Melbourne singer-songwriter Fraser A. Gorman has gone from building houses to building a career in music, following up his 2015 debut with sophomore album 'Easy Dazy'.
A carpenter by trade, Fraser downed tools to release his debut album 'Slow Gum' in 2015, introducing us to the lyricism and songcraft of an emerging artist chiselled by the sounds of Bob Dylan.
Using 'Slow Gum' as scaffolding, on his second album 'Easy Dazy' Fraser has constructed a well-crafted and highly-considered collection of songs that plumb more deeply the extent of his craft.
Here, Fraser takes a quick smoko to have a toolbox talk about the new album.
Have you been happy with the response to your sophomore album?
[Fraser] Yeah, I've been really happy with the responses I've had from everyone who has listened to it. It's nice to get some positive feedback. It's great to see lots of people coming down to the shows and buying the record and that kind of thing. It's enough for me anyway.
As your second album, what did you set out to achieve with it?
I didn't really have much of a plan. I just wanted to make another record that I was proud of and see what happened. It's been going really well and I'm stoked to be out and about touring again. I felt on my first record that there was a lot weighing on most things that I did, I feel a lot more relaxed now about music. I've achieved more than I ever thought I would. So now I'm just cruising and keen to play more shows and make more records.
Who did you work with on the album and what did they bring to the finished product?
I worked with a handful of people. The bulk of it was recorded and mixed by Nicolas Vernhes (War On Drugs, Silver Jews, Cat Power etc.) and my friend Rohan Sforchina helped engineer the sessions. Dan Luscombe (The Drones) helped produce some of the tracks later in a separate session.
All of them had a great impact on the record. Nicolas' mixing chops are of a very high quality and Dan's ear for music is second to none. The musicians who played on the record also had a very big influence on the sound, in particular Anika Ostendorf (Hachiku) who joined the band at the end of the recording process playing lead guitar. Her melodies and hooks are all through the record and really brought it to life.
Coming three years after your debut 'Slow Gum', how have you changed as a songwriter and performer in that time?
I made 'Slow Gum' when I was 23 and I'm 27 now. I don't think I've just changed as a songwriter and a performer, but I feel I've also changed a bit as a person. In a good way. I feel like I'm more considerate now and a bit wiser, I guess that's just the effect from 'being around' for a little while.
I feel like my ideas are a bit more solidified and I understand my environment and the people within it a lot more. It's nice to not feel like the new kid anymore in some ways.
You're also a carpenter by trade; which is easier, building a house or making an album?
Making records is a very long and sometimes challenging process. Building houses is similar in some ways, but if you have a good architect you can always just ask them if you have a problem or a question. There is a plan to follow. There is not real plan in music that is made for you, you have to make it up yourself, which I guess is a big part of the fun.
I feel like I learn a lot when I make records, and making this one was no different. The process gets easier after you have done it a few times for both houses and albums.
Have you ever considered writing a song about carpentry? You could call it 'Woodn't It Be Nice'.
Hah... not really but I was going to call my album 'Smoko' but opted against it in the end. I just think it's a cool word. There are lots of good songs about carpentry though... 'If I Were A Carpenter' - Johnny Cash; 'Handyman Blues' - CW Stoneking etc...
How are you feeling about your performance at Queenscliff Music Festival?
This will be my 3rd time playing at QMF (I think?? maybe 4th?) so I know the festival pretty well. I always have a nice time playing there. I grew up in Torquay so playing in Queenscliff sort of feels like playing at home for me. There are often lots of people in the crowd that I know so that's always a nice feeling. It's nice to be on home turf.
What can audiences expect from this set?
They can expect to have great time and to feel warm and fuzzy afterwards.
How was the recent run of your own headline shows?
They have all been really good! This tour has been very encouraging to see all the people coming out to the shows and buying lots of merch and having a great time. I feel like the Australian touring circuit is getting better and better and more little festivals and venues are popping up so it's a good time to be out there playing music.
Can you tell us about the record label you've started, Brown Truck Records?
I started Brown Truck with my partner, Moorea Allen. It's a little label based between Los Angeles and Melbourne. It's been really great so far and we've had a pretty overwhelming amount of interest and support from fellow musicians and record lovers which has been really cool. My record was the first to be released on the label but there is a few more acts in the pipeline to be released. I guess everyone will have to wait and see!
What have you got planned for the rest of the year and early 2019?
Heading back to the U.S for a bit, doing a bunch more festivals and shows, working a bit. Just living and having a nice time.
Where do you see yourself going as a musician over the next few years?
I'm not too sure, I just want to keep making records and keep touring and doing shows. If something happens, great. If nothing happens, great. I'm just happy to be doing whatever I'm doing. Hah.
'Easy Dazy' is available now.
Fraser A Gorman Tour 2018
Fri 21 Sep - Mojo's Bar (Fremantle)Sat 22 Sep - Wave Rock Weekender (Hyden)
Fri 28 Sep - The Foundry
23-25 Nov - Queenscliff Music Festival
