Izzy Tolhurst, Journalist

“We’re really excited about that... truly excited to have won that. And I’m just happy to be there as a spectator as well. And I’ve heard Peats Ridge has a great vibe, so we’re excited about that as well.”

“I think there’s something about writing songs with someone; you share this intimacy that you might not normally. You see each other in a very vulnerable state where you’re first coming up with ideas so you can’t look cool."

“We liked the name, but there was already a band called Smoke & Suede. Then we liked the imagery of the word ‘smoke’ in general... I think I was watching something on TV about wolves. It got me thinking about wolves and jackals and coyotes and stuff… I said it to Jared and we just kinda went with it."

"My dad was really instrumental in my career. He’s a songwriter – a really daggy songwriter – but he used to just write about the people he’d met, or where he grew up, and they were usually quite fun songs..."

Irrespective of sexual preference, Confessions Of A Grindr Addict is truly insightful.

The album is composed of clever lyrics and song titles; in sum, it’s a well-refined cluster of warm songs that’d make a fine soundtrack to a coming and overdue summer.

“Once you reach a certain age you stop getting amazed by these creatures – well, some of us do, anyway – but I wanted to bring that amazement back with adults, and get them thinking about a conservation message through the incredible wildlife we have,”

Getting some tips from the Sophisticated Lover himself, Izzy Tolhurst chats to Donny Benét ahead of the release of his sophomore album.

"Historically the 1920s were a really exciting time, with the war being over. And then the depression hit, so the music was something to escape to. I think it was a cool time in terms of heading out and having a good time."

“We felt like we were that band and that song. But we always knew there was much more to it. And on the other hand, I’d rather have a song like that, than not have it at all.”