Little May (05/12/2014)
First up, I am an enormous fan of Little May's melodically gut-wrenching and powerful hook driven music and was sold before the second verse of Boardwalks had started. So thank you for giving me that rare joy of falling so instantly and deeply in love with a song that it's effect is felt long after it leaves you.
Wow. What an incredible compliment. I’m so glad you can feel something from our music.
My first question would be regarding your seemingly meteoric rise to national critical acclaim... It seems only a couple of years at most since we heard Boardwalks, and already you're headlining a national tour after supporting enormous international stars such as Rodriguez and Cold War Kids. What's the back story of Little May? How long coming has this success been?
It’s been a pretty overwhelming and incredibly busy few years. Whilst we have only been “Little May” since 2012, Hannah and I started writing together about 7 years ago when we were in high school. We really built our methods of writing in those early years of trial and error, sharing our influences and experimenting. Then when Annie joined the band in 2011 that added a new dynamic. Time and planning has been really important. The feeling of playing alongside some of our musical idols is really quite astonishing. I think it’s important for us to sometimes stop and really breathe it in. We couldn’t be more grateful.
What was it like to tour with Cold War Kids, such an international indie heavyweight? What did you learn from them that you can take forward in your own touring career?
Their stage presence was absolutely mesmerizing. It’s always incredible to see a band that has been together for so long. They are just one big magnetic machine on stage. Opportunities to play with bands like Cold War Kids are totally invaluable. It’s so important for us to watch and learn. They were inspirational to say the least, and made us want to tour our arses off to get better and better.
Opening for you on this national headline tour is Victorian rising star HOWQUA. Having seen him perform spine-tingling Fishing For Gold live, I am of the belief that there's much to look forward to from this newbie. How did you stumble upon HOWQUA and decide to invite him on tour?
I think our manager linked us to HOWQUA’s music, and we were really into it. He is fantastic live. His music is so emotionally charged and raw, even quite confronting at times (in the best way possible). It makes you stop and really listen. It’s been great to have him on tour. He is just a really nice guy too.
What's the live formula for Little May - ie any pre-show rituals and on-stage practices that keep you all in the zone?
We make sure we do a bit of a pre-show huddle. We run through a song or two without instruments too. Drink water. Relax.
Who's behind the songwriting? Is there a particular process whereby songs come together ready for recording and performing?
There isn’t really a set formula. We try to collaborate as much as we can, but sometimes it can also work best when one person writes a whole song. We all have our own strengths, which we have navigated well now. We know who does what best.
One of your recent singles Dust was notably (and prominently) used on Channel 10 drama Wonderland. What's your experience of having that kind of exposure on a national platform?
That placement was great. Any exposure is pretty great, right? One of our friends from school is an actress on Wonderland (Anna Bamford). It was pretty cool to hear ‘Dust’ play in a scene she was in.
Finally, what Summer festivals are you all most excited to play and attend?
We are really excited to play Rhythm and Vines and Rhythm and Alps this year in NZ. Over New Years too! I have never been to New Zealand.
Thanks so much for your gorgeous music and for giving The 59th Sound your time and sharing your wisdom!
Thanks for the interview and for listening to our music. We really, really appreciate it.
Rebecca McCann
Wow. What an incredible compliment. I’m so glad you can feel something from our music.
My first question would be regarding your seemingly meteoric rise to national critical acclaim... It seems only a couple of years at most since we heard Boardwalks, and already you're headlining a national tour after supporting enormous international stars such as Rodriguez and Cold War Kids. What's the back story of Little May? How long coming has this success been?
It’s been a pretty overwhelming and incredibly busy few years. Whilst we have only been “Little May” since 2012, Hannah and I started writing together about 7 years ago when we were in high school. We really built our methods of writing in those early years of trial and error, sharing our influences and experimenting. Then when Annie joined the band in 2011 that added a new dynamic. Time and planning has been really important. The feeling of playing alongside some of our musical idols is really quite astonishing. I think it’s important for us to sometimes stop and really breathe it in. We couldn’t be more grateful.
What was it like to tour with Cold War Kids, such an international indie heavyweight? What did you learn from them that you can take forward in your own touring career?
Their stage presence was absolutely mesmerizing. It’s always incredible to see a band that has been together for so long. They are just one big magnetic machine on stage. Opportunities to play with bands like Cold War Kids are totally invaluable. It’s so important for us to watch and learn. They were inspirational to say the least, and made us want to tour our arses off to get better and better.
Opening for you on this national headline tour is Victorian rising star HOWQUA. Having seen him perform spine-tingling Fishing For Gold live, I am of the belief that there's much to look forward to from this newbie. How did you stumble upon HOWQUA and decide to invite him on tour?
I think our manager linked us to HOWQUA’s music, and we were really into it. He is fantastic live. His music is so emotionally charged and raw, even quite confronting at times (in the best way possible). It makes you stop and really listen. It’s been great to have him on tour. He is just a really nice guy too.
What's the live formula for Little May - ie any pre-show rituals and on-stage practices that keep you all in the zone?
We make sure we do a bit of a pre-show huddle. We run through a song or two without instruments too. Drink water. Relax.
Who's behind the songwriting? Is there a particular process whereby songs come together ready for recording and performing?
There isn’t really a set formula. We try to collaborate as much as we can, but sometimes it can also work best when one person writes a whole song. We all have our own strengths, which we have navigated well now. We know who does what best.
One of your recent singles Dust was notably (and prominently) used on Channel 10 drama Wonderland. What's your experience of having that kind of exposure on a national platform?
That placement was great. Any exposure is pretty great, right? One of our friends from school is an actress on Wonderland (Anna Bamford). It was pretty cool to hear ‘Dust’ play in a scene she was in.
Finally, what Summer festivals are you all most excited to play and attend?
We are really excited to play Rhythm and Vines and Rhythm and Alps this year in NZ. Over New Years too! I have never been to New Zealand.
Thanks so much for your gorgeous music and for giving The 59th Sound your time and sharing your wisdom!
Thanks for the interview and for listening to our music. We really, really appreciate it.
Rebecca McCann