DARREN CROSS
Hi Darren and thanks for taking the time out to speak with us at Musicology.
You exemplify the concept of DIY and your latest record PEACER is another testament to your musical totality. In dissecting your processes, can you elaborate on firstly how you creatively approach your work and secondly the methodology of how you integrate the piecemeal elements of your work through to their completed states?
Hey Musicology- thanks for your time!
Wow big first question. I usually just work in a particular musical medium first- say folk music and try and develop something from there. With life, everything changes and influences the artistic process but usually I just let anything artistically grow and see what’s going on down there, then mould it into shape! New influences and new artistic goals kinda drive the ship. The goal is to release an album that works well as a whole aural experience that will stand the test of time.
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 PEACER?
With the process the only real challenge was to get money for manufacturing. Writing music is never a problem for me - so a Pozible campaign was the next logical step to help financially with manufacturing of the record on to vinyl and compact disc. I was a bit nervous of doing crowd funding but overall it was an encouraging and positive experience.
I really wanted to do something different as well. Something new on the acoustic guitar. Hopefully I have given something new for people to enjoy- I really wanted to get the hell away from that clichéd alt-country vibe....I’m really happy with how PEACER sounds. I also moved my studio a year ago so this record is in a different location which I think changes the vibe. No money really is a bummer though when trying to survive as an artist in Sydney... also though helps fuel the fire.
The album jumps between anarchic gospel-krautrock-indie guitar pop tunes to neo-folk fingerpicking spaced out meltdowns. The album features special guests, the godfather of home recordings R Stevie Moore and goth chanteuse Jessica Cassar from Jep and Dep (also Dave Mudie from Courtney Barnett's band plays drums on two tracks again).
Do you feel that the holistic viewpoint of a solo artist who is working across all components of creation, production, artwork and distribution actually provides added value to single elements of the whole that would otherwise be unnoticed by just an individual musician in a band who is simply focusing on their role and who is somewhat constrained by their overall input?
Yep. I find that when my artistic expression and beliefs are less handled by others I get an overall richer, cohesive result. When you are in bands - people want different things out of the music making experience. It’s a fucked up thing being in a band… ego - finance- networking - music industry- quite repulsive to be honest...I’m more concerned with making music. I highly recommend the solo - D.I.Y experience - buy a computer- download some pirated software- DO IT YOURSELF!
Having meet so many interesting characters and musicians throughout the years, were there any defining moments or conversations that really resonated with you that altered the way you approach your craft?
Not really. Hearing new music that floors me is still awesome. As an artist that’s what I love. Inspiration and creation then figuring out how people can hear my new music or buy it is the poop shadow in happy town.
Would you say the new record is a continuation from your previous LP _Xantastic or a shift in gear and an attempt to put some distance between it and PEACER in terms of what direction you wanted to take the album?
Yeah it’s a direct continuation. I have been developing my own guitar style which I’m happy with and the electronic side of PEACER is way more energetic- influenced by my recent year of djing to pay the rent up to 4 times a week. I’m also getting less hung up about not trying to sound like Gerling anymore- I mean fuck it- I started Gerling and it’s time I took that back!
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?
Anarchy is a strong theme. Also the idea that all you are is the person you are right now... Vision's from the 2000's happening now...
In a recent interview Musicology did with Owen Ashworth of Casiotone For The Painfully Alone, Owen raised in interesting physiological point do to with vocals. As one gets older the human voice takes on deeper tones and distinct changes. Considering your early work with electro punk Gerling and recent folk work Jep and Dep, how have you transitioned between these two very different genres with Darren Cross band falling somewhere between the two?
Not really- I just sing a lot more and found that if I don’t sing high pitched or loudly or even - heavens forbid in key- I like it more. I wouldn't call what I did in Gerling singing though to be honest!! Great energy though!
You feature some DIY artwork on PEACER as well as throughout the rest of your work. Clearly a strong element running throughout your creative process, can you give us a little insight into the types of artwork you focus on and their meaning / symbolism to you?
I think the album cover is of utmost importance. That also is a process, the title and the art takes a while sometimes and changes probably more than the music. To me it is a visual interpretation of the sounds and songs on the album and very important. Cover art for albums is a great traditional art form. I think that music videos kinda suck as it changes the musical vision that I create whilst writing the songs. I mean I don’t write the music with a video clip in mind. I was thinking the other day I might not release any videos for PEACER but I’ve already made five of them and they fucking rule so I’m confused. The album art for PEACER is loaded with symbolism but it’s up to the listener to find their own interpretations of that correlation. Aesthetically that’s a fun part of loving a particular artist I think- it's the fanatical side of being a fan I guess.
