WAM Festival: Craft Award Nominees

28 October 2015 | 8:14 pm | Staff Writer

GUITARIST OF THE YEAR

BEN WITT

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?         

I was sitting in a massage chair on ecstasy, so pretty good.

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When did you first realise you wanted to be a guitarist? 

In the womb. My mum swallowed a tiny little guitar and I came out shredding.

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

As a guitar player? Probably Marc Ribot...

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

Saturday Night Punch Up.

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't a guitar player I'd be ___’

...an octopus using a Gulper Eel as a whip.

MITCH MCDONALD (THE LOVE JUNKIES

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?

Good.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a guitarist?

My earliest memory was my old man playing guitar to me so I guess around then.

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

Tay Tay.

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

Of mine or someone else’s?

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't a guitar player I’d be ___’

...a grave digger.

LEE JONES

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?

Bex (Ruby Boots) rang me first thing, early in the morning to tell me and I was stoked. It's always nice to know that someone likes what you're doing.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a guitarist?

For as long as I can remember I've always wanted to be a musician. I initially wanted to be a pianist but I used to love watching my dad play guitar, and it was probably listening to Sabbath, Zeppelin and Hendrix with my dad when I was 10 years old which made me want to play guitar.

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

It's impossible for me to choose one single influence. A lot of the current work I do isn't even necessarily influenced by specific guitarists, but rather singer-songwriters such as Lucinda Williams and Ryan Adams. My guitar playing is dictated more by the current song I'm working on, not by a particular person or style. The main thing I try and do is find a melody which works for the song.

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

Bex and I have written a new song called Too Late Now which is one of my favourites to play. It's got a bit of melody, it's got a bit of burn.

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't a guitar player I'd be ___'

...a pianist or a composer.

LUKE DUX (The Floors)

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?

There are a lot of great guitar players in WA, it’s nice to be considered competent. But I’m scared if I win again this year someone will break my fingers.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a guitarist?

I tried sport but always ended up with a blood nose.

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

Don Van Vliet.

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

Thunderstruck.

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't a guitar player I’d be ___’

...useless.

DRUMMER OF THE YEAR

ASHLEY DOODKORTE (Voyager, The Floors, Will Stoker & The Embers)

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?

Excited! There's a slim chance this could finally promote me to a fully-fledged member of The Floors.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a drummer?

I was fourteen and had tried and failed at most of those things with strings or keys numerous times.

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

Probably David Silveria from KoRn. I was a teenager in the ‘90s, and he’s a beast.

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do? Will Stoker & the Embers - How Can I?

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't a drummer I'd be a ___'

...much more boring, unbalanced, stationary, unhealthy person, but I'd have a few more dollars in the bank account.

ELLE WALSH (The Love Junkies)

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?

It feels great to be nominated. Good to know some people like my drumming.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a drummer?

When I was 15 I got to play a drum kit for the first time and just had a lot of fun on them even though I couldn't play. It then become something that I couldn't put down.

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

Dave Grohl... surprise, haha.

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

Probably Mausoleum.

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't a drummer I'd be a ___'

...French themed non-binary vegan activist who makes spiritual necklaces that capture positive energy from recyclable bicycle parts. Or a butcher.

LIAM YOUNG (PUCK, Skullcave)

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?         

It’s a good feeling to be recognised for your craft, but it also sparks a sense of pride for your mates to be there too. True blue…

When did you first realise you wanted to be a drummer?           

I tried to learn a bunch of different instruments when I was young, found drums, didn’t want anything else. I can’t remember why I liked them so much, probably the same reason as any other kid I guess.

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

The way I’ve been approaching my playing over the past two or so years has a lot to do with The Melvins and Dale Crover. I’m so mesmerised by his patterns and placement. Dale and Buzz have a very unique chemistry, and Dale can sing while he plays too, so there’s another chunk of influence right there. I’m sure I rip off plenty more, though.

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

I think Take The Day (PUCK) is a pretty good summary of how I write. I like simple tom grooves, simple rock grooves & a cheeky fill for good measure. But I really enjoy a good a half time breakdown.

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't a drummer I'd be a ___'

-t the pub right now.

LOUIS RANDO (Malignant Monster, The Furor)

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?

Surprised, relevant, humbled and excited.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a drummer?

When I realised I couldn't stop! That weird impulse that got me here won't go away, I'm waiting for it to stop, but it just won't.... Drumming was just a perfect match for me, it came easy, and I have endless time for it. It always feels 'new'. A life full of music is the best life you can have; it's very obvious to me after my life experience thus far.

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

Probably Dave Lombardo and ‘80s era Slayer in general. I'm still just trying to do my version of that it seems. Charlie Benante of Anthrax as a cheeky second!

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

My 'thing' is super fast and aggressive speed metal. Almost every song from my band The Furor is a gross demonstration of that. Check out Supreme Righteous Mauling from our War Upon Worship  album.

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't a drummer I'd be a ___'

...lost soul. But really, I'd be singer or guitar player. I love doing those too. And they don't have to carry so much gear.

ELLIOT SMITH

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?

Happy! I’m passionate about playing in the WA music scene and it’s an honour to be nominated as part of the WAM Awards this year.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a drummer?

I think I knew before I knew… anything percussive or rhythmic seemed interesting to me from a young age, but I got a drum set for Christmas when I was 12, it was a very exciting day!

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

Levon Helm (The Band).

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

There are a few songs on The Chemist album Ballet In The Badlands which challenged me in my own home if that makes sense? I like the way that Heaven’s Got A Dress Code turned out groove-wise.

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't a drummer I'd be a ___’

...full-time recreational fisherman.

BEST BASS PLAYER

JOHN BROWN (Mei Saraswati, Boom! Bap! Pow!)

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?

Very pleased and excited. Still am, hours later.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a bassist?

I played drums in high school in Rockingham with a guy called Rob Jowle - he made me think I should do it. Then later I saw Dishan Abrahams and I knew I should.

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

Pino Palladino, probably. But I wouldn't go putting my name anywhere near his.

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

Whichever one the crowd or my band mates like the most.

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't a bass guitar player I'd be a ___’  

...much better drummer.

ROY MARTINEZ

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?

I had only just got back from a trip to Malaysia, and was at a rehearsal with my band, Meraki, and the guys informed me. Of course I was stoked and felt privileged to be in great company with the other nominees. I thought of the few bass players that were not in Perth at this time, who were doing great things overseas - especially Dane Aldersen, who has recently joined the renowned jazz group The Yellowjackets.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a bassist?

The first time I started playing bass was when no one wanted to be the boring guy at the back of the band at high school, so I had to do it! But then I heard Paul McCartney! Then John Entwhistle! Then the funk guys playing on the Michael Jackson albums. Then I thought, 'that's what I'm gonna, do!'

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

Of course there are many influences - like the few I just mentioned. But overwhelmingly Jaco Pastorius and Marcus Miller are huge inspirations.

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

If you look up YouTube, there is a moment at an Ellington Jazz Club gig I did with young up and coming artist Morgan Bain - on a song Somebody Else that I suppose would be a good snapshot of the style that I do.

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't a bass guitar player I'd be a ___

...cosmologist! I'm fascinated with all things celestial.

SARA MCPHERSON (Rag N Bone)

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?

It felt great, I nearly spat vegemite into my keyboard.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a bassist?

When I was about 11 and realised I didn’t want to shit-fight my way through 12 others to get a go on the drum kit at my primary school band rehearsals.

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

Like most, I’ve spent years listening to a lot of different music; from the Spice Girls and Prince to The Birthday Party and The Buzzcocks and therefore feel like I take bits and pieces and put them together. Transcribing shitloads of John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) inspired me to think melodically rather than always harmonically, Jean-Jacques Burnel (The Stranglers) taught me that digging into your strings and making your speakers fart a little was cool, Tracy Pew (The Birthday Party) taught me that repetition can cause acceptable tension and unacceptable comfort and finally, Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes) taught me that most of it doesn’t matter for the sake of art.

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

Our new one, Paul covers a good range of my playing style. I enjoy bass playing that explores the capabilities of the instrument in the most bare bones way as possible. So in this song, I feel that the harmonic structure and length lets me do that; bass chords, octaves, wider range of pitch - and the neck - silly time signatures and dynamic control.

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't a bass guitar player I'd be a ___'

...missile pre-flight electronic checkout mechanic.

RYAN DUX (The Floors, The Kill Devil Hills)

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?         

When a bass player gets recognition it's always a good thing. We take when we can.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a bassist?    

I didn't have a choice. My brother on six-string and the old man on drums, I got given the bass. Turned out four strings was enough for me.

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

Willie Dixon. That's the reason I always say about music, the blues are the roots and the other musics are the fruits.

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do? 

The Floors’ tune Built From Bones. Power chords put through a wall of sound fuzz and an octave pedal.

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't a bass guitar player I'd be  ___'    

...anything that requires no lifting of heavy amps.

ALEX CANION (Voyager)

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?

Fantastic! It's always nice to receive recognition. Music, of course, is its own reward but when you've made it your career, a little extra attention is always nice.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a bassist?

In the year 2001 when I realised I couldn't be a fully sick, record-scratching DJ with an $80 TEAC dual tape deck/five-CD stacker/record player combo. Luckily, Dad had his basses under the bed and an old Peavey bass amp in the corner. The rest as they say...

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

I've been playing a while now and accumulated a lot of influences. Biggest overall musical influence: Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth. Latest major bass influence: Alain Caron, Mark King (Level 42), Damian Erskine.

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

Anything from my band Voyager's  latest album, V. Check out my play-through vid of The Domination Game on YouTube for an audio/visual representation.

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't a bass guitar player I'd be a ___'

...gunslinger embroiled in a war with a local drug lord, entangled in a web of love, corruption and death.

BEST FEMALE VOCALIST

AMA QUINSEE (Legs Electric)

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?

Totally overwhelmed and very honoured! This is my first time being nominated.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a vocalist?

I sort of fell into singing at the end of my high school years and loved it so much I knew that's what I wanted to do and haven't stopped since.

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

There are quite a few, but definitely the queen of rock Chrissy Amphlett.

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

Trigger has some good dynamics that show the light and shade of my voice.

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't a singer I’d be ___’

...an astronaut.

SOPHIE HOPES (Tired Lion)

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?

Pretty thrilled to be considered a ‘vocalist’ to be honest!

When did you first realise you wanted to be a vocalist?

I’d say it was when I was a kid… I used to belt out Creedence Clearwater Revival in my dad’s truck on long stints. I guess that’s one of the earliest moments.

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

Jónsi (Sigur Ros) - inspiring me to be original..

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

Uhh… we probably haven’t written it yet.

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't a singer I'd be ___’

...a spy or a lettuce packer?

ODETTE MERCY (Odette Mercy & Her Soul Atomics)

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?

Pretty flattered. We have been doing this for a while and it only just feels like I'm getting used to the idea as being seen as a singer. So yeah... pretty flattered.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a vocalist?

To be honest, not until last year. For the longest time, I've had this growing feeling like, at any moment, someone's going to out me as a 'phoney' or a 'fraud' and then it will be all over. I haven't had the real motivation or thinking that being a muso is a possible option for me.

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

That's hard! I think it's between Etta James and Kurt Elling. She has the grit, raw power technique and passion. He has the same but it's not as fiery. It's contained.

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

We have a song called Baby, it'll be one of our next releases, where it's got sass and attitude, sweetness in the bridge and 'blow yo 'ole' belter notes (Term borrowed from muso, Rae).

'If I weren't a singer I'd be ___’

...a kick ass high school teacher.

JONI HOGAN (Joni In The Moon)

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?

I felt strange but wonderful - I was with Ofa (Odette Mercy), Dave Craddock, Morgan Bain and Abbe May at RTR when Caitlin told us we'd all been nominated and we were all surprised! I was most thrilled to see Tara John and Xanthea O'Connor nominated though, as they really deserve that kind of recognition because as a singer I kind of get media feedback a lot more. I really want Ofa to take out Best Female Vocalist, she's an absolute winner.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a vocalist?

When I was a kid, probably about 9 or 10 - my mum got me singing lessons and I won a few eisteddfods so it became the one thing I was good at and proud of.

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

Kate Bush - hands down.

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

War And Porn is a good representation of where I'm at at the moment in terms of what I'm writing about, though live song Helicopters is one that I love singing because of its vocal range, wildness and intensity.

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't a singer I'd be a ___'

...an academic trying to save the world through agitating institutional inequity. It's certainly what I plan to do after my music has run its course.

BEST KEYBOARD/SYNTH PLAYER

GORDON CANT(The Amani Consort)

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?

I got a text and I didn’t really know what was happening.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a keys player?

From the age of 6 and when I started it just never stopped.

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

Picasso? Haha.

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

Nils Landgrens version of Thank You For The Music.

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't on the keys I'd be ___’

...a man locked out on the wrong side of a closed door.

TARA JOHN (Joni In The Moon)

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?

My friend Ofa said, 'Yesssss! You've been nominated for best synth/keys' and I thought she meant to fill in for a rehearsal. Then when my brain worked, I was excited because I didn't feel invisible but a little guilty because there are so many better keys players than me in WA! My next question was, 'Did Gordo get nominated?' He did... so I did a little dance because he's my keyboard hero and Perth's best kept secret. When did you first realise you wanted to be a keys player?

I think when I was about 7. I knew that to be as good as I wanted to be, I needed to practice... so I really should listen to my 7 year-old self and practice more.

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

Esbjörn Svensson - such a lyrical player who never compromised melody within his myriad of textures. Playing lots of notes without it sounding like I'm playing lots of notes is something I aim for... so a few notes pop on top of a bed of sound.

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

That's tricky. An old song we play called Our Bed. It begins with a distinct riff and gets a bit twinkly in the middle - but supporting Joni without getting in the way means it's more about what I don't play... to create space. And War & Porn. There's an uneasiness to the lingering opening chords and the subtle and not so subtle shifts contribute to the slow burn of this piece that also ends eerily.

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't on the keys I'd be ___’

...a taxidermist.

JAKE STEELE (Tobacco Rat, Yarhkob, KUČKA)

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?

Like an emoji with sunglasses on and a cigar in his mouth.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a keys player?

It must have been when I first started experimenting with producing beats on the computer when I was about 17. The two kind of go hand in hand.

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

Madlib.

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

Injured Ninja - Puppies In Fishtanks 

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't on the keys I'd be ___'

...a life-sized rat

BEST MALE VOCALIST

MORGAN BAIN

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?

It’s amazing being nominated for one award let alone two, especially the Best Male Vocalist category as singing is such a huge part of me as an artist and its always awesome to be nominated by your peers!

When did you first realise you wanted to be a vocalist?

I think when I was about 5 years old or something to be honest; I just knew I’d always be a performer.

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

Vocally I would have to say Donny Hathaway and as an artist it would be D’Angelo or Prince.

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

I’m not sure anyone’s really heard that yet but I’d say my single Why Don’t You Stay or the latest one Lift You Up.

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't a singer I'd be ___’

...acting I think. Something in the arts but I never think about that really!

JACOB DIAMOND

How did you feel when you heard you'd been nominated?

Like there had been some sort of error somewhere along the lines, but after then - pretty good.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a vocalist?

At church, alas, watching my dad belt out ballads to the big guy upstairs.

Which artist is the single biggest influence on your style?

Billie Holiday is probably the only artist that I actively try and sound like - her phrasing and approach to melody is just next level. I think that was part intuition but mostly heroin. I can’t afford either really.

What single song do you think best demonstrates what you do?

They all have verses and choruses, which I think I do okay.

Fill in the blank, 'If I weren't a singer I'd be a ___'

...band-slut bass player, like Will Langdale.

THE HITLIST Golden WAMi Nominations

The Golden WAMI will be presented on Thursday, November 5, at Jimmy's Den, as part of the WAM Awards. KANE SUTTON runs through the nominees.

Scott Adam

Scott Adam was until recently the manager of the Music Business program at the Central Institute of Technology, and has been a part of the music business for over 20 years as an artist manager, record label owner and lecturer. In 2008 he started WA's first certificate course specifically for music business, coordinating a small team to deliver the Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Music Business.

Jason Cleary

Only this month was it announced that Jason Cleary would be stepping down from his role as General Manager of community radio station RTRFM, but that said, the three-and-a-half years he spent in that position saw RTR’s presence among the local music community continue to grow. The last year has seen the station diversifying its content across online, broadcast and digital channels, renovating its kitchen and green room to create a more dynamic workplace, and putting huge efforts into converting radio listeners to subscribers through initiatives such as Radiothon.

Bob Gordon

A man who needs no introduction (to us, anyway), Bob Gordon is the managing editor of Perth’s longest-running street press publication X-Press Magazine, and has been with the company across three stints since the early '90s and into a new future since aligning with theMusic.com.au.

X-Press’ strong vision to present and discuss the latest in Perth music news remains unwavering.

Matt Johnson

Co-founder of Walking Horse Records, Matt Johnson started the label in 2009 with close friend Gareth Anderson after cutting his teeth at former WA label Qstik Records. With a strong focus on alt-country, folk and indie music, the label supports a number of strong local talents, including Ruby Boots, who has taken massive strides forward this year, plus The Ghost Hotel, Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo, Red Jezebel and more.

Andrew Ryan

No stranger to this particular talent pool, Andrew Ryan took out the Golden WAMi in 2013 and was nominated last year. Ryan continues to champion WA music across a breadth of avenues as the owner of Mojo’s Bar in Fremantle and Director of Cool Perth Nights, which also puts on shows at the Rosemount Hotel. He also plays a big part in running the annual Big Splash Band competition, which has unearthed a plethora of fresh talent.

Originally published in X-Press Magazine