What are SUNFLOWER's goals as a band for the rest of the year?
Where do you find inspiration for songwriting?
I find inspiration in everyone and everything I experience. You never know when it’s going to hit you! I think I write my best songs when I’m feeling something intensely though. It’s a form of therapy for me. When I’m feeling deeply sad, I need to sit in front of a piano and pour it out, or the weight of it all is just too much.
When did you first start songwriting?
When I was 7, I’d spend my school lunch breaks re-writing the lyrics of pop songs on the radio at the time (I was a weird kid!) and that quickly evolved into creating my own songs from scratch with the help of my muso Dad. I thought songwriting was just the coolest thing. Still do.
What do you enjoy most about the recording process?
I think watching a song come to life in the studio is always so amazing to watch! Every song starts with you sitting in your bedroom, humming a simple melody over some strummed acoustic guitar chords and scrawling random lines into a notepad. Then it eventually evolves over time into this intricate, orchestrated web of sonic layers all pieced together perfectly. It’s brilliant! I also love the collaboration involved in our recording sessions. Every band member puts in their two cents which results in an exciting melting pot of flavours!
Which song do you wish you'd written?
Ooh there’s a few! ‘Both Sides Now’ by Joni Mitchell, ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’ by Oasis, ‘Hotel California’ by the Eagles, ‘Here Comes the Sun’ by The Beatles, ‘The Scientist’ by Coldplay, and ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’ by Crowded House.. there are too many!
How has social distancing impacted upon you as a band?
It’s impacted us majorly! Bands rely on festivals and touring to make new fans and fund their journey, so I think every musician out there feels incredibly hamstrung by the new social distancing laws. Recently our corner of the world has seen live music return, but every audience member has to be seated and distanced. You’re not allowed to dance or stand with a drink. It’s tricky because people go out and see live music to let their hair down and have a good time. But these are the times we live in now so I guess we just all have to adapt!
How have you connected with fans in these times of social isolation?
Social media has played a major role in connecting us with our fans. The band has played a lot of livestreams all over the world, released singles and music videos, and we have focussed a lot of our energies into creating funny, engaging content. It’s actually been really hard at times because there’s only so much you can do when you’re stuck in your home and city. But we try to keep things fresh and so far it’s been working well!
You recently made a music video with director Alec Schutz, for your new single, Get Yourself Together. How was that experience (or process) different compared to videos you have done in the past?
Working with Alec was an incredible experience! We feel really lucky to have had him on board for this release. From the get-go he wanted to make sure Lawson and I were happy with every single aspect of the music video, and for it to truly feel like something that represented who our band is personality and branding-wise. I just feel like Alec really GOT us from the beginning, and that’s why the video turned out so stunningly and was received so positively. He has such a gift. I think you’ll be seeing his name in lights one day.
Who would you most like to collaborate with, and why?
Stevie Nicks, Joni Mitchell, Don Henley (Eagles), Noel Gallagher (Oasis), Chris Martin (Coldplay), Dan and Pat (The Black Keys), Paul McCartney (The Beatles).. the list is endless! I think anytime you collaborate with anyone, you’re left with a little piece of them and their creativity. It’d be amazing to collaborate with any of the Greats. You’d walk away with so much knowledge, insight and inspiration.
If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?
Cliques! It just feels like the most contradicting thing in the world to me because music is such an open, vulnerable and collaborative field! It’s supposed to bring people together, not divide them. I just feel like sometimes there are “cool clubs” and people who have made rules about “the way things should be done and should sound”. I think that’s the enemy! Life spoiler: it’s almost always the “uncool”, “rejected” kid at the back of the class who’s creating the coolest stuff. Go and make friends with him.
Name an album that's helped you through a particularly difficult time
Well, I know for Lawson “(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?” by Oasis was a pretty life-changing album for him when he first heard it as a teenager. It gave him instant self-belief when he desperately needed it. For me, I remember first listening to Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” and feeling like that album represented everything I wanted my music to be. It was raw emotion and romantic conflict and nothing was off-limits.. I was just so amazed by every single song on that record. It changed the way I wrote songs and Stevie Nicks became an instant role model for me.
What's the most important piece of advice you'd give an aspiring musician?
Pick up your instrument every single day and play something. Play anything! Just play every day. As soon as you can, seek out venues and perform everywhere and anywhere. Be bold and brave when you take the stage. Don’t be afraid to stand out. Not everyone is going to love you for it. But if you can set yourself apart from other artists around you in your own unique way, you’re winning.
What would you be doing if not for your music career?
Writing and travelling are my other two great loves. So I think I’d either be floating from country to country on many adventures, or I’d be a journalist. Or both!
Which past music festival do you wish you'd been at?
I mean, I think every musician out there wishes they could have been at the 1969 Woodstock. The line-up was legendary! Jimi Hendrix dominated.
Best new song/music/artist discovery?
I’ve recently been really into this UK artist called Eloise. She released an EP called ‘This Thing Called Living’ and I find it’s my go-to album whenever I’m feeling anxious or stressed. Her voice is very soothing and her writing is beautiful.
Most memorable moment on stage this year?
In February we played the main stage at St Kilda Festival in Melbourne. It was our first show in Melbs and it was unreal. We also recently put on a premiere night for our new single GET YOURSELF TOGETHER (stream it on Spotify now!) and there was so much love in the room. It felt really special and made me really miss that side of live music. It connects everyone in the room magically. I’ll remember that night for a long while I think.
If you could open a show, or tour with any artist, who would it be?
Lawson would say Oasis obviously! I think he’d die of happiness. I’m not sure he’d even make it to the stage. I’d love to support Fleetwood Mac or Coldplay. I think both crowds would be amazing to perform to!
Do you have a tour coming up?
Yes! We’re excited to support Jack Botts on his QLD tour starting this week. The lads and I are very keen to hit the road and take the stage. It’s going to be a crazy time. After that we’ve got our Brisbane headliner November 14 at Black Bear Lodge. It’s good to see things slowly but surely open back up again! Fingers crossed it’s only up from here.
What are your goals as a band for the rest of the year?
It’s tricky to have goals and plans in this current climate! This year has been all about getting our music out there and establishing our name and brand. We’ll be releasing another single (maybe two) before the year is up, playing a string of (seated and distanced) shows, and grinding on. There’s only so much you can do of course, but we’re determined to go above and beyond and make the impossible happen wherever we can.
What are some of the ways / things that keep you happy on tour?
When you’re driving together and living together and playing together, you definitely have to do what you can to create your own little mental personal bubble sometimes. I found whacking in headphones and zoning out on an album or Ebook really helpful. I also went for a lot of walks and did a lot of exploring on my own. Travelling and playing shows is the best combo. I feel lucky to get to do it for a living.
