INTERVIEW: Husky
We caught up with Husky ahead of their Laneway Festival shows and sideshows
Melbourne’s HUSKY are currently touring the country off the back of their latest album Forever So and feature on the amazing line up for Laneway Festival 2012. These are indeed exciting times for the indie folk four piece! Purple Sneakers talk to the band about the adventures they have had since winning Triple J Unearthed, their music idols and their songwriting process.
You guys have recently been recording in the states, how was that?
It was nice to be in a foreign place, surrounded by people and places and accents and scenery that we weren’t used to. I think that awakens the imagination and the senses. This was perfect for the mixing of the album, which we had spent so much time writing and recording at my house in Melbourne. It gave us a fresh perspective.
Did you meet and/or work with any inspiring people over there?
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We mixed the record with Noah Georgeson, who worked on records for Devendra Banhart, the Strokes, Joanna Newsom. He’s a great mixing engineer with a great ear for melody and he’s also a great musician. It was very inspiring to work with a guy like him, and we were lucky enough to be on the same wavelength and we got along swimmingly.
How has winning the Triple J Unearthed competition changed the band?
It has meant that a lot more people suddenly became aware of us and our music. We’re still doing what we’ve always done. Difference is, before we were doing it and not many people knew about it, now, we can tour the country and play shows to audiences that know us and our music. We’ve worked hard on building audiences over the last 9 months but Unearthed helped to create a lot of the opportunities that have come our way this year.
You guys are clearly influenced by some famous sounds of the past, who are the artists that have shaped HUSKY?
It’s hard to pinpoint specific influences but somewhere deep down in our musical souls are the sounds of Simon and Garfunkle, Leonard Cohen, The Doors, the Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Joni Mitchell, Sam Cooke, Buddy Holly and many more.
How do you create your best music?
I’m not sure, it’s a mystery. That’s the beauty of music and song, there’s no formula or science to it. I need time and space and something that’s making me feel something, whether it’s a book or a person or a dream…it can be anything. But other than that, I have no idea.
As a group that incorporates a “classic” songwriting style in to your music, what makes the perfect song?
I think the ‘perfect’ song is one that completely transports the listener. Sometimes it is the way the melody and the lyrics combine, sometimes it is in the way the verse builds into the chorus, sometimes you can’t pinpoint it at all other than knowing that it just moves you.
Who are you most looking forward to playing alongside during the Laneway Festival circuit?
Well we’re playing a sideshow with Laura Marling in Melbourne and I’m a big fan of her records, so she’s definitely one among many.
What’s the plan after the album tour is over?
A short rest and then back on the road for some Gotye shows, festivals and all sorts of crazy musical adventures in 2012!
December 31
Peat's Ridge Festival, NSW
January 28
February 2
Forum Theatre, Melbourne, Vic.
February 4
February 5
February 9
Sydney Opera House, NSW
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