CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR INSPIRATION FOR ‘HARMONY BLOOMS’

I wanted to create something different from what we have done in the past. Previously, my songwriting and production style was skewed towards a live 60s or 70s approach. This time around I wanted to create something more modern, so I spent time building textual layers, exploring my voice, and experimenting with harmonies. There are varying themes across the album, but it is ultimately uplifting in its lyrical content. It was a very turbulent time in our personal lives and on a global scale when we were writing, so I wanted to contribute something positive to my community to counteract that.

WHAT ARE YOUR INFLUENCES AND HOW DO THEY AFFECT YOUR SONGWRITING?

Im constantly listening to music. I am a music teacher, so it's my responsibility to have an open mind about my music taste to make sure I do the best job I can for my students. I think this has greatly impacted my songwriting over the years. Im inspired by the day-to-day experience and I usually try to process how Im feeling through my songwriting.

I have made a vow to never repeat myself across releases.

WHAT’S THE CREATIVE PROCESS LIKE FOR YOU?

I write mostly alone in my bedroom studio. Sometimes I’ll have an idea bouncing around in my head and I’ll try to interpret it on Logic, or I'll go through my voice memos and look for rogue stuff I sang on the bus or something. I'll usually have the full demo together and take it to Clay where he helps with the groove and arrangement. He is the groove master.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE SOMETHING ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

More space/support for more diverse artists and genres.. We mostly have the same artists on the same lineups with the same industry support. I don't think that accurately reflects the immensely talented range of artists we have in our communities who are equally deserving of the same resources and opportunities.

WHAT DO YOU THINK LIFE WOULD BE LIKE FOR YOU IF YOU DIDN’T HAVE MUSIC AS AN OUTLET?

Bleak and confusing.. but id probably have more money ha.

IS THERE ANYONE YOU WOULD LIKE TO COLLABORATE WITH? WHY?

Damon Albarn and Kevin Parker are my dream collaborators. I grew up with their music and have been inspired by them greatly. I feel like our taste is similar and we would make something really rad.

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WANT TO MAKE A CAREER FOR THEMSELVES IN THE INDUSTRY?

There are young people who are way more famous and successful than we will probably ever be.. if they have any tips for us Im open lol. We aren’t old btw. (Do young people still write ‘lol’)?

WHO’S THE MOST INTERESTING PERSON YOU’VE WORKED WITH/MET?

One time I sang a Slim Dusty cover with Ben Lee and Rove McManus aha.

FAVOURITE HANGOVER CURE?

Swim in the ocean!

ANY UPCOMING SHOWS?

Yeah! We have lots of shows coming up to promote our album coming out, it's very exciting. We have a big Australian run for the album tour across ten headline dates. We are also playing Yabun Festival on Jan 26th, supporting John Butler at Taronga Zoo, two appearances at Bluesfest, and supporting Ocean Alley on Bribie Island - PSYCHED!

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

A QUICK CHAT WITH VELVET TRIP