Genshen launch Someplace Else at The Healer on Friday.
Indie poppers Genshen launch their new EP Someplace Else this weekend, and the band follow up with their first full interstate tour. Already gaining the band airtime around the country, Someplace Else is testimony to the band’s finely honed studio craft, and art they are constantly working to perfect.
It doesn't seem like that long since Love Is On The Radio was released. What have the band been up to in the interim?
“The short answer is endless songwriting and regular gigging! Our performances have set into a comfortable rhythm where we play often but not too often. We have had the opportunity to perform with amazing 'up and coming' Brisbane talent as well as some touring established acts.”
“In the past twelve months we have also been writing a tonne of new material. It is still quirky indie pop sound, but these days the songs are conceived as a group rather than being one person's idea. This is only made possible by the fact that we are all starting to develop ESP, I think!”
How do you think the material on the new EP Someplace Else relates to what you did with your last recording?
“The music is in a similar vein but production on the new EP is superior by far. The songs still blend the guitar and synth sounds of LIOTR, but have more confidence.”
For a band recording at home you put together some incredible sounds. What's the secret to a good home recording session?
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“We should say up front that for this EP, all of the drums were captured in a real studio environment. Caleb James (of Rhubarb fame) put his production talents to work on a couple of the tracks, and Emerson Bavinton (Emo) assisted with the final mixes.”
“Nonetheless, we still do a huge amount of recording from home. Quentin (vox, guitar) can take the credit for the songs we have recorded/produced in our home studio.”
“We love analogue sounds and equipment but this all gets mixed on our home computer in digital format. There are no secrets, but our best 'handy hint' is not to underestimate the value of getting the best sound and performance you can when tracks are being recorded. Digital recording offers an amazing capacity to edit - but too much editing is the path to insanity!”
Your website notes your favouritism of seventies gear. What's your most recent, or favourite seventies gear find, and what's your holy grail?
“We are suckers for old fender equipment and vintage keyboards - our latest acquisition was a SY1, a very early model Yamaha synth. Very simple with great sounds. I suppose our holy grail would be an ultra rare vintage Moog purchased for $25 at a garage sale.”
“We also use 70s telephones as microphones when we play live - which has almost become our trademark - and have a song dedicated to the 70s PI show The Rockford Files.”
“Ironically, none of us are heavily influenced by most of the music of the 70s, although we are definitely in awe of some of the punk and electronic bands in the latter part of the decade!”
What's coming up for the band after the launch shows?
“More recording! We have just found out we have been lucky enough to get a grant approval to assist with the production and recording costs of our next release. It comes as a bit of a relief as we overspent our budget on this EP - so money is quite tight. So much for a lazy post-tour December…”
