Big Scary (08/08/2011)
Soon to release a new album and perform at Big Sound Live, The 59th Sound catch up for a chat with musical duo Big Scary!
Where does the name Big Scary come from?
It was pretty much the lowest common denominator from a string of names, one which we both didn't dislike. But we like the way it evokes a kind of childish notion.
What was it like working with Alice Dupre?
Alice is luckily soon to be my cousin-in-law! Having talented family members can really work. She is hilarious and exciting. You should see some more of her awesome animation on her website. (aloveday.co.uk)
Your latest album The Big Scary Four Seasons (released December 2010) proved to be quite a success, featuring records on Syn FM, PBS & Radar Digital Radio. How is the progress of your new album going?
Man, it feels like it's been drawn out, but we're in the final stages of getting out our next record. We consider this coming one our debut album, as the Four Seasons was just a compilation of four EPs. But yeah, the album's mastered, the artwork is on the way to the printers, so we've just gotta sit back and hope the French don't strike again like they did last time when our vinyl was getting pressed over there.
This year you will be playing Big Sound 2011. What are your thoughts on this festival?
I think it's everyone's first Big Sound 2011. We did play at Big Sound 2010 though, and it was really fun. It was like a band-camp for all the performers: we all managed to hang out together and meet some great bands from other cities, cos we're all just staggering around the valley for a couple of nights. It's pretty great for bands too as we met some ace producers and OS radio people who suddenly felt accessible, rather than some mysterious other world.
You're in the midst of releasing a new album, where did some of your inspiration come from when creating this record?
We were listening to some really cool albums in terms of their sound, like The Black Keys' "Brothers", and Beach House's "Teen Dream". Also, Tom was doing a sound-engineering course so was getting excited about experimenting in the studio. So we probably approached the recording with more of an interest in not only making interesting songs, but making them sonically interesting as well. It makes you realise how much you have to learn too.
What would you define as the turning point in your music career?
When we got our first ever sandwich platter at Falls Festival.
What have been differences between your upcoming album and previous album and EPs (ie. work ethic)?
Well we thought a lot more about song arrangement and instrumentation. Previously we'd pretty much just written songs and gone into the studio before we barely knew how to play them. We just worked on the songs a bit longer to make sure they were their best, or at least the best we knew how to make them. Also, there's definitely way more going on per track. We didn't shy away from putting some bass in there, and cool synths and cheesy guitar lines. I think the songs are a bit more mature as well, moodier.
Who have been some of your role models/music idols you have looked up to throughout your music careers?
I've always been really impressed by the way The Middle East and Tame Impala have gone about things. It's a shame The Middle East have split up, but that's almost testament to their attitude about the whole thing. They didn't rush themselves, they just kept quiet and worked on their stuff, and it's through the quality of their output that thousands of fans have connected to their music, rather than any gimmicks. Also musicians like Jack White and Justin Vernon are just constantly releasing exciting stuff that I fall in love with.
If you could play anywhere in the world where would it be?
Anywhere outside and sunny, with a good crowd and good fellow acts would make me happy. ATP (All Tomorrow's Parties) festival would be an honour.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Probably our set at Falls in Lorne. That was a huge crowd who were really into it, and we were in the tent which sounded epic so that was cool.
Finally, what can your fans expect in the coming months for Big Scary?
We're supporting Liam Finn in some Australian cities in August; playing Big Sound in September; and then we release our album! We're really proud of it, and we'll be doing a smallish, intimate tour in support of that in October, ahead of a larger-scale tour early next year.
Hannah Mungovan
Where does the name Big Scary come from?
It was pretty much the lowest common denominator from a string of names, one which we both didn't dislike. But we like the way it evokes a kind of childish notion.
What was it like working with Alice Dupre?
Alice is luckily soon to be my cousin-in-law! Having talented family members can really work. She is hilarious and exciting. You should see some more of her awesome animation on her website. (aloveday.co.uk)
Your latest album The Big Scary Four Seasons (released December 2010) proved to be quite a success, featuring records on Syn FM, PBS & Radar Digital Radio. How is the progress of your new album going?
Man, it feels like it's been drawn out, but we're in the final stages of getting out our next record. We consider this coming one our debut album, as the Four Seasons was just a compilation of four EPs. But yeah, the album's mastered, the artwork is on the way to the printers, so we've just gotta sit back and hope the French don't strike again like they did last time when our vinyl was getting pressed over there.
This year you will be playing Big Sound 2011. What are your thoughts on this festival?
I think it's everyone's first Big Sound 2011. We did play at Big Sound 2010 though, and it was really fun. It was like a band-camp for all the performers: we all managed to hang out together and meet some great bands from other cities, cos we're all just staggering around the valley for a couple of nights. It's pretty great for bands too as we met some ace producers and OS radio people who suddenly felt accessible, rather than some mysterious other world.
You're in the midst of releasing a new album, where did some of your inspiration come from when creating this record?
We were listening to some really cool albums in terms of their sound, like The Black Keys' "Brothers", and Beach House's "Teen Dream". Also, Tom was doing a sound-engineering course so was getting excited about experimenting in the studio. So we probably approached the recording with more of an interest in not only making interesting songs, but making them sonically interesting as well. It makes you realise how much you have to learn too.
What would you define as the turning point in your music career?
When we got our first ever sandwich platter at Falls Festival.
What have been differences between your upcoming album and previous album and EPs (ie. work ethic)?
Well we thought a lot more about song arrangement and instrumentation. Previously we'd pretty much just written songs and gone into the studio before we barely knew how to play them. We just worked on the songs a bit longer to make sure they were their best, or at least the best we knew how to make them. Also, there's definitely way more going on per track. We didn't shy away from putting some bass in there, and cool synths and cheesy guitar lines. I think the songs are a bit more mature as well, moodier.
Who have been some of your role models/music idols you have looked up to throughout your music careers?
I've always been really impressed by the way The Middle East and Tame Impala have gone about things. It's a shame The Middle East have split up, but that's almost testament to their attitude about the whole thing. They didn't rush themselves, they just kept quiet and worked on their stuff, and it's through the quality of their output that thousands of fans have connected to their music, rather than any gimmicks. Also musicians like Jack White and Justin Vernon are just constantly releasing exciting stuff that I fall in love with.
If you could play anywhere in the world where would it be?
Anywhere outside and sunny, with a good crowd and good fellow acts would make me happy. ATP (All Tomorrow's Parties) festival would be an honour.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Probably our set at Falls in Lorne. That was a huge crowd who were really into it, and we were in the tent which sounded epic so that was cool.
Finally, what can your fans expect in the coming months for Big Scary?
We're supporting Liam Finn in some Australian cities in August; playing Big Sound in September; and then we release our album! We're really proud of it, and we'll be doing a smallish, intimate tour in support of that in October, ahead of a larger-scale tour early next year.
Hannah Mungovan