I’m a singer/songwriter, originally based in Melbourne but for the last couple of years I’ve been living in Norway where I recorded my EP and toured with my Norwegian band back in Australia and performed shows in Oslo and Copenhagen. Late 2012 I returned to Melbourne, writing, performing, and recording my album with producers Roger Bergodaz (Jordie Lane, Tex Perkins) and Shane Reilly (Tex Perkins) in Northcote. This Friday the 2nd I’m releasing my album at Grace Darling Hotel in Collingwood with my amazing band and support from Ariela Jacobs.
You’ve got an album coming out very soon. Tell us about Catastrophes.
Catastrophes was written mostly in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Melbourne. I wanted to make an album that would have an honest production and take some risks. We realised there were so many different ways we could take these songs and after trying out different things, most of the time we were more enthusiastic by going with a more bizarre direction, but some songs just had to have a more humble approach.
What inspired this release? And lyrically what are the themes of the record?
I was inspired to make a collectively creative album and producers Roger and Shane were very inspired by this too and I wanted to let everyone in the studio feel at home with themselves and not be worrying about ‘what does Adam want here..’. Working with everyone in this way was extremely inspiring and I came home from the studio each day so excited to see what’ll happen the next day.
How does the album differ from your older recordings?
We recorded my EP on a little island off the west coast of Norway, where outside the live room were waves crashing up against the windows, one of the most beautiful setting in the world! It was very much an alt-country thing. I still had the similar song-writing style going on, but instrumentally and sonically we had a more humble approach. This time I recorded in Northcote, no ocean views, but more open minded to creating something that’ll surprise my listeners and also me.
You were recently based in the beautiful country of Norway. What inspired the move to this part of Scandinavia?
Somehow, I’d collected a bunch of great Norwegian friends while in Melbourne and was at a point in my life where I wanted to live overseas, you know, that whole thing. So, with the combination of that and having an inspiring Norwegian girlfriend living there, left me packing bags and doing it.
Did you catch a glimpse into the local music scene? If so, what was it like?
I sure did, it’s got such an amazing local music scene in Oslo. I got the chance to perform a lot while there, including two shows at MusikkFest Oslo, which are still some of my favourite shows I’ve played. Obviously there’s a lot of true and honest metal and rock n roll bands, but there’s also a big influence of jazz from the north of Norway and also a pretty infectious pop scene. Live music is very popular and they treat bands very, very well. I encourage artists if in Europe to get over there and perform!
If anything, what about Norway inspired you as a musician?
Being in Norway, strangely made me feel closer to Australia and wanted me to embrace that more. I think Catastrophes is a Melbourne sounding record. Scandinavians seem to find it easy to take the classic influences from countries like England or America and create something more unique and evolving.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you collaborate with and why?
I would love to write and sing some songs with Sarah Blasko. Her music keeps getting more interesting as time goes and I’m very fond of her approaches.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
I know it’s been out for a while now, but Lykke Li’s ‘Wounded Rhymes’ is getting a heavy rotation. Every song has such great choruses and it makes me want to get out and dance. Sweden does pop so well!
You’ve got a couple of show coming up in August. For the uninitiated, what can they expect from an Adam Eaton live show?
Expect moods from beautiful pedal steel to loud and fast electric guitars with robot sounds, and a very handsome and overly talented band mates that I feel lucky and honoured to have playing with me.
What are your plans for the rest of 2013?
I’m going back to Scandinavia to tour and release Catastrophes . I’ve also been writing a lot, so if someone out there will throw me some more money, I’ll get to the next record right away.
Catastrophes is being released at Grace Darling, Smith Street, Collingwood, Friday 2nd August.
The album is available online on Itunes and there are links from my website adameatonmusic.com. You can also find it on Spotify. It’ll be available at all great record stores and of course, at my show this Friday night!
Listen to “Wait It Out” here:
