So lockdown is set in for another three weeks. It’s not really surprising, I feel like we had all come to terms with the fact that this was going to be the case about as soon as the three-week nationwide quarantine was announced – yet is it strange that this just feels like the norm now? How do we find vitalisation in the unquestionable mundanity of isolation?
Australian gang The Lazy Eyes are offering us some respite for sure. All harboured up in their respective homes in Sydney, Australia – they are finding some respite in simply taking the time off – embracing the leisurely life as many artists are and perhaps finally appreciating the small amount of time off working artists are actually afforded.
Having only arrived in our very appreciative hands early this year with their confidently timeless debut single ‘Cheesy Love Song’, the group immediately laid their songwriting chops on the table – all swooning and tender-hearted, the young group possess empathetic naïvety that belies their assured acumen for writing. Sure, they’re no stranger to a compassionate one-liner or two – but they’ve got just as much experimental desire in their bones to really hit home.
New single ‘Tangerine’ is proof of this, a kooky, playful bop that looses itself in acid-spilling abstraction and a killer of a riff that feels like it’s been chained up in a box since ’78.
The lads very kindly have presented us today with their Isolation Selection – a tribute to the acts that influenced the writing of their aforementioned debut, it’s a who’s who of modern and timeless virtuosos – from the concept art of the brilliant Andy Shauf to the flag-flying nostalgia of America.
These really are unprecedented times, how are you, how are you all feeling in all this?
We are keeping up the best we can. Playing instruments, watching movies, calling friends. Just treat it like a big holiday!
Can you quite comprehend the impact this is having on the music industry?
The impact this pandemic is having on the music industry is unprecedented. It’s really gonna test everyone in the industry and push those who consume music to step up and support their favourite artists. There have been some innovations like live stream concerts and online photoshoot collaborations that are a great way of turning a dark time into a positive.
I know at this stage it’s perhaps not the most important of things to consider, but do you think when all this is said and done, the foundations and the nature in which the industry runs will change??
Ah man, it’s so hard to say! I think the whole thing has been a huge shakeup, testing everyone to see if they can keep their cool and find ways to get through these weird times. I don’t think realistically things will snap right back into normality for a while after the situation blows over. Everyone is still finding their feet.
With your first single now out in the world, what has it meant to you being able to make it and what have you taken from it personally, especially in having to release it in this sort of atmosphere? How do you feel heading into the release of “Tangerine” and the first EP?
We had no idea what to expect going into our first single ‘Cheesy Love Song’. Happily, we got a really positive reaction and everyone seemed to get a kick out of it seeing as we had hyped up releasing music literally for years and had never delivered until recently (at least not an official recording). ‘Tangerine’ is being released into a different global environment, it was tricky deciding if it was in good taste – but it seems like everyone is all ears right now and craving new media and content all the time. So far the reception has been warm.
Talk us through your playlist, what does it represent for you?
The playlist we put together is a list of songs that trace back to the birth of our first single, ‘Cheesy Love Song’. It’s a good sample of what we were listening to while we wrote the song. Without being conscious of it, little elements of that music can be found in ours. Either way, those bands mean the world to us – and the songs are all snippets of seminal albums we still love and play on repeat.
Hewlett’s Daughter by Grandaddy – One of our favourite bands, a song from the seminal album ‘The Sophtware Slump’ which was introduced to us by a cool high school teacher. Interesting honky piano sound with a short delay which inspired the tone colour of the piano riff in the chorus of Cheesy Love Song.
The Sparrow Looks Up At The Machine by The Flaming Lips – That heavy handed Steven Drozd drumming is something that gets us excited. The last leg of our song tries to capture that larger than life feeling.
Taxman by The Beatles – Those Harrison guitar licks! Although it was Paul on the guitar solo haha.
Haroomata by The Lemon Twigs – This band is an influence to our songwriting and production style, especially on their first album. Our song features those high airy suspended notes used to transition the music into a new section, a trick we subconsciously learnt from the Twigs.
Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys – An A-grade band. Those staccato chord stabs seep into our music not only through this song. Carl’s voice is so tender and loving.
Man It Feels Like Space Again by Pond – Definitely a ‘growing up’ kinda album for us, we all are enamoured by the energetic production and emotional quality to the songs.
The Magician by Andy Shauf – Beautiful acoustic moments, especially nice tiny drum kit sound. Great artist to take a breather from the more electric / psych leaning bands we are influenced by.
I Need You by America – An all around great ballad!