Indie folk-soul duo McDermott & North recently released their new EP, 'The Hollywood EP' – a project that saw them collaborate with indie icon Ben Lee.
A career that began in 2016 and has seen them graduate from busking to playing such esteemed stages as Bluesfest, BIGSOUND and TEDxBrisbane, the duo of Rhys North and Paddy McDermott first crossed paths with Lee in 2021 when he spotted them 'singing in perfect '60s folk harmony'.An invite to support Ben at his Brisbane show followed, as did an invitation to record with Ben in Los Angeles. Alas, Rhys and Paddy weren't able to travel but did supply Ben with their guitar and vocal stems to complete the EP.
This saw Lee recruit an all-star session band comprised of Joey Waronker on drums (Beck, Roger Waters, REM), Roger Manning Jr on keys (Jellyfish, Glen Campbell, U2, Broken Social Scene), and Mike Viola on bass (Panic At The Disco, Dawes, Ryan Adams) to complete the EP.
To add the cherry on top, 'The Hollywood EP' is the first release on Lee's new indie label Weirder Together Records, which he has launched and runs with his partner, Lone Skye.
"Working with Ben was an exhilarating experience filled with excitement and anticipation," shares Rhys.
"From our Melbourne studio, we sent him the stems of our guitar and vocal tracks, which he transformed into fully produced songs from his Hollywood studio.
"When we received the final tracks, I was instantly captivated by the remarkable production. Each song possesses its own unique personality, and we couldn't be prouder of them."
Adds Paddy: "Collaborating with Ben Lee was an absolute joy. Despite the distance between us, our musical connection was seamless.
"We recorded the guitar and vocals in Melbourne and entrusted Ben to add the other instrumental layers with his expertise and musical brilliance.
"Working with someone I've admired for years was a dream come true, and his creative input elevated the project to new heights."
Here, McDermott & North shares the five albums they can't live without.
1: Bon Iver - 'For Emma, Long Ago' (2007)
'For Emma, Long Ago' is brilliant. It has such an intimate and raw sound, and the songwriting is truly amazing. The way the lyrics take you on an emotional journey is exceptional. This album has definitely influenced 'Mary Street' on our latest EP, 'The Hollywood EP'.
2: Phoebe Bridgers - 'Punisher' (2020)
'Punisher' is definitely a favourite of ours. We've been fans of Phoebe for years, and when this album came out in 2020, we had it on repeat for days on end. The lyrics and melodies are written so beautifully.3: The Beatles - 'White Album' (1968)
The 'White Album' is an extraordinary collection of world-class songs. It's stacked full of some of the greatest bangers of all time, and it also features a variety of genres.From the rock & roll sound of 'Back In The U.S.S.R.' to the soft and delicate 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' and even the smooth, swinging jazz style of 'Honey Pie', the 'White Album' remains a force to be reckoned with for all musical artists, past and present.
'Pearly Whites' off our new EP was inspired heavily by the 'White Album'.
