Sunday 20 October 2013

TOM PLANT - INTERVIEW.

We at the optional e caught up a while ago with Sydney act Tom Plant.


Tom is a solo act, crafting heartfelt lyrics with emotional delivery and acoustic intimacy. His song, 'Endless', peaked at number 33 on the Triple J Unearthed High chart - it's a beautifully poignant song with understated subtleties reminiscent of personal memories.



When did you get into music?


I first became interested in music when my dad used to play the didgeridoo to me to help me sleep. Funnily enough the didge used to calm me to sleep, however when he started playing guitar I became increasingly interested. I have grown up listening to all kinds of music, mainly from dad introducing me to his collection of music. I then started playing the saxophone when I was about 10, which eventually made me pick up a guitar and start playing. From then on I have also developed a knack of singing, which has also developed an increased interest in the art of song writing and producing. 


Who are your main musical influences?


My main musical influences are Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), Dallas Green, Matt Corby, and Lakyn Heperi. Jeff Buckley has also been an influence in the way of giving me an insane appreciation of talent for his vocal and lyrical capabilities - I always aspire to one day having such an incredible vocal range. Justin Vernon and Dallas Green have inspired my writing acoustically, in terms of how to add different instruments and sounds into a song. Justin and Dallas both have incredible lyrical skills and because they are both in my most played I think I adopt the most from them... Matt and Lakyn are probably my biggest influences in terms of sound as their acoustic sounds influence a lot of the way I play the guitar, and the way I sing. 


What are the inspirations behind your songs?


Most of the songs I have written are about my girlfriend, she gives me the happiness and eagerness to write songs in the manner I do. However a few of the lyrics I have written have been about other things going on through my life, like any musician I guess! But my girlfriend mostly for the style of songs I have recorded. 


How did you become the musician you are - how did you become interested in your style of music?


I first started listening to acoustic music when I first heard Matt Corby on Australian Idol... since then I have been listening to acoustic and alternative music. I listen to a heap of different styles of music and I have made some songs in different genres such as rock and indie pop, however acoustic music seems to settle close to my heart and I feel it is my main style. 


Where to from here?


Well, from here I would like to record a heap more of my songs! I have a whole bank of lyrics on my computer which I am really keen to record, so look out; they will be on Youtube and Triple J's Unearthed page soon! I would love to start playing gigs around the place and start heading into the industry, which is my main goal. I would love to perform for a living, like any musician! 
Thanks to Tom for spending his time with us.
Listen to his song 'Endless' here and check out his Unearthed page.

His music rings of other successful Australian acoustic acts, such as Matt Corby and Whitley. It's very exciting for us at the blog to be able to interview such a promising young local act - here it is!















YOUR BODY IS A WEAPON.

Falls Festival this year is set to amaze with a brilliant lineup. We thought we'd review some of the artists that are performing, so after the jump, here is THE WOMBATS.


Friday 18 October 2013

CHANGING OF THE SEASONS - EP.

Two Door Cinema Club's latest EP 'Changing of the Seasons' is, as well as being a poppy party-worthy record, a showcase of a variety of great tunes from the band.



The title song kicks it off with an upbeat feel, combining an electric style with some catchy vocals. As the song progresses, more layers are added above the initial drum + synth show, creating a colourful, danceable tune.
Before you are ready to dismiss the rest of the EP as an electro-pop fantasy, listen to what is up next. 'Crystal' is, in contrast to the high energy of the opening track, a gentle, melodic tune, featuring spacey, textured vocals and a majestic orchestral lineup. Although this feature adds the feel of a fantastical film score, the lyrics are that of a pretty ballad - 'I listen to your words/flowing like hummingbirds all around me'. Aw.
'Golden Veins' is a steady piece of work, referring back to the band's dancy style, while also exuding a stronger, darker character via some fancy vocal jobs and a dynamic melody. A remix of the title track follows, managing to make it even more danceable, if that is even possible.

It seems as though this EP is hinting at something bigger to come from the band, especially considering their use of French DJ Madeon as the producer, which allowed him to inject a danceable feel into the band's sound.
This handful of diverse tunes may signify a new musical direction for the Club, as well as maintaining their light-hearted, poppy sound for the fans to enjoy.