The former 'captain' of The Good Ship, Daz Gray's penchant for writing sad songs disguised as upbeat pop songs sees him return to the stage at Brisbane Powerhouse's Livespark series.
Songs of doomed lovers, liaisons in cheap country motels and the joys of ageing (and dying) are covered, sometimes in a single song. Basically, Daz gives you something to hum along to while you cry into your beer.For those new to Daz Gray, what's your elevator pitch re: your sound and style?
I'm not great at elevator pitches as I end up on some tangent about how cool the person's shoes are, and I used to have a pair just like that but I used to work in the deli at Coles and I spilled meat juice on them, so I had to leave them outside because they stank but then the neighbours dog ran off with them. . . where were we?
I grew up the oldest of six kids in public housing with parents that never worked. As much as you try to get away from it, it sticks with you. I write little story songs about the people on the margins I met along the way.
Your bio says you write sad songs that have upbeat pop vibes; what draws you to such subject matter?
I've always been pretty buoyant and happy, so perhaps it's just trying balance my general jovial nature by gravitating to sad songs?
Also, we couldn't afford to buy music when I was younger which meant that I knew every AM radio pop song from the '50s, '60s, '70s and today. I think I just combined the two. Plus, it's way easier to write a good sad song than a happy one that doesn't sound like 'Happy Birthday Helen'.
How personable are your songs? Do they come from direct events in your own life or are they more about general themes that the majority will relate to?
I think they are a bit of both. There is usually a bit of me in every song though, even if it isn't specifically about me at all. And I write a lot from a female perspective.
Growing up in the '70s and '80s, women were generally the strong ones that held things together but there were inevitably sh.tty, little men who couldn't deal with their strength without feeling emasculated, and so these women usually had the rough end of it either way. I tend to write about them a lot.
The appeal of songwriting; is it a simple need to write and perform songs or do you find the art of creating music has a deeper meaning for yourself?
When I was a kid I thought that I'd be a lawyer, but then realised that a judge can dismiss your argument.
Then I figured I'd be a journalist, but then noticed that an editor can change your copy. But being a songwriter is the freest form of expression. I can write about whatever I like. And The Good Ship is testament to me having done just that.
After your time in The Good Ship came to an end, you relocated to Melbourne and switched off the music career; what occurred to bring you back to the world of composing original material and singing songs for audiences?
I really wanted to shake off the shackles of being compelled to write and sing, but I just couldn't ditch it.
I pretty much hate everything involved in music except the 45 minutes that I'm onstage. That just became too alluring.
As musician, how have you kept yourself occupied during the pandemic?
Ironically by not being a musician. I'm doing my master's. I'm weirdly getting the same little tingles that I get when I finish a great song by nailing a report on legitimacy theory in corporate social governance.
I just assumed that feeling was purely something I got from music, but it seems to be the creative process in general. Who knew?
Have there been any techniques or lessons you've learned while dealing with COVID and the related trials and tribulations you'll incorporate into your music once borders open and travel becomes the norm again?
Not really. If anything, it reminded me how much I rely on social interactions to trigger song ideas.
Even though Brisbane hasn't had it too bad lockdown-wise, I definitely haven't had as many instances of overheard conversations, or random encounters that remind me of past scenarios or characters I once knew.
I recently realised I have Aphantasia, which means I can't conjure a mental picture in my head like, say, a ball rolling off a table. It's just black. That combined with having no inner monologue means that it's just a black hole upstairs. I think songs are my way of 'imagining' and I need other people to make them come to life.
You have an upcoming live show at Brisbane Powerhouse's Live Spark series; will you be changing your guitar strings (like you did for the cancelled Aug show) for the performance? What kind of set can punters expect?
Half of the reason I wanted a career in music was so that I could have a guitar tech, so I never had to change my own strings again.
I hate it and I'm just a bit sh.t at it (even though I'm quite exacting in most other areas). I'm playing my trademark upbeat sad songs (and a few downbeat sad songs) and will probably end up talking between songs more than I actually sing. I have a cute little cover up my sleeve a well.
Which fictional character best describes your personality?
I only read non-fiction, so I don't know any characters enough to be able to say. Who was the curious kid with sh.tty parents? Mathilda?
Last show you binge-watched?
I don't watch TV except for 'Ru Paul's Drag Race' (drama, fashion, shade, singing, dancing and comedy) and 'Part's Unknown' with Anthony Bourdain (travel, politics, geography and food). Those two shows probably explain me better than anything.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us?
I'm very blessed with a wife that is a great cook and loves cooking. That is also why I'm fat. I do, however, make a pretty good semolina pasta from scratch so that with a simple sauce, great bread and plenty of red wine.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why?
I've always been obsessed with European history so if would have to be Lyon in France. As well as being between Marseille and Paris, it's also close (in Australian terms) to the Alps, Italy, Spain and lower Germany, and has some pretty amazing eating.
Daz Gray plays Brisbane Powerhouse's Livespark 28 November.
