Separately we take on the labels of Jordan & Ben, but together we create under the label Georgia Fair. We’ve been playin’ with each other for about 10 years now and I don’t think that we could have got through if we didn’t have our side outlet of weaving hats. That aside we’re just about to release our second album which will be called Trapped Flame.
Currently we sit above the Great Northern Hotel in Byron Bay on tour with the Paper Kites, cept’ it’s our night off so we’re drinking Sapporo wishing we had bought Stone & Wood instead. I found freedom this afternoon after we left the Big Banana buzzing on coffee and listening Dylan’s “Went To See the Gypsy.”
You’re currently on the road playing shows around the country with The Paper Kites. How’s the tour going?
We’re two shows in so things are just starting to heat up, it’s good to be back on the road though. The Paper Kites seem like lovely people, we expect to get to know them a little better now that we’re up in the sunny country.
Loving the new single, ‘Love Free Me’. It’s fitting you’ve released it at the end of winter because it’s helping us bring in the warm weather vibes. What’s the inspiration behind this track?
It’s a mantra of sorts, one that helped me through a certain period “I am love, I am free, I am me” though the the real essence of the track can probably be boiled down to “I am” or “because the sky is seen”.
It’s the first single from your newly announced sophomore album, Trapped Flame. Can you tell us a little bit about the new album, and what we can expect to hear?
Trapped Flame reveals a different side of us – new to our listeners not necessarily to us – a side which has laid dormant for a period of time. It’s about building something you haven’t quite attempted to build before. Thinking a certain way until you realise after sparking life into your hands and heart that anything you believe to be worth your time on this earth can be achieved or conquered.
It was recorded over in LA with Ted Hutt (Dropkick Murphys/The Gaslight Anthem) at what is known as the temple of the rock music gods, East West Studios on Sunset Boulevard. What was that like?
Let’s just say there is some pretty interesting interior design. It felt like a mixture of hotel lobby, brothel, sauna and a studio. The live rooms were beautiful and we did most of the live tracking in Studio B where the Mamas and Papa’s recorded “California Dreaming.”
How have things changed for you guys since you released your debut self-titled EP in 2009?
I would say we are completely different people, that seemed like a life time ago. Although that was the first thing we released, it really only represents a very specific time in our playing together. There is a certain new found awareness in what we are doing and why we are doing it, as we continue to create the stakes get higher so the music feels more intense.
One of the first big things to happen to you guys was getting approached by Bill Reynolds of Band Of Horses to record your debut album over in North Carolina. How did this partnership come about, and what was your initial reaction?
It came about through people knowing people initially, and subsequently after a few conversations with Bill it was clear we had found someone we could trust and with whom we could boundlessly create. Before there was time for an initial reaction we were commencing preproduction in Asheville.
Earlier this year you played at SXSW in the States – your second time now – how was that experience? What were the highlights?
It was just that, an experience. Amongst many highlights was the realisation that the combination of whiskey and pineapple juice can temporarily cure the blues. The shows all went to plan and we managed to meet a number of beautiful people along the way.
For those who haven’t caught one of your shows around town, how would you describe them?
It depends on the night, there will either be the two of us on stage or we will be joined by our new found soul mate Sophia on drums. Either way you can expect to see two young men singing together and attempting to lose themselves. If Sophia is there and she’s playin’ drums then she will be well and truly lost already, in the best way possible.
Going back a little bit, when did you guys first meet and when did the decision to form a band arise?
Well we only really met because we decided to form a band. Although we didn’t consciously form the band, turns out it formed us. We were about 13 when we met in the schoolyard after drama class, and realised that we were listening to the same type of music, mainly grungey, punk sorta stuff. We started playing a bunch of Nirvana covers and were hangin out most weekends, nothing’s really changed since then to be honest.
Can you remember the first time you played a live show together?
Our first live outing was in celebration of Jordan’s sister’s 21st birthday. We’d only written a handful of songs by then and had to decide which were the best 3 – it was really tough playing in front of our supportive family and friends but we made it through.
What do you think shaped the indie folk sound you play today?
B: I’m not sure how we got to this point but I’d say Charlie Patton had something to do with it.
J: I remember when everyone started wearing skinny jeans, ours were plenty baggy so Ben’s mum took them all in for us, they looked ridiculous but once that happened our music started to change.
What have you got planned for the rest of the year?
We have another very special tour coming up in October that we can’t spill the beans on just yet. We can say that it will be amongst good friends and will be a special night. Also we’re dropping our record, other than that probably switching from porridge to muesli come summer time.
Where we can see you play next, what releases do you have available and where can we get them?
We have the rest of the Paper Kites tour coming up and as I mentioned above another tour soon after that we’ll announce soon. Other than that you can get a free download of ‘Love Free Me’ if you sign up to our mailing list at www.georgiafair.com.au and if you pre-order our album there is access to an exclusive track off the record.
Georgia Fair Support The Paper Kites 2013 Australian Tour
Sunday 15th September – MELBOURNE – The Hi-Fi (U18 Matinee)
Friday 20th September – ADELAIDE – Jive Bar
Saturday 21st September – FREMANTLE – Fly By Night
Friday 27th September – HOBART – The Waratah Hotel
Saturday 28th September – MELBOURNE – The Forum
Watch ‘Love Free Me’ here:
