Have You Heard: Cordial Factory

How did you get together?
Heidi Waddell, vocals/banjo/guitar/keys: A couple of years ago a bunch of us used to play solo gigs and we'd begun to pack out these open mic nights that we were playing at. The sound engineer who worked there suggested we enter their unsigned band competition. At first we didn't want to, we were like, 'We're soloists, how can we compete against bands?' Then we decided to join together just for the competition to have a bit of fun and we ended up winning! So we decided to keep going and see how far we could take it.

Have you recorded anything or do you prefer to tool around in your bedroom?
We have recorded a fair bit. Out of the competition we won, we recorded our first EP, then about half a year later we recorded our three-track single I Keep You and we have just finished up our new EP which we're releasing on Wednesday 8 August and this is the one we're most proud of. We're very happy with how it's turned out. We do also love a good bedroom recording though.

Can you sum up your band's sound in four words?
It's a good listen?

If you could support any band in the world, who would it be and why?
It goes without question for us! Mumford & Sons, they're like royalty. We draw lots of inspiration from them, not just in their sound but the way they play. They have this energy which is contagious, like people can't sit still and can't resist feeling joyful and alive and that's what we hope to achieve through our music too.

If a higher power smites your house and you can only save one record from the fire, what would it be?
Edith Piaf, Non, je ne regrette rien. I grew up listening to that album and I still say it's one of the greatest I've heard to date. Timeless.

Do you have a lucky item of clothing you wear for gigs and what is it?
Not really an item of clothing, but both Amalie (vocals, guitar, keys) and I have very long hair and we feel like that brings us some sort of strength, I don't think we can ever cut it!

If you invited someone awesome 'round for dinner what would you cook?
Sloppy Joes! They are just awesomeness in a bun, perfect for serving to a person of equal calibre.

What's your favourite place to drink in Melbourne?
I'm a big fan of cider, so Young & Jackson's rooftop cider bar is a favourite. Also Polly's on Brunswick Street does amazing cocktails and if I can add one from out east, Coldstream Brewery – nothing like going to the source.