The Au Review caught up with Melbourne artist Naomi Braun to talk about her eight years in the making album Through The Devil's Wood, her new video clip for 'Deeper', dogs and much more!

How has 2012 been going for you so far?

Awesome! I finally released the album that's been on my mind and on my computer for 8 years. I made a video clip with the film makers Who By Fire that was a real success, creatively!

You just launched your new album Through The Devils Wood last week at The Toff in Melbourne. How has the album been received so far?

Really well I think. AMRAP has my song 'deeper' at number 6 on their charts so community radio has been really supporting me and it's really fantastic. I think this album is a great foundation for another album which I've already started to have ideas for. I'm raring to go, I guess once you get it out there and receive recognition you want to keep making music for people. The launch was great and lots of people came especially since I got the front cover of MX magazine that morning as well. Australia’s Tonedeaf websibe and Noise 11 have interviewed me and supported the video clip for Deeper.

The gig supported by well-known London hip hop artist and music producer Lotek, who co-produced your album. What was it like working
together?

Lotek is also a friend as well as a professional colleague, so our studio sessions have consisted of many a philosophical conversation and we like to take the piss out of each other a bit. Lots of fun and laughter coincides with our studio sessions. He's really honest about songs when we are hard at work, so I know I'll always get an honest opinion. He's a great supportive musical friend in that way! He's worked with lots of people in the music industry and he's very talented.

Where did you record Through The Devils Wood?

I recorded the album in my home studio in Melbourne. I spent many late nights in to early mornings with my headphones on, agonizing and listening to songs over and over again. It's a real process of repetition and you just listen and listen and listen. I would even put unfinished songs on my iPod and listen when I go for bikerides, just incase I get any other ideas on the direction of the song.

Your music video for 'Deeper' has just reached over a few hundred hits. Can you tell me a bit about the concept behind the video?

I met with a filmmaking team called Who By Fire based in Melbourne and we came up with about 4 different treatments over a period of 4 weeks in the lead up to the day of the shoot. I love fairy tales and so I said to the guys that I wanted something a bit Lord Of The Rings mixed with magic and a forest! The song Deeper is about dreams so we thought that shooting at dawn and dusk would capture the right lighting for a dreamy landscape.

It took you around eight years to finish this album off and came about from big changes in your life. Can you tell me a little bit about that? Would you consider this album to be your 'first born'?

Yes the album is like a baby. There were so many times I just wished it could be out there In the world with the blink of my eyes like a genie! But every time I thought about finishing it something would get in the way. Being a poor artist was a major issue for me so I had to start a business so I could subsidize my music career. I opened a clothing boutique, which I love and enjoy and I am a really visual person so I do love that aspect of my life. I felt that this year I had the resources and the time and energy to bring this project to full completion, so it felt like the right time finally!

Congratulations on making the cover of mX last week. Is it true that the dog was just in the park, and walked into the shot for the cover of mX?

Yes, it’s true! The dog ran up to us and he was so friendly and I asked the photographer if I could get a few shots with him. In a bazaar twist of subject matter MX liked the dog shot the best!

When can we next expect a tour after the release of Through The
Devils Wood?

ATM I want to do some festivals, so I'll be hard at work applying this year.

What else do you have in store for the remainder of the year?

I’ll be filming another video clip for the song LIVE IN LIES, which I'll be shooting in late September. It's pretty exciting. I love film, so I can’t wait. I'll do some gigs around Melbourne and some festivals, so keep your eyes and ears open!

---

Watch Naomi Braun's music video for 'Deeper' here!