Jesse from Tin Lion which is a mangled mesh of influences. From the New York disco scene of the early 80’s to folk and New Orleans ‘2nd line’ funk and soul.
Although Tin Lion’s music is composed and produced myself, in the live incarnation I’m paired with drum genius Jordan Garuccio who takes control of the percussion and triggers leaving me to man the guitar, keys and vocals in a sometimes ruff and tumble but always white hot show.
Ben & Jerry’s open-air cinema will be hosting your live show on 30th Sunday December , if you could write the soundtrack for any movie, what would it be?
Some kind of future western, shot in the wastelands that are Docklands. I see neon cowboys with lazer six shooters. It would sound like a mixture of Morricone and Vangelis.
What can people expect from a Tin Lion show?
Appropriately a mixture of soundtrack style atmosphere, funky, tribal rhythms and post punk guitars with the occasional glam rock lead break
From Space With Love was released earlier in the year, how has it been received?
It has performed really well. Three of the tracks spent time at number 1 on the jjj unearthed. ‘no clothes’ got us support on the Aston Shuffle tour and single ‘indigo’ proved popular not only here but over in California.
Tin Lion’s music has a lot of diverse influences, which artist has had the biggest impact on you?
Many things have influenced the sound. Everything from Can to ESG, N.W.A. to Lalo Schifrin but upon hearing LCD Soundsystem I felt someone was making music especially for me. Truly inspiring stuff
Tell us how the creative process usually starts for a Tin Lion track?
With the drums. Build ‘em big then just jam over the top until it all starts to fall into place. It’s then a matter of trimming the fat and getting it to sit just right.
You must answer this question honestly. What and where was the first gig you went to?
The year was 1993, I was 12 and the gig was Cypress Hill / Ice Cube double bill.
My eyes were opened that day.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
Locked Down, the newest from Doctor John. That and Paul Nice’s Soul On The Grill vol 2 mix.
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
Just the usual ritualistic blood letting to appease the space deities.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which artist would you most like to collaborate with?
As stated above, James Murphy, that guy just has the magic touch and I think we could do great things. A very big inspiration to the band.
But if he wasn’t available probably Zombie Elvis, he’s still got it y’know.
Can we expect anything different or special from your live set at Ben & Jerry’s Open Air Cinema? maybe some covers movie soundtrack songs?
Indeed you can. The live show, as is it’s nature, is an ever evolving beast and whilst there will be no sountrack covers per say, there is always a cinematic edge to the sound.
Where we can see you play next, what releases do you have available and where can we get them?
‘Best Pants’ the final single off ‘From space With Love’ is available now and our album is available from tinlion.com.au, itunes and wherever else you find good music these days.
…also look out for the upcoming ‘best pants’ clip we produced with shadow puppet artist Annie Edney. It’s something else.
Catch Tin Lion at Ben & Jerry’s Open Air Cinema in St Kilda Melbourne on Sunday 30th December!
