We interviewed Brendon Love from the Teskey Brothers recently. Here is a transcript of the interview:
- What do you think of the soul and RnB music scene in Australia
There has always been a thriving scene for Soul and Rnb music in Australia, particularly in Melbourne it seems. Every couple of years there is a real resurgence in the scene and I feel that we are right in the middle of one right now, with artists like Leon Bridges and Charles Bradley sparking an interest and desire for some authentic soul music.
- What was the major factor that made you decide to make soul and RnB music?
We have been playing this music together since we were 14 years old and have a love for the soul music of the 60’s and 70’s. It has always been a common meeting place for us, and it is only natural that those influences bleed into our creative process. We wanted to create something heartfelt and authentic. I feel those two attributes are most prevalent in soul music. Anyone from around the world can listen to Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Goin’ on” or Sam Cooke’s “Change Is Gonna Come” and immediately get it. It’s a universal language that speaks to the heart, and I hope we manage to capture that in our music.
- Can fans expect any special surprises that you can share in your set for upcoming tour?
We always try to mix it up and push ourselves with the live show. We will be showcasing some new songs as well as a few interesting covers that you might not expect to hear from us. We can’t wait to hit the road!
- What have you got planned for rest of 2017?
We have our first headline tour in July and we are also playing some great music festivals this year. There’s a tour of WA in the works and we also hope to get back into the studio and work on some new material.
- Are you currently making any new music?
We are literally always writing and working on new songs. We are very fortunate to have our own studio space “Half Mile Harvest Studios” which we try to utilize as much as possible to come up with new ideas. We are currently playing a few new songs in our live sets and are keen to start recording.
- Where do you get the ideas to write the music you write?
A lot of our songs come from jamming together in the studio or on camping trips or gatherings around the Warrandyte house. We all write individually, and as a group. Every member brings a different aesthetic and set of influences which then gets filtered by the band as a whole though the process of playing the songs live and trying different ideas together. All of the lyrics are drawn from our personal experiences.
- What’s the most funny thing to happen while you were onstage?
At our album launch in January at the Gasometer hotel, I was talking to the audience and thanking them for all helping us celebrate such a special occasion. Just as I looked up to address the audience, 4 pairs of men’s underwear came hurtling towards the stage and one pair landed on the headstock of my bass. It was pretty funny and genuinely confusing. Like, did they each bring a spare pair specifically to throw at us or did they get so captivated that they decided to strip down then and there. I guess there are some things we just may never know.
- Who is your biggest inspiration?
For me as a bass player obviously anything motown era particularly the playing of James Jamerson. Marvin Gaye is a huge influence on me also; I’m constantly finding little things in his music that inspire me. His album ‘here, my dear’ is a masterpiece and a real lesson as far as song writing, arrangement, harmony and counter melodies are concerned. Some contemporary bass players that inspire me are Pino Palladino and Sean Hurley.
Josh Teskey has always been inspired by Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, B.B and Fredie king.
Sam Teskey is a Peter Green, David Gilmour man. And Liam Gough is more on the 70’s rock side of things with bands like Led Zepplin, The Kinks, The Animals and Iggy Pop who’s influences you can hear on songs like “Louisa”.
- What are some of your passions outside of music?
That’s a hard question for me, considering music takes up most if my time, well music and my dog Clarice. Although I’m a bass player I love playing guitar and am constantly writing and practicing. Outside of music I love to paint and have been known to salsa dance.
The other boys are very skilled with their hands; Josh is a fully qualified plumber, Sam is a very crafty carpenter and Liam is an industrial designer and enjoys collecting and restoring vintage drum kits. We are also very passionate about our recording studio Half Mile Harvest. We hope to produce other artists and release some other great music though our label.
- What advice would you give to aspiring bands?
Again, this is a hard one to answer. There isn’t one single piece of advice that can make or break a band I don’t think.
You just have to get out there and do it. Start a band with your friends, jam as much as possible, book some open mics or local gigs and just play as much as possible. Immerse yourself in the music you love. In the beginning say yes to every opportunity no matter how small, you never know what opportunities will follow. You also need to define your measure of success. If you want to make music you’re really proud of with your friends then success isn’t too far away.
See The Teskey Brothers play this August!
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