With more than a fistful of hits and heartbreaks, Coda Chroma’s second album 'Inside The Still Life' is a major progression from their debut, self-titled album.
Kate Lucas has again teamed up with producer Damien Charles, pulling together this diverse set of songs to create a vivid and immersive listening experience.
For those new to the musical stylings of Coda Chroma, how would you describe the group?
I call it cinematic folk or unpopular pop (thanks John Brion). But basically, I'm a massive fan of interesting chord structures, shifting melodies, thoughtful lyrics and I aim for this with the songs I write, so hopefully that's what it sounds like.
You’ve just released your second album, ‘Inside The Still Life’; how much of a journey has it been to get to this final track list of songs?
We demoed about 40 songs, recorded 23 and then whittled it down to 16 that made it on to the record. We mostly worked on the album at night when our small children were asleep, so it was intense but felt good.
Did you have a clear, creative direction you wanted to head when you first started creating this album?
The approach Damien and I take is to give the songs what they're asking for, in a production sense. I'm not too worried about sticking to a particular style or genre, just being true to the music man haha.
How does this batch of songs showcase the music of Coda Chroma?
It's a snapshot of the songs I wrote over 18 months, while making the first record. As always, I'm playing catch-up with myself. My brain is straining towards album three already.
Is there a personal highlight from this group of songs?
My favourite is 'Catacombs'. It was funny mixing this one; because it's so hypnotic, we kept accidentally zoning out in the studio instead of listening out for what changes were needed. We got there in the end though.
How important is Damien Charles to the creative output of Coda Chroma?
Damo is a true musical genius, in my humble opinion. His capacity to imagine how a song should be arranged and how to achieve the intricate sound and quality of each part is quite astounding to me.
You’re also releasing the album as a double vinyl; that must be exciting?
Yes! The first album was released on vinyl as well through the good folks at Buttercup Records, but we decided to do this one ourselves and really make it a luxury package. It's out on our own label, Echo Foxtrot Records.
The album release also sees a string of Coda Chroma live shows; do you enjoy the stage, connecting with a live audience?
Other than the songwriting part, playing live is the bit that makes all the hard work leading up to it worthwhile. I love it.
With the different dynamics of stage and studio, is there a marked difference between a studio recording of Coda Chroma compared to the live rendition?
The live-band show is a pretty great comparison to the recording. I'm lucky enough to have some incredible musicians playing in the band at the moment: Holly Thomas (Husky) on drums, Isaac Barter (Didirri/ Canary) on bass and Clio Renner (Olympia/ Rockwiz) on keys and backing vocals, and there's really nothing they can't do. Some of the shows on this upcoming tour are just me and Clio, which also makes it fun because we can play around with the arrangements of the songs.
The rest of 2019; what else do you have planned for Coda Chroma?
Touring 'Inside The Still Life' up the east coast, playing a well-known music fest in Queensland over summer ;) and maybe a little break, but I doubt it haha.
'Inside The Still Life' album is available now.
Coda Chroma Tour 2019
Fri 18 Oct - Foxy On Coolum (Sunshine Coast)Sat 19 Oct - Augustine's (Lismore)
Sun 20 Oct - Junk Bar (Brisbane)
Sun 27 Oct - Howler (Melbourne)
Fri 1 Nov - Junkyard (Maitland)
Sun 3 Nov - Petersham Bowling Club (Sydney)
27, 28, 30 Dec - Woodford Folk Festival (Sunshine Coast)
