Nic Toupee, Journalist

“I never really write music with a preconceived idea in mind,” he explains, “

“Writing the record is now getting into its third year. We’re taking it slow and steady,”

"We talked about that ‘magic third album’, the one where you’re trying to connect with a greater audience, and how you can do that by writing something more direct, more pop. I have always been a big fan of pop songs."

“[Dave] was always in bed and I’d usually have to go to the shop and get him a Cornetto ice cream; he couldn’t start the day without it. I was like an old auntie buying him sweeties to keep him happy.”

"There used to be a superstition for New Zealand musicians about touring Australia. I think it began when Chris came to Australia with his band Toy Love and didn’t have a good time."

“Fans are the ultimate judges of a band’s music, whether or not they vote for what goes on the record, whether they come to the shows, or whether they buy the record…"

Jimmy Hawk & The Endless Party prove that confession is good for the soul on new album Liberty Sunset Blue, writes Nic Toupee.

So The Audreys have achieved PETA ‘sexy vegetarian’ status. “We think it’s funny,” Tristan Goodall says. “But... it’s an issue we’re passionate about.”

Liz Stringer talks to Nic Toupee about the philosophy of songwriting... amongst other things.

On the search for songwriting inspiration, Liz Stringer shares with Nic Toupee: “It can come from a conversation or just being on tour meeting people at pubs – usually some element of the human condition.”

“Everyone seems to be stressing out about the end of the world,” AVDJ extraordinaire Sampology warns Nic Toupee. “It’s something that shits me a little bit.” His Super Visual Apocalypse live show aims to uplift.

John Flanagan is attempting to meld the old world with the new. He chats with Nic Toupee about making music with a message.