Proclaimed as ‘Absolutely extraordinary’ by Clare Bowditch, The Evening Cast have collaborated with producer Marty Brown of ARIA award-winning group Art Of Fighting and legendary engineer Joe LaPorta to release their latest E.P ‘Lake’. The Evening Cast are hitting the road over June and July, playing an exciting array of songs from the new E.P, along with previewing brand new music that has been crafted over the last five months. Both musically and personally, The Evening Cast have had a more eventful start to 2013 than most!
Tell us how The Evening Cast came to being a band?
I remember sitting down in our garage studio with my brother and my wife (then girlfriend). It was years and years ago now, and i played them six songs that i had been writing. Paul started jamming guitar riffs, Rach started harmonising and we knew we were onto something. We have always played music together, but this was a one of those moments that set it apart. We started gigging as a three piece, then our great mate Rod started drumming. About a year ago we added Ash, our bass player. We are a tight little family!
You’re signed to Melbourne label Catch Release Records, was this something you chased or did they come to you?
A little bit of both actually. After releasing our first single Factory from our E.P Lake, we had a wonderful response from both listeners and industry. We were seeking ways to progress and keep pushing on. Dave, from Catch Release Records, started the discussion with us and his approach to working with us was exactly what we were looking for.. We ate a lot of Dumplings and cans of Coke, and we came out with a great working relationship!
Unfortunately at a fire destroyed Joel and Rachel’s house including touring gear a week before your ‘Lake’ EP tour was due to commence, do you feel that has changed the band as whole?
It has changed us. It has changed our perspective. Enhanced our passions and drive. Inspired us to embrace the moment. It wakes you up to the reality that tragic things happen, and makes you examine how you are spending your time, and how you are enjoying life! As songwriters and performers, there is no denying that life experience shapes your creativity.. And I think we are more open and raw about this than ever before.
You recorded ‘Lake’ with ARIA award winning producer Marty Brown, why was your most memorable moment/s about being in the studio with him?
Marty is full of creative ideas, and he is always looking for creative sounds or techniques to add to the recording. At one stage we were wanting something fresh, something to add some diversity to the sound.. The next minute we see marty balancing on a chair, reaching to the loft in the studio, rustling around boxes of intriguing looking instruments He found what he was looking for.. A string of Llama Nails. We spent the next halfa learning the techniques of playing the Llama Nails.. ‘It similar to dunking a tea bag in a mug’ he said! And the sound they produce became a reoccurring sound throughout the whole E.P and a crowd favorite at gigs.
What other Australian bands are The Evening Cast currently listening to?
Right now we are listening to Big Scary, Texture Like Sun, New Gods, Clare Bowditch, Brother Witch and Spender
If you could curate your own festival, where would it be, who would be on the bill, how many people would you let in and what features would it have?
It would be in the valleys of Bellbrae (Great Ocean Road), in the large fruit Orchard. Plenty of Apples, Pears and Peaches for feasting on.. It would be small, maybe 500 people. Camping and food would be provided by local chefs/produce and it would be banquet style. Cider’s would be on tap. Headlines would be Local Natives, Laura Marling, Junip, Something For Kate, Belle & Sebastian and Flight Facilities.
If you could put together a super group that included other Australian band including some of The Evening Cast members, whom else would you ask to join?
Jo Syme (Big Scary), Paul Dempsey, Matt Corby and Vicki Thorn (The Waifs).. Along with Joel Cooper, Paul Cooper, Rachel Cooper, Rod Grinter and Ash Trickey! Super sounds guaranteed!
What is your band’s music the best soundtrack for?
Road Trips, Vintage Film nights and Roof Top Parties.
Where we can see you play next?
Sunday June 9th at The Workers Club Melbourne , Saturday June 29th Oxford Art Factory Sydney and Saturday July 20th The Grace Emily Adelaide.
Beyond your touring plans, do you foresee The Evening Cast being back in the studio before the end of 2013?
Yes. At the start of the year we signed a lease to a little shack in the Otways. We are currently setting it up as a full studio, ready for our next recording! We plan to get into recording pretty much straight after tour. We will be working with Marty Brown again too. We are bursting with new songs!
Catch The Evening Cast touring this June/July
