Jae Laffer, lead vocalist and esteemed songwriter of iconic Perth outfit The Panics, has ventured out on his own with beautiful debut solo album When The Iron Glows Red, (out now through Dew Process). Jae is currently on the road with a full band and is spreading the word about his new album.
We caught up with Jae to chat about stepping out on his own, recording, touring what’s coming up next.
Tell us about the decision to embark on a solo venture – was this something you’ve always wanted to do?
No but I thought about it occasionally. Always brushed past people I thought I would like to work with sometime, and this gave me the opportunity to act on that. The Panics are working on some different sounding stuff than before, and this record shows a lot of the influences I’ve grown up with. It revolves around themes close to me, so I felt like it was a good time to do something myself aside from that.
You dropped your first track ‘Leave A Light On’ at the start of September. Could you tell me a little about the inspirations behind the single?
Well the lyrics are set at the tipping point of a relationship that’s headed south, but I liked the kind of joyous strings and feel of the band counteracting that emotion. It’s still celebrating something. I’d been listening to a lot of solo John Lennon, like ‘Mind Games’ and ‘Imagine’, a lot of those great Asian string sounds, and confessional lyrics. I had a lot of that in my head.
I’d imagine the process of putting together the solo record When The Iron Glows Red was much different than working on a Panics album, especially seeing as it was your first time. What was it like?
It was easy really, I pushed myself to get it all written and recorded quick. I was making all the decisions, so it makes you back yourself and your instincts, and once the momentum picked up it was a lot of fun and came together well.
I’ve noticed that The Panics fans are loving it. Is it reassuring to have their support behind you?
Of course! It’s not a million miles from a Panics record so I hope those people like it. Ultimately, it’s keeping creative and making decisions that keep me inspired, all this will only come back to help with the next Panics record.
Naturally people are going to combine your own sound to that of the band. How would you say they’re different, or similar?
Well it’s always going to be my voice so it’s inevitable. I’d say it’s quite a lot like The Panics, but a little simpler and just full of my character.
You’ve also promised that this doesn’t mean it’s the end of The Panics, so how do you plan on juggling everything?
There’s really nothing to juggle, I just have a bit of fun touring this record, enjoy myself and jump in the studio with the boys later this year to get recording our next.
The Panics have done a track for the upcoming Hunters and Collectors tribute album, Crucible. How was it being apart of that project?
Great, love the Hunters! We just jammed a few obscure tracks until we hit something that sounded our own and pressed record, so it was a brief moment but good fun. The Panics have a few shows with the Hunters next April, so we might play that one.
You’ve just commenced your inaugural solo national tour. What are your expectations for these shows, and what do you think we should expect to see and hear as punters?
I’ve put together a great band of players for the tour and it’s feeling pretty special. There’s a good energy in the room. We’ll do the record justice and have great groups on the bill, it’ll be an excellent night of music.
We love asking what music people are digging – what have you been spinning recently?
Last few albums I’ve put on: Yeezus ,Kanye, Adalita, Lorde and I’m loving Dylan’s new Bootleg series.
It’s been a massive year already, but looking into the crystal ball how do you see the next 6-12 months unfolding for you?
I’ll take this record around as many towns as I can and see where it takes me. The Panics and I are working on a film soundtrack and songs for a new album, so there’s plenty to work on as always.
Jae Laffer Tour Dates:
FRI 18th OCTOBER – ALHAMBRA LOUNGE, BRISBANE
Tickets available from www.oztix.com / 1300 762 545
SAT 19th OCTOBER – THE LOFT, GOLD COAST
Tickets available from www.oztix.com / 1300 762 545
THURS 24th OCTOBER – MOJO’S BAR, FREMANTLE
Tickets available from www.oztix.com / 1300 762 545
FRI 25th OCTOBER – ASTOR UPSTAIRS, PERTH
Tickets available from www.showticketing.com.au / 08 9370 5889 / Venue Box Office
SAT 26th OCTOBER – JIVE BAR, ADELAIDE
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au / 1300 GET TIX (438 849)
FRI 8th NOVEMBER – OXFORD ART FACTORY, SYDNEY
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au / 1300 GET TIX (438 849)
Watch ‘Leave A Light On’ here
