ALEX WHITEMAN, CALLUM GUY, CHRIS BYE & MATT PREEN OF GREAT GABLE
Hi and thanks for taking the time out to speak with us at Musicology. Firstly congratulations on the new record Tracing Faces. Every album tells a tale and what is this new LP saying to the world?
MATT: Tracing Faces is a body of work that encapsulates our time together as four best mates. We’ve been working on these songs for a while, 2 years almost, and as it’s our first album we wanted it to be just right. The songs cover topics like falling out of love, falling in love, mental health, general stuff that most young adults might go through at some point. The main thing for us was to be honest with our work, and not try be something we aren’t.
An album can be a lifetime worth of experiences concentrated and refined into a body of work that encompasses many years and phases in life. Other times it is a snap shot, a brief period in time crystallized into a record covering a specific epoch. Was it a case of either / or for Tracing Faces?
CHRIS: Tracing Faces for me captures the last year or so of our lives where we were touring all the time, having a ball but at the same time, still pretty much broke and feeling like things might not take off in the way that we were hoping.
In terms of the writing and lyrical content, was there an overarching narrative tying the album together or an assortment of topics and inspirations that zig zag throughout the record?
ALEX: We definitely didn’t set out to write an album with an overarching theme but the songs were written after a break up and naturally we wrote about relationships, mental health and change. We never spend too much time thinking ahead but just let it happen.
What were some of the challenges in putting this LP together and conversely what were some of the greatest surprises you experienced through the writing / recording process for Tracing Faces?
CAL: No massive challenges come to mind, but trying to write enough songs to be on the album was a big feat at the time for us. I think we wrote 13 songs all together for the album, so you basically hear every one. But I think the coolest thing about the recording part of the album was doing it with Al [Henriksson] and [Matt] Corby. They helped us really bring a cohesiveness to the album, because up until that point I feel like all our other work had a just been a collection of songs. So recording some songs as 'singles' and others as 'album tracks' was a new concept for me at least.
Producers Alex Henriksson and Matt Corby both worked on the record and what was it that each of them brought to the table do you think that really shines through on the album?
MATT: Alex Henriksson and Matt Corby are absolute legends, they’re both exceptionally talented and we were super blessed to have them on board. We had a bunch of songs that needed work but were ready to start recording in the studio. They came in and sprinkled some magic dust. They each have their own unique take on music and that really helped bring out all the flavours of our songs.
In what ways did recording the album at The Music Farm in Byron Bay influence what was ultimately laid down?
CHRIS: Being engulfed in nature has always been something that’s been a big part of our process when it comes to writing and the Music Farm’s chilled atmosphere definitely influenced how song of the songs came out. The Music Farm Studio is built on this beautiful property that has wild animals, nature walks and other quirks that we often found ourselves checking out whenever we needed to get some fresh air or search for some inspiration.
Having supported the likes of Ocean Alley, The Jungle Giants, Thelma Plum and Psychedelic Porn Crumpets amongst others, during this time were any words of wisdom spoken to you that really resonated with you and in turn altered the way you approach your craft?
ALEX: “I can write club bangers and beautiful music” - Jack McEwan from Psychedelic Porn Crumpets. He helped me realise it’s possible.
Known for your exuberant and energetic live performances, can you share with us a particularly remarkable gig and what made it so memorable?
CAL: Meow in Wellington was so epic – on our first tour of New Zealand last year. The reason it was so memorable is because the crowd were super psyched and I think it really brought out the best of us. I remember the set just going really well and you get such a good kick when you see people having fun.
Lastly, on a philosophical level, what does music give you that nothing else does?
ALEX: An outlet to be creative with my best mates.
CHRIS: an escape
CAL: It brings me joy writing it and being able to perform it. Seeing people having a good time at shows is such a good feeling.
MATT: I feel like a good piece of music can put you in a dreamlike state, where anything is possible and everything is just amazing. It’s inspiring in a way. Music is good for every mood and emotion you can think of. It’s a part of everyday life whether you realise it or not, but music is a language that everyone can understand even if you can’t play an instrument. I don’t think I’ve met someone who said they don’t like some form music, which really puts it into perspective.
