I’m Andy Bull and I’ve been making and performing music since about 2003, and it’s been pretty amazing to see how pop music has transformed over the last ten years, here and around the world. Perhaps I’m optimistic, but I feel like this is a really good time to be making music, and a very exciting time particularly for Australian artists. I’ve made music with some amazing musicians along the way. People have been very generous and kind, and I’ve benefitted from an enormous amount of good will. I recently had “a few years in the wild”, but a few months ago I released a song called Keep On Running, and since then I’ve been pretty busy.
How’ve you been, Andy? We’re glad to see you’re back from your mini break, or as you call it yourself, “a few years in the wild”.
Thanks, I’m doing well and its nice to “be back”.
First up, congratulations on signing with Republic Records! How did that come about?
Thanks. I think I came to their attention through the blog aggregator site Hype Machine. I’m told Keep On Running was number 5 on that site at one point, and Republic, as well as 3 or 4 other US labels, approached me after that.
What drove your decision to sign to a major label who’re behind the likes of Florence And The Machine, Gotye and Of Monsters & Men? These acts have all broken out into the US market, do you hope on following in their footsteps?
Republic has a very strong reputation, as well as a lot of experience working with international acts and in particular Australian acts (like Gotye) and so that was relevant in the decision. Those acts you mentioned have all worked very hard, been uniquely creative, and seem to have their businesses in good order; those are great footsteps to follow.
Also, more ‘congrats on the massive success of your latest single ‘Keep On Running’, it’s been just about everywhere recently. In those dark years since we last heard from you, how would you describe your change in direction from 2010’s EP The Phantom Pains?
Thanks. If you listen side by side, the sonic change is very evident. If I were to sum up the context of those changes though… stylistically, Phantom Pains was nostalgic, it looked to the past. A lot of people were doing that then, looking into the past.,. mourning something that was just out of reach… childhood perhaps? I don’t know. I remember a lot of glockenspiels and feather head-dresses around town, ha. “Where the Wild Things Are”, wasn’t that the vibe? It all feels distant now. I don’t want to look back. I’m 28 now. I’m a married man. A lot has happened.
The recording process, this time around, was entirely self-produced besides from Carlos Adura’s drumming. Was it refreshing to be more in control, or did it get a little stressful?It’s very refreshing, I love self-producing. Sometimes it’s frustrating, but not stressful as such.
You dropped the amazingly quirky accompanying video for ‘Keep On Running’ back in May, what was the concept behind it?
We wanted something cinematic, a bit off kilter but not too willfully or distractingly “kooky”. So we have all these 20-somethings, stuck doing these mundane things on repeat, in this hotel room together but not really connected to each other. The hotel was the abandoned Ritz Carlton. I could say a lot about that place. Very eerie. I think there was an illegal brothel being run there at one time. There was a lot of suspect stuff in the rooms. A real trip.
Is the single perhaps a good indication of what we can expect from any other upcoming material?
Yes I think it’s a starting point.
Your take on modern pop has always been oddly unique, so the boiling question is, what kind of music triggers your inspiration? We’ve noticed you’re a fan of Kanye’s new stuff (who isn’t?).
I am a fan of Kanye. I met him years ago in a studio and we had a good talk, it was illuminating. I consider him to be a kind of cultural indicator. Funnily, what he did back then, around Graduation was probably more accessible, but his fame and influence are much greater now.
In terms of what music inspires me? I think I rely on my physical reaction. If something moves you physically do dance, or sing, or even just close your eyes, or gives you chills; well I would consider that a genuine response. I don’t know if I can be more specific.
We don’t know how, but you’ve somehow managed to squeeze in time for a new side project with Tom Rawle of Papa Vs Pretty, called Disheveled Head. How’s this collaboration different to your solo work?
It’s not miles away, but we share singing and keyboard duties. Tom sits at the computer though, which is a nice break for me. He’s a very driven guy, and preternaturally gifted. I’ve learned a great deal from working with him. He has a big future.
One of your initial breakout tracks was your superb duet with Lisa Mitchell, ‘Dog’. Have you got any other artists in your sight for future collaborations?
Nobody in mind as yet. I believe in serendipity with these things though. With Lisa, it was a serious of chance happenings that lead to that collaboration. One afternoon she sort of floated in on a cloud, sang like an angel, and then floated out the window again.
You’ve just finished your latest national tour. It was a while between your last string of live shows, so was it good to get back into the swing of things? It must’ve helped that they were all sold out.
Yes, it was great, really great. I’d almost forgotten how good it is to play live. My band now is a five piece too and they’re right on point; a very talented conglomeration of members of Dappled Cities, Hungry Kids of Hungary, and even Kirin J Calinan’s band.
Now, what’s on the agenda for the rest of the year? When you say that “new music is in the works”, does that possibly mean there’s a new album on its way soon?
You bet.
Bull’s single ‘Keep On Running’ is out now through Universal Music Australia.
