Waxflower's frontman Tristan Higginson answers a few Q's
Sixteen Floors’ is only your fourth single, and you’ve just inked a deal with international label Rude Records, who have been home to some big names like Set It Off, The Maine, and homegrown heroes Stand Atlantic - congratulations! How did this come about, and what does having a label in your corner mean to you?
We just celebrated one year since the announcement of the band. It's unbelievable to look back on all of the opportunities we've been given, and the signing to Rude is no exception. We have an amazing booking team in Australia who put us in contact with them and the rest is history. We have a shared vision for the future of the band, and they have already amplified our ability to achieve our goals.
Your songs have an incredibly honest, heart-on-sleeve feel to them, and I understand mental health is a topic really close to home. How much of your personal journey with mental health finds its way into your music? Is creating a cathartic process for you?
Over the last few years I've dealt with crippling anxiety and panic disorder which has definitely been reflected in my songwriting. I find that being able to turn those negative emotions into a positive output can be empowering. 'Sixteen Floors' deals more with the general sadness associated with a breakup, and served as a way for me to externalise my thoughts when the backbone of my support system was gone. It doesn't necessarily have to be songwriting, but I think that having something creative to channel your feelings into can be beneficial for your mental health.
This period of isolation is a time that has been incredibly stressful for the world, and in many cases is taking a toll on the mental health of young people. How have you been coping with isolation, and what have you been doing to maintain good mental health during this time?
I've been staying sane by focusing my energy into writing new music as well as working from home as a graphic designer. It's certainly a tough time for everyone, the music industry has been stalled for the most part - but we're all dealing with the issues together. Initiatives such as Idol-Aid have been great to see take off.
Off the back of your last single ‘Together’ you sold out your first headline hometown show. How was that experience?
Life affirming. We played our first show there 8 months earlier opening for our friends in The Dead Love. Being able to come back after playing around the country to a sold out crowd is something that I'll always be thankful for.
What are you most looking forward to? Can we expect another tour once it’s safe to do so?
That first show back is going to feel euphoric. Rest assured as soon as we can - we will be back out there.
And finally, we’d love to know a fun fact about each member of the band, what can you tell us?
Dan is the band Dad
Nick is a professional photographer and videographer
Jordan loves myspace
Tristan also loves myspace
