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INTERVIEW: Toucan

7 November 2011 | 2:58 pm | Staff Writer

We had a quick chat with Toucan ahead of their show at CAN'T SAY, about their background, music and what they dig.

Toucan are the epitome of truly talented people finding each other to make awesome music. Though the band is young, their tunes are mature and prove that wisdom reaches beyond years. Ahead of their show at CAN'T SAY on November 25 (keep posted HERE), we had a quick chat to find out more about their background, sound and what they're currently listening to.

1.  You guys have only been together since February, how is your first year together going so far?

Jess: This first year has been really fun! Working on our EP which is out next month while doing Uni has kept us both on our toes but luckily we both like being busy! Playing live, recording and meeting new bands have been the highlights so far.

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2.  How would describe your sound?

Shea: I think one of the main things that shapes our sound is the absence of guitars. We both come from keyboard backgrounds so our sound naturally develops from there – pianos, organs and synth layers. We start writing songs on a piano and then take them into the digital world to experiment with vocal harmonies and electronic processes.

3 . You have been featured artists on both Triple J and FBI Radio, what’s it like achieving things like this in such a short amount of time?

Jess: We have been really lucky in the opportunities Triple J and FBI have given us so far! It’s a fantastic to have your music recognised so we hope to pay back their airwaves with more music! :)

4. You’ll be playing at Can’t Say on November 25th, what can we expect to see from your live show?

Jess: We're hoping to give you the best one yet! Lots of singing, piano, drums, melody, organ and heart. I hope lots of heart and maybe some sneaky dance moves! We may even have a few new songs for you as well!

5. I understand you’re both classically trained musicians do you think this ads an extra dimension to your work?

Jess: Maybe it adds an extra dimension but we more just think about it like Louis Armstrong did “There is two kinds of music. The good and the bad” Its not about the genre but more about what it says and how it makes you feel.

6. You’re both from very different musical backgrounds, tell us about this

Jess: Shea’s strengths are definitely my weaknesses so it’s lucky he can work a computer as I am about as competent as Derek and Hansel from Zoolander.

Shea: Jess comes from a jazz vocal background and I study contemporary composition so we each bring a different skill set to the song writing process. I think it’s this dynamic that makes us really enjoy working together.

7. We want to know what both of your ‘most listened to’ tracks are on iTunes – don’t lie

Jess: Mine is currently Elliot Smith’s 'Behind The Bars' and 'Angeles'. Amazing songwriter but a really sad life :(

Shea: Hall and Oates – 'Out of Touch' – You said don’t lie!