2017 has been already been massive for the ladies of All Our Exes Live In Texas.
Their debut album, 'When We Fall', debuted at #8 on the ARIA charts. They've already toured the US twice: first trip was for SXSW; the second was as support act for Midnight Oil. And now they're touring nationally throughout June and July.
The folkumentary you guys did about about your Austin, Texas & SXSW was cool; tell us about the actual trip over there. What is it like to travel for 24 hours straight with band mates?
[Georgia Mooney: vocals, mandolin] Thank you. Hmm the flight... funny you should ask because I am answering this on a flight to LA right now! I will give you a real-time answer. Hannah, as always, is playing Plants VS Zombies on her phone. She can do this for hours, it is truly astonishing.
Peering over Lani’s shoulder it would seem that she is watching a documentary about JFK. She’s quite fond of lining up a few good docos on the flight. Katie is doing an enormous crossword and occasionally firing questions at me. We are not doing particularly well and we have decided to write in pen, which is risky. We are currently experiencing turbulence and I don’t think the man next to me is enjoying himself at all. I hope he’s not reading this.... don’t panic, I have made the font very tiny.
As an experience for a musician, Austin must be a mecca to visit?
Indeed! Particularly as a band with ‘Texas’ in their name. We are also heavily influenced by American folk music, so it was quite special to visit a place where so much of that incredible music has been made. We were asked about the band name a lot (which is absolutely fair enough). I think the Texan audiences were a bit chuffed to have four Aussies name-checking their state and putting an Australian spin on Americana music.
For the band, was the trip a success?
Musically, yes! In terms of trying to make our band name ring true, not so much. A week is not enough time to marry and divorce four Texans it would seem. It was an incredible experience to be among such a diverse, global music community. We saw lots of inspiring artists from all over the world and thanks to SXSW we now have a lot of international touring on the agenda for the rest of the year.
The band resume features supports with an eclectic group of artists: Backstreet Boys, Passenger, Tiny Ruins, Kate Miller-Heidke. A diverse group of audiences to open for no doubt. Best tour support experience?
And Boy & Bear and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Nightsweats and St. Paul & The Broken Bones and Megan Washington and more. We’ve been incredibly lucky on that front.
I’m not sure how we have managed to be paired with such diverse artists over the years, but it really has been a dream come true. We have learnt so much from them and made life-long friends. It’s tricky to pick the best support experience, but I don’t think I can go past the arena tour with the Backstreet Boys. They were such sweethearts. My 11-year-old self has never been so happy. I used to kiss their posters every evening... didn’t mention that to them but they could probably see it in the whites of my eyes.
You're heading back to the US to support Midnight Oil. I repeat. Midnight Oil. Just a little excited then?
We are on our way right now. Another band I can’t believe we get to play with. These guys are national, bloody treasures! I’m really looking forward to watching their show every night.
What does it mean for the group to be given such an opportunity with one of Australia's most iconic bands?
We are immensely grateful. Rob Hirst has seen us play and was the one who pushed to have us on the tour with them. We feel very honoured to have their support in that way. One of the nicest things about the music community is the way that established bands can help provide a platform for emerging bands. I have no doubt we’ll learn a lot from watching and chatting to them. What a perfect time for them to come back on the scene too. The world needs passionate, politically charged music right now.
2017 has also seen you release your debut album, 'When We Fall', debut at #8 on the ARIA charts... how has the response been from the public?
It’s been overwhelming and really humbling. We certainly never expected the chart position. It feels really nice to have these songs out in the world. From the beginning we felt very supported by our audiences because they played such a big role in making the album happen. We crowdfunded half of the record, which meant we could make it exactly as we wanted to. It’s wonderful to be able to give these songs to the people who have been around from the start.
The creation of the album... was it a difficult process to record and produce the album you wanted to deliver particularly given it was crowdfunded?
Crowdfunding gave us the freedom to make the best album we could. It was really exciting arranging the songs for a band and working with producer, Wayne Connolly. We recorded with our favourite Sydney musicians and we’re really happy with the way it sounds.
Being in the studio and hearing the songs take shape is so much fun. The most difficult part was probably just finding time to get in the studio between touring which is why it took a little while. But perhaps that makes it all the more satisfying to have the finished product in our hands.
You're also heading out on an Australian tour this month... you ladies will be spending a lot of time together. How do you manage the four personalities to co-exist in harmony?
Ha, a good question! We are so looking forward to the Australian album tour. It’s a bit gross to hear but we actually get along sickeningly well. We spend most of our days together (even when we don’t have to) and we have such a ball. Everyone has their solo activities: Plants VS Zombies, crosswords, cross-stitching (rock & roll!).
I think bandmates have a particularly unique relationship. You’re friends, colleagues and you’re also almost married. We have our moments, like sisters do, but after four years of travelling together now, we’ve got it sussed pretty well.
Life on the road touring, do you enjoy it?
Absolutely love it. We are very lucky that our job takes us all over the world. I will never take that for granted. We also meet loads and loads of wonderful people and like I said before, we have a bond between us now that is very, very special. Our favourite thing to do in each place is find the yummiest brekky and the best vintage clothing store.
What's the best aspect of performing live?
That is a very tricky question. It must be said, there is nothing quite like having a big sing on stage. Also the sense of community at concerts. This is corny AS but I love the way that people come together for live music and performing arts. There aren’t really many other instances where you are standing in a crowd and sharing an experience together.
And what is left in 2017 for the band... more tours/ showcases? Other projects?
Things are getting quite busy. Can’t quite mention all of them just yet but immediately after our Australian tour we are off to the UK, back to the US and then over to Europe. We’re also getting stuck into writing for album number two. Perhaps inspired by Midnight Oil... and the Backstreet Boys. Get ready.
All Our Exes Live In Texas Shows
Sat 10 Jun - Lizzottes (Newcastle)Fri 16 Jun - The Brass Monkey (Sydney)
17-18 Jun - The Metropole (Katoomba)
Fri 23 Jun - Jive (Adelaide)
Sat 24 Jun - Babushka (Perth)
Sun 25 Jun - Fly By Night (Fremantle)
Fri 30 Jun - Heritage Hotel (Bulli)
Sat 1 Jul - Factory Theatre (Sydney)
Fri 7 Jul - Howler (Melbourne)
Sat 8 Jul - Workers CLUB (Geelong)
Thu 13 Jul - Miami Marketta (Gold Coast)
Fri 14 Jul - Bison Bar (Sunshine Coast)
Sat 15 Jul - The Old Museum (Brisbane)
