Interview: Andrew Morris
By Sean Lynch
Interview
with Singer / Songwriter Andrew Morris
Queensland
is quite and interesting State when it comes to breaking independent
acts - what bands helped you along the way in the early stages of your
career?
In the early days I was in an indie-rock band and we worked hard to become part of the music scene in Brisbane.
This was at a time when some major bands Queensland bands were just
starting to break out - Regurgitator, Powderfinger, Custard,
Screamfeeder, Gota Cola, Pangea, etc.
We would play gigs at venues (mostly now defunct) such as The Babble On, Crash and Burn, The Zoo and The Capitol.
As
a solo artist a lot of gigs were focused at Brisbane's The Troubadour,
and I kicked around and did a lot of gigs with The Gin Club, Texas Tea,
Mexico City and Danny Widdicombe.
All these groups and others helped create a bit of a country roots scene in Brisbane that is still going strong today.
There
is a slight hint of "Bernard Fanning" in your voice - while still being
unique - is that something you try to embrace or avoid?
Powderfinger were a big influence on me when I was in my teens.
I used to sneak in and see them play when I was 16 or so, and I can say that Bernard was an influence on me vocally.
I
think that is totally natural to have an artist influence the way you
sound. There are plenty of examples in history - Guthrie/Dylan, Cooke/Gaye, etc.
I now play guitar in Bernard's solo band, so even though it is an influence - I believe I have my own style.
If there was another musical genre you could explore - what would it be?
I'm
into that whole weird Brian Eno/Scott Walker thing which is pretty
cool, that would be a fun genre - not sure what genre that is
though? Dark spook death synth?
Does
that imply that there is a few embarrassing and weird albums floating
around in your CD collection? What is the worst you own?
"Whispering Jack" by John Farnham, Collectors Edition - anyone want to buy it?
Actually you can have it...
The
last time I visited Brisbane, it seemed there were more "Sex Shops" per
corner then there are public bars in Melbourne. Is there something in
the water up there?
Yep, we just put flouride in the
water so there is going to be a lot of horny sexual deviants getting
around with really good teeth.
You
came to Melbourne to record some of your latest album, do you feel
there is a big difference in your musical output by recording outside
of your home town?
Being away gives you a chance to focus
on what you're working on without the distractions of home life.
Entering a new culture and surroundings can also be inspiring, and the
weather being shit in Melbourne means you have to be indoors getting
pasty and playing music!
You've toured with the likes of The Panics and The Black Keys - have you encountered a disaster tour with a major band that didn't turn out like you might have hoped?
I didn't realise The Panics
were such big crossword fans - they come across as these big drinkers,
but all they had in their rider was Earl Gray tea, which they drank
while doing crosswords and eating Scotch Finger biscuits.
Weird.
I've
always been a nerd for quality CD Booklets and Artwork - and your new
album looks... and feels... great. How much of the "Art" side of the
process do you take part in, or are you simply concentrating on the
music?
I usually like to be pretty involved in the artwork.
On
my last couple of records I've left it in the hands of some trusted
professionals to great results (Debaser and Greedy Hen). With "Needs
& Wants" I took a bit more control and pretty much layed out the
whole design and concept, and the talented Debaser boys got it ready
for print.
My brother Christopher Morris took the cover
shot. I had a good idea how I wanted it to look with this one, and came
up with the lyrics on letters ideas and got all my mates and family to
write them out for me.
What is the most significant live show you have ever seen?
The couple of times I've seen Neil Young have been pretty special, and also some great shows from Gillian Welsh, You Am I, Powderfinger, Midnight Oil and Supergrass.
How does it feel knowing that your live shows might have a similar effect on someone else?
Seeing
live music was an early love so if I can be a part of sharing that love
then that's all good. It's bloody fun playing live too!
Have
you ever used your musical abilities for evil... like trying to hook up
at a party by being "The Brooding Guy That Plays Guitar"?
No. Only for the good of God.
Oh and I once got out of a late DVD fine by saying I was in a band.
Finish this sentence: Roses and Red, Violets are Blue...
... Got to scrape that shit right off your shoe (Jagger/Richard)
"Needs & Wants" will be in stores and online from March 6, 2009.
|
