 Photo by Matt Waldo Name
Cat Leahy Where are you from and/or where do you live now? I grew up in a small town in northern Victoria called Kyabram. I’ve lived in Melbourne for 16 years but the last 18 months, I’ve spent living out of my suitcase or my tour van… on the road. How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument? 21 years - Since I was 14. My sister’s boyfriend at the time played drums. I remember going to see a few bands and just being fixated on the drummers. It was around that time we had a music class where there were different instruments scattered around the room and we were given 5 minutes to give each a try. When I sat down at the kit… I could just do it. It felt normal. The teacher at the time said “You know you’re the only one in the class that can do that? I guess it was just one of those light bulb moments that I’ll forever be grateful for. To be honest, before then I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Do you play any other instruments? Not really, I can play a little ukulele which I use to practice my singing and sometimes write chords to songs I’m working on. What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now? This Way North is my own project. We started about 3 years ago. After playing session drums for so many years, it’s so great to have my own project. I’ve been playing drums with Sal Kimber & The Rollin’ Wheel for about 10 years now too. What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)? I’ve played drums on stage and in the studio for Chris Wilson, Lisa Miller, Benny Walker, Louise Adams, Miss Quincy, Kerryn Fields, Liz Stringer, Lucie Thorne, Mick Thomas and then some. Do you write music or develop your own shows? What are they about/how have they come about? I do write. I’ve only just started to write since forming This Way North. I was so stuck in the session drummer mentality and playing with so many amazing songwriters that I almost just plane forgot that it was something I might be able to do. I’d always been involved in the arrangement process but not the lyrics. I’ve been having a blast writing and co-writing with Leisha Jungallwalla. A lot of the songs I write are about personal experiences, trying to find relatability. A common theme seems to be writing about writing. What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects you’re involved in or the projects you run? I love collaborating. For me that’s the joy. Communicating through music and then figuring out the best way to share that with an audience. Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now? A lot of great Aussie bands to be honest, mostly mates bands like the Tommyhawks, Hollie Joyce, Dan Parsons, Mama Kin Spender or and this incredible Irish woman called Wallis Bird. Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? why? Oh for sure, I’m a bit of a drum nerd so when I find someone I like I love to know all the acts they’ve played with and really delve into their discog and the drums they play and how they have refined their sound. Steve Jordan has always inspired me, his feel is incredible but more than that his control, they way the groove just rides uninterrupted an then the slightest little embellishment or fill feels like a massive lift. LA drummer, Jay Bellarose for his incredibly unique approach to arranging drum parts and the sonic textures he uses. Aside from drummers, one artist who has inspired me for since the moment I discovered her is Meshell N’degeocello. Aside from being an incredible bass player, she’s an incredible singer, songwriter and producer. There’s just so much honesty in her delivery and I think where her voice sits in the register really resonates with me. She’s so innovative with each and every release. How would you describe the kind of music or projects you’re mostly involved in? And what kind of unique perspective/sound do you bring to these gigs? This Way North sits in the alt-pop/rock world in some way. We’re a two-piece and the beauty in that is I get to create or fill as much space and I see fit. We both do. Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises? Depends on the show and who it is I’m playing with but I definitely have a mental checklist. If I have the time I’ll do some stick warm ups and arm stretches. I use to be able to just jump on stage but you know… things are different in your mid-30s. I like to look over the set list too and feel out the elements of each song in my mind. Before a show I also analyse the room a little. Every venue and festival is a little different so I like to see what the best way to engage with this crowd might be. If we can do some warmups together, sing a few harmonies to tune up a little, I really like to connect with the band I’m playing with just to check in and see where everyone is at. Playing with other people always creates so many variables. It’s also a very vulnerable thing. Sometimes the people you’re on stage with need a little mental support so it’s nice to kind of feel that out beforehand so you can make the show the best it can be! Does social media play a big part in how you promote yourself as an artist and your various projects? Do you promote your work in other ways? Yeah, the socials are a vital way to reach the fan network, but the platforms are ever evolving and becoming more intricate. Sometimes for the better but often they’re just trying to monetise the way we reach our fans. We have a publicist that helps spread the love on radio and print media of course but basically always looking at new ways to promote. Do you make a living from music? What different types of work does this comprise? Yes. I’m lucky enough to make a living from music… It’s no walk in the park but I’ve managed to combine lots of different things to make a living out of music and the music industry. Since 2017 This Way North have been operating full time which is basically a lot of admin and a lot of gigs. I run a booking agency here in Australia called The Booking Stable and book national and international touring acts her in AU with a small team. On the side I play recording sessions for peoples albums which is one of my absolute fave things to do. Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you? So many places, I’d have to say to date, probably Dawson City Music Festival in the Yukon last year. It’s the farthest North in Canada I have ever been. In the Arctic circle where it doesn’t get dark in the summer months. Crazy being at a festival where the sun basically sets for 2 hours and then just come straight back up. If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be? My advice is to just go for it! Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t make a living out of it. It’s not easy but it’s a fun challenge. And for the ladies out there in the drums, don’t let anyone tell you that “you’re good for a girl”. I feel like that comment can easily squash you and stop you from reaching your full potential. Oh, and enjoy the ride! Website www.thiswaynorth.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G31MUodr4hc LINKS Official Website Spotify link to EP Vol.2 New "Make It Work" live studio recording "Head Above Water" Single
0 Comments
 Photo by Tom Wilkinson Name
Lozz Benson Where are you from and/or where do you live now? Born in Sydney, Currently live in Westleigh. How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument? I started playing drums in year 3, and have been playing ever since. I was drawn to the rhythmic nature of the drums and the way it made me feel when I played them - happy. I continued to study drums after high school at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and have kept on going. Do you play any other instruments? Yes! I play piano and sing, and also play a small amount of guitar and harmonica. What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now? Currently right now I am mainly focused on my own rockabilly/blues project That Red Head. As a working musician in Sydney I have played with many bands over the years and have always floated around. I am currently on tour with the John Butler Trio. What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)? I have played in various Sydney bands, musicals, Circus Shows (Scotch and Soda), 17 piece big band Sirens Big Band, Drummer Queens, toured with Urthboy, Rackett, and have recorded material with Paul Kelly, Jim Moginie, Steve Smyth to name a few. Do you write music or develop your own shows? What are they about/how have they come about? I write my own original music for my band. I usually write material driving in the car or when I’m walking. I come up with melodies and chord progressions always first, then try and write lyrics to fit. What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects you’re involved in or the projects you run? I think it is super important to always create original music. Collabs are awesome. I would like to do more of them! It’s a chance to learn and work with other people with the same ideas and goals as yourself. In my own band I encourage contributions to the songs and am constantly learning from other people. Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now? John 5, Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, The Dandy Warhols, all mixed with a healthy serving of shitty 90s pop and grunge. Also love my country and western, and 1950s tunes. Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? why? Hard question. Through different periods of my life my inspirations and influences have changed. My early inspirations where Cindy Blackman, Elvin Jones, Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa. Then I went through a John Desmore and Al Foster phase. Now I just like anyone that grooves. I listen to a lot of bands, as opposed to individual musicians and enjoy the songwriting more as a product of the individual. I love good pop hooks. And drummers that sing and write – Phil Collins, Karen Carpenter, Terri Lynn Carrington. How would you describe the kind of music or projects you’re mostly involved in? And what kind of unique perspective/sound do you bring to these gigs? Well, there is only one version of myself. So I sound like myself! I would hope that my vibe and energy comes out in my playing in any performance that I do. I’ve gone from playing world music, to gypsy jazz, to punk, to rockabilly to roots and reggae. It’s always changing. Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises? The Rudimental Ritual by Alan Dawson. Always with a metronome. And just singles and doubles. Does social media play a big part in how you promote yourself as an artist and your various projects? Do you promote your work in other ways? Yes. Instagram and facebook is a great tool these days. I always try to post content on both of them to keep people informed and engaged, and to let them know when I am playing or have merch for sale. When I have a gig or tour I do posters or printed media promotion. Do you make a living from music? What different types of work does this comprise? Yes. I teach drums/piano 4 days a week. I really love teaching. I gained so much knowledge, inspiration and passion from my music teachers, and so I really love giving that back to kids to inspire them to pursue music. Then I usually gig with various bands every night of the week or just Thurs-Sunday. In the past I have had café or day jobs, but I keep it to teaching and gigs. Sometimes It’s a hard slog but I love it. Right now I am on tour, and really freaking lucky to be doing what I love. Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you? Music has taken me to a great mindset that if you put in the hard work and focus on your goals, plan your dreams – you can do whatever the heck you wanna do. My coolest experience was supporting The Darkness, and ticking Bluesfest off my bucket list with John Butler. If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be? Try not to give a shit what anyone thinks and just do you. Everyone is on their own journey. There are no rules or boundaries when it comes to creating music. Practice more self love. Other thoughts/info Practice lots. Don’t be a dickhead. Be professional and humble. Be easy to work with. Dream big and make them happen by setting small acheiveable steps. Use your mistakes as learning experiences. And practice positive mindset. Website www.facebook.com.au/thatredheadsydney  Photo by Heidrun Lohr Name
Bree van Reyk Where are you from and/or where do you live now? I grew up in Canberra but have lived in Sydney for the past 18 years. How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument? I started playing drums when I was 9, so that’s 30 years ago now! I had already been learning the piano and told my mum that I wanted to play something a bit louder. Once I had been playing for a year or so I learnt that my teacher was called a ‘Professional Musician’ and I figured that I’d like to be that too. Do you play any other instruments? I play all percussion and drums and a bit of piano and a tiny bit of piano accordion and an even tinier bit of guitar. I did my undergrad in classical percussion, so have spent lots of time in orchestras and chamber ensembles as well as bands. I also write music and have made soundtracks for dance and theatre and film. What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now? At the moment I’m about to start a Masters degree in Composition at the Sydney Conservatorium and will be making new work for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Sydney Chamber Opera as well as New York flutist Claire Chase and the Canberra Youth Orchestra. I’m also working on a soundtrack for a new dance theatre work for Marrugeku along with my longterm collaborator Nick Wales and singer-songwriter, Ngaire. Another collaboration this year is with Urban Theatre Projects who are based in Bankstown in Sydney’s West. We’re making a new work with three dancers and three musicians (from Ensemble Offspring) and I’ll be composing the work and creating the instrument/set that we play. What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)? A few years ago I did a tour as Paul Kelly’s drummer and have worked very closely on albums and tours with Holly Throsby, Darren Hanlon, Sarah Blasko, Sally Seltmann, Seeker Lover Keeper, Toby Martin. I’ve also been lucky enough to tour and record with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and have been commissioned by the Letter String Quartet, and Sydney Dance Company amongst others. I’ve been working with Synergy Percussion and Ensemble Offspring for a long time now. Synergy is a contemporary percussion group and Ensemble Offspring a New Music ensemble of mixed players. My artist friend, Lauren Brincat, and I have made several performance works for the Museum of Contemporary Art, Performance Space, and the NSW Police Band. My first real band was The Rebel Astronauts - we released a few EPs and played around Sydney and Melbourne back in the early 2000s post-rock scene. Do you write music or develop your own shows? What are they about/how have they come about? A couple of years ago I put on MASSIVE BAND which was a year-long project that culminated in 100 girls and women in one giant band. I also have a commissioning project called Minor Works, which makes new work for Primary School Bands. I seem to write a lot of music for collaborative projects and rarely make music just for myself, or of my own volition. Even the projects that I mentioned above involve a huge community aspect. A few years ago I started playing solo improvised vibraphone sets which I really enjoyed and I have initiated and developed many original projects, but they are usually collaborative. I certainly have lots of ideas of projects that I’d like to pursue for myself, and have several half-written solo albums. Sometimes I imagine that when I retire I’ll finally get around to releasing a solo album! What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects you’re involved in or the projects you run? I love collaborating in music and it’s really important to me that music is communicative and touches other people. Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now? Talking Heads! The past couple of years have been a bit weird for me in terms of listening to music. I was burnt-out and on the verge of breakdown a couple of years ago and I just couldn’t listen to anything. I realised things needed to change when I was in the car and listening to the cricket commentary during a rain break (I don’t even like cricket in the first place, but listening to the groundskeeper talk about the wetness of the pitch was next level), so I remembered Talking Heads and that saved me. Aretha Franklin, always. Beyonce is also great and I’ve been playing lots of Jonathan Richman and other good dancing tunes while hanging out with my 1-yr-old daughter. Her current favourite song is ‘Like A Virgin’ so there’s a fair bit of Madonna on the stereo too. Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? why? Mo Tucker is probably one of my biggest drum heroes along with Alison Galloway from Smudge. Lindy Morrison is a major inspiration and excellent fun to hang out with. Jim White from Dirty Three is wonderful and Steve Shelley from Sonic Youth was always a favourite too. The most inspiring musician for me is Aretha Franklin. She has the most amazing voice in the history of the world. I’m also inspired by Mary Lou Williams and Elizabeth Cotten and women and all musicians all over the world who try to make things better through music. How would you describe the kind of music or projects you’re mostly involved in? And what kind of unique perspective/sound do you bring to these gigs? I’m involved in all kinds of music and consider myself very lucky to be able to work with an orchestra one week, an all-women rock band the next and to be able to write music for dance and live performances. I guess I bring together all the elements of my training and experience into the projects that I do, so that I’m a bit rock’n’roll in the classical world, a bit classical/jazz in the rock world, and up for anything when it comes to writing music. Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises? I’m quite out of practice at the moment and really just go gig to gig and learn what I need to as quickly as I can! After I had my baby I felt a bit out of touch with playing and writing and started a routine of improvising for a few minutes until I found something I liked enough to record, and then move on to something totally new. It was very refreshing for my brain and ears. Does social media play a big part in how you promote yourself as an artist and your various projects? Do you promote your work in other ways? Oh yeah, you can’t really ignore it, but it’s not something that I love to do. In fact, I find it one of the hardest things about music in that you constantly have to share and promote your identity in order to keep doing it, but it’s just part of the world now and also a super convenient way to reach and find people. Do you make a living from music? What different types of work does this comprise? Yes. It’s a fairly modest income, and probably always will be but I truly get to do what I love and work with amazing people and new projects all the time and sometimes I still get time for a swim at 11am on a Tuesday when there’s no-one else at Gordons Bay : ) Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you? One time I was on tour with Holly Throsby in the UK and we walked back from the gig to the hotel and it was minus ten degrees! In 2016 there was a period of a couple of months where I played in New York with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and guests Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes) and Jim Moginie (Midnight Oil). After the gig we took over the closest bar and their jukebox and danced to ‘Bluesky Mine’ and ‘Blister in the Sun’ until all hours. When I got home I recorded drums on songs for Susanna Hoffs (The Bangles), then installed my soundtrack for the Australian Pavillion at the Venice Architecture Biennale, then played at Barunga Festival as the house-band for Jen Cloher & Courtney Barnett, Justine Clarke and Gurrumul. It was an inspiring and lucky time. If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be? Practice more, especially sight-reading and not-hitting-the-wrong-notes on the marimba! Website www.breevanreyk.com  Photo by Malcolm Viles Name
Leanne Cowie Where are you from and/or where do you live now? I grew up in Newcastle NSW and moved to London when I was 20. I stayed there for twelve years but have been living in Sydney for the last 19 years. How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument? I guess you could say I fell into playing drums. I first started playing drums in 1985 when I bought Brett Rixon’s drum kit after he left The Scientists. I was completely mesmerised by the way Brett played. As The Scientitsts tour manager I would sit at the side of the stage and watch him religiously. A friend showed me how to play the most basic beat and then it was just a matter of trying to play along to records. I lived in a bedsit in Fulham so a drum kit was not the most practical instrument. Do you play any other instruments? I learned the piano when I was a kid and played the glockenspiel in the primary school band. What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now? I have only ever really played drums for The Scientists although Kim Salmon and I had a small side project a few years ago, imaginatively called “Kim and Leanne”. I first started playing with The Scientists in 1985 when basically they couldn’t find a replacement drummer for Brett they could get on with. I had never played live before and they were about to go on tour with Siousxie & the Banshees, so it was a real baptism of fire. I look back on that now and think we were all mad - them for putting faith in a complete novice and me for thinking I could pull it off. I was hopeless to begin with and I couldn’t do any rolls or fills. I still don’t consider myself to be a “proper drummer” but don’t worry about being “outed as a fraud” like I used to. We recently played 5 shows around Australia, which was the first time we had all played together since 2013. It was a lot of fun being back together and we are doing some shows in Europe later this year. What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)? When I lived in London I played timpani for an amateur orchestra called the Portobello Symphony. It was actually a lot of fun playing huge symphonic works by Beethoven, Hayden and the like. Around the same time I also played timps for an amateur wind band. I have been paid to play the triangle, tambourine and glockenspiel as the second percussionist in an opera company which was a very different experience. They performed Carmen and La Boheme. Do you write music or develop your own shows? No I don’t. I am actually quite happy being told what to play. What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects your involved in or the projects you run? I think collaboration is great but I don’t really get the chance to do it. The Scientists don’t live in the same city and Tony Thewlis, the guitarist, actually lives in London. Luckily technology has made it a bit easier to do things over vast distances. Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now? I listened to music constantly when I was younger but don’t tend to do that as often now. In a world full of cacophony I actually think silence is underrated. I am really bad at seeking out new bands and when I do listen to music it will be bands I have always loved listening to like Patti Smith, and Velvet Underground, Nick Cave etc. Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? Why? I have always been a huge fan of Mo Tucker’s drumming. It was so different at the time but so integral to the songs and she looked so cool. I love watching Clare Moore play - she makes everything look so effortless. I admire Charlie Watts for similar reasons. Being a drummer who is not very technical, I like drumming that is not flashy in an obvious way, and I probably place way too much importance on looks as well as sound. Obviously Brett Rixon inspired me to take up drumming so I can’t leave him out. How would you describe the kind of music or projects you’re mostly involved in? And what kind of unique perspective/sound do you bring to these gigs? The Scientists music has been described in many ways ranging from post-punk indie to swamp rock and grunge. I have a particular style of playing that contributes to the Scientists sound but it is a fairly organic thing that is hard to describe. The only way I know this is that I have heard other drummers play exactly the same beats/ songs and it can sound quite different. Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises? Ha ha. I only practice when I have shows coming up as I don’t have a regular place to practice. Even then it is difficult. Plus these days I have to be careful not to overdo the practice as I now suffer from arthritis in my thumb joints and bass drum foot. I just run through the songs working up to the most vigorous last. I don’t do anything before a show other than have two glasses of red wine to relax! Does social media have a big part in how you promote yourself as an artist and your various projects? Do you promote your work in other ways? No. I am very poor on social media but Kim is very active at promoting what we are doing so I leave it to him. Do you make a living from music? No I do music for fun whilst I still can. Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you? It would have to be New York when the Scientists played with The Stooges and Mudhoney in 2010. However we have a European tour coming up this year and are playing at a Festival Beat in Italy so that is exciting. If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be? Relax, practice and learn some of the technical stuff! |
RSS Feed
