Before his performance at this month’s AU session taking place April 28, the AU review caught up with Brendan Maclean – the solo singer-songwriter and vocalist for international queer music movement: Stereogamous. We chat to the man himself about first instruments, influences, plans for the year ahead and more. Further information about the performance below…
How old were you when you started writing your own music?
I’m a late bloomer, was probably about twenty when I realised you didn’t need songwriting licence to sing your own lyrics, though I do wonder now if they should enforce one.
What was the first instrument you learnt?
Piano, the music teacher was gonna throw out this Casio with no sustain pedal so I swiped it.
Tell us a little bit about your style – how did you end up falling onto this particular style?
Regina Spektor and Rufus Wainwright were the two sources I originally stole from, by which I mean was inspired by. And then when I met Stereogamous (Jonny Seymour and Paul Mac) I began to prefer a bit more of a positive spin on pop, so I have landed at a sort of theatrical pop folk place right now.
Who are your influences?
Daniel Johns, the entire Wainwright family and this week Nic Jonas, that track Jealous is a banger.
What is your latest song/album to promote? Tell us all about it…
I’m heading off to New York to finish up the new album, right now I’m celebrating the upcoming release of a video with Amanda Palmer of our version of Laura by Bat For Lashes. I can’t remember the first time we played it, maybe at one of her house gigs. We kept it on the setlist throughout the national Grand Theft Orchestra tour and for her Sydney Festival Show – it’s such a powerful track, we can’t take too much credit, it’s hard to fuck up the painting when the canvas is that good.
What is your favourite record right now and why?
I get so stuck listening to unreleased demos that I take awhile, so when I’m in album mode I’m still on Kindness’ album World, You Need A Change of Mind. Dev Hynes on production and Kindness’ bizarre love of disco, funk – it’s such a trip.
Who is your favourite Australian artist right now and why?
Ngaiire, her voice is undeniable and her upcoming record with Paul Mac is going to change the face of Australian music.
What can we expect from your live show?
I think it will be a little bit show and tell – I want to show off the new clip and really just talk through the songs and what I’m planning. I think this will be a very beautiful night, it’s kind of a farewell for me.
What are your plans for the year ahead?
I’m off to New York May 15th and not really coming back. Velvet, my show with Marcia Hines, has gone a bit crazy and after thinking we only would be doing two seasons this year it looks like we might be doing three or four and heading to Europe. I didn’t really see that coming, but it’s cool. Weird, but very cool.
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the AU Sessions #003:
Tues, April 28: Brendan Maclean and Ben Wright Smith
at The Hive Bar, Erskineville
6-9pm. Free Entry
More info available here: https://www.facebook.com/events/602463736555522/
