, guitar, organ or kick sound is the real deal, so I hope the listener feels that realness, and walks away tapping their feet.
Who are some of your influences and why?
The Cat Empire – they got the horns
Matt Corby – got the emotion
Vulfpeck – got the grove
What's the creative process for you, from writing through to recording?
Mostly, I have an idea in the car (I pull over safely), I sing a chorus or mouth drum a rhythm into my phone. Then when I get home, I get out my guitar and form the song. Then I bring it to the band and we workshop it together into something epic.
What do you think makes a great song?
Grove. If you put on the track and you can’t help but tap your foot, it’s going to be a good song. If it makes you scrunch up your nose like you’re smelling something funky, it’s going to be a good song. I suppose that boils down to rhythm. Get the bass and drums right, and the rest will flow.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
Jack Johnson. I have loved his music since I was first old enough to press play on a stereo. Imagine chilling with Jack in Hawaii and making some chill song under the shade of a tree on the water’s edge. Now that would be something. I think with Jack it would be a peaceful and heart-warming experience, and perhaps a surf?
When not working on music, what other creative outlet/s do you have?
Really recently, cooking. Two of the songs on the album give an honest account of my previous lack of skill in that department. But lately I have got into cooking a heap more, and I actually find it to be a wonderful outlet, plus you get to eat a tasty meal at the end!
Who are some local bands we should check out?
Lounge – sweet pop/rock goodness
Kurilpa Reach – for all your reggae needs
Winter or summer and why?
Winter! Brisbane in the Winter is the most ideal climate imaginable. Crisp clear skies, sunshine and ocean water still warm enough to swim. Far better than the Brisbane summer sweat fest hahah.
What else do you have planned for the year?
Got a bunch more shows and festivals coming up, including our big album launch show at The Princess Theatre in Brisbane on November 5th. Come along!
Follow The Steele Syndicate
Spotify | Apple Music | Facebook | Insta: @thesteelesyndicate | Youtube