Geelong indie pop quintet The Evening Cast retreated from view for a number of years to work away at their debut album Belong, released last week via Catch Release Records, and with the record have announced some live shows too. We asked about their time in the studio and newest single ‘Gangs Of Fools’.
Belong dropped on Wednesday, and you’ve mentioned that it was all recorded in your home studio. Did that allow you more freedom when creating the record?
Absolutely, and that’s why we chose to record in this way. We wanted to have the time to experiment, to play around with a range of gear from a range of eras, and also to create an atmosphere that was most reflective of the space in which we originally created the songs. Ash Trickey, our bass player, doubled as the engineer who tracked the whole record and made it all come together.
You’ve been creating music as The Evening Cast for a number of years now. What have you learned over that time that you brought to the studio this time around?
We have learnt to take time, and really enjoy the process of recording. As opposed to rushing through and feeling the weight of a strict time frame. We also learnt to stay focused on our goals. Before we hit the the studio we all came up with one word that we wanted the process and the record to reflect- these five words became the filter for all our decisions.
You took a bit of time getting this one together, too. How have you seen The Evening Cast evolve over that time?
It did take time. I think thats what happens when you have the freedom of doing it yourself. It can be a blessing and a curse! I think naturally as we evolve as individuals, we evolve as a band, we become clearer on why it is we do what we do.
You’ve released Belong via the great local outfit Catch Release Records. Can you tell us how your relationship arose, and how it’s grown over time?
It was through family connections that we first met David, and the relationship blossomed from there. He is an incredible person to work with, as he understands exactly what we want! We speak the same language when it comes to creativity and making music, and when you find someone like that, you know that they are the best people to have on your team. We love David’s passion for music and community, and not to mention, he’s a great laugh on the tour bus.
Can you tell us a bit about the creation of the ‘Gangs Of Fools’ video?
It started as a discussion Paul (guitarist) and I had, brainstorming how we wanted to represent the song. We had a few key elements we wanted to play with- cool car, barren space and dance. Paul started creating mood boards, I started working with Anna on dance movement, and we approached the amazing Jake Plumridge with the concept. He took those starting points and turned it into the clip it is today, and we couldn’t be happier.
Who are some local artists that have really caught your eye recently?
We are really enjoying the sounds of Heliose, who we will be playing with for our Melbourne show.
And now, what’s to come for you guys?
We have a few exciting collaborations we are about to launch that compliment the release of Belong! (keep an eye out on our youtube over the next 2 weeks). And then we have a run of shows in June/July which we are really looking forward to! It will be nice to be on stage again after a long time in the studio.
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Their new album Belong was released last week via Catch Release Records. You can find out where the band are touring on their official website.
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