A QUICK CHAT WITH ZAC EICHNER

Well done on two beautiful offerings in ‘Naked & Autumn’. What stories do both songs tell and how do they differentiate from each other?

 Both tracks are focused on a similar story. Naked comes from when I was in the midst of heartache, while Autumn is a reflection a little further down the track. The underlying theme for both is this idea of bittersweet gratitude. A connection that was wonderful, helped me grow and learn but, it was fleeting and while that sucks, I’m so grateful that I got the chance to even meet this person. The titles Naked & Autumn both reflect the same imagery in stripping back or shedding something to move forward or grow. Naked is where all the hurt lies and Autumn is where I’m headed post-pain - regardless of the connection I may still have that grew prior to anything that transpired, you’ve got to respect that it had an ending and use it as a learning curve.

You worked with Matt Cooper from Treetop Studios on both tracks, how was that experience? 

Matt is a really wonderful person. A real pleasure to work with, and I’m pretty sure he’s a genius. I’ve been lucky to work with him, polishing my tracks for a number of years now. It’s been a great experience watching each other develop and grow over time. His mixing and mastering abilities are really incredible and the new studio he’s built is comfortable and really easy to work in. If you ever get the chance to work in South Australia, head straight for the Adelaide Hills and go to Treetop Studios.

The double A-side is packed with emotion and heart-rending moments. How do you go about channeling this emotion in a live performance? And do you prefer performing with a band or solo?

 I love performing live - I stay reasonably ‘safe’ in the studio. Live performances allow me to take risks and push my vocals as far as I can, and I suppose it’s that vulnerability and room for error that helps me connect to the story behind my songs. Every live show changes, and I love it - embracing any hurt or emotion always runs a risk of getting the better of you but, I think it helps me connect to the songs and audience each night.

Band! Absolutely band. My band is so unbelievably talented, far more talented than me. It gives me another sense of freedom because I can rely on them, and we can change things up to match my energy, their energies or the audiences and creates a completely different experience to my solo shows.

What is your favourite thing about going on tour? What long-term lessons / experiences have you learned from playing shows interstate to people you’ve never seen before?

 This is my first tour with the band, I’d imagine this will be my new favourite thing about touring. I’m excited to hang out with the guys, jam and have a good time. My favourite thing in the past has absolutely been the connections I’ve made with people along the way. People offering up couches to sleep on, a shower or a home cooked meal is always wonderful.

 A long-term lesson: Everything is really expensive. Embrace the experience, not the money you make… Try to make money if you can though.

ZAC EICHNER NAKED & AUTUMN LAUNCH PARTIES

FRI 3 JAN | THE MILK FACTORY, BRISBANE QLD
WED 8 JAN | THE GASOMETER, MELBOURNE VIC
FRI 10 JAN | RYE HOTEL, MORNINGTON PENINSULA VIC
SAT 11 JAN | JIVE, ADELAIDE SA

Click to stream 'Naked & Autumn'

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