Infinity Broke is the latest project from Jamie Hutchings, better known as the frontman in acclaimed Sydney band Bluebottle Kiss.
Joining Jamie is Jared Harrison, also of Bluebottle Kiss fame, brother Scott Hutchings and brother-in-law Rueben Hills. Having all played together in various projects for a number of years now, guitarist Scott Hutchings says the formation of Infinity Broke was the logical next step for all of the members. “We've been collaborating for quite a long time now with Jamie's solo projects. He's played the drums on all three records and Reuben who's our brother-in-law; he played bass for the last two bands, plus Jared who was in Bluebottle Kiss as well. Jamie had been writing some more rocky, electrically driven music and it just seemed more sensible to form a band.”
Quite often when there are multiple family members in a band, tensions can easily arise. Arguments are almost inevitable, yet Scott says playing in a band has only ever been a positive thing for the two brothers. “If it was when we were younger, maybe there might have been a few punch-ups, but you know, you sort of learn to keep your opinions in check.
“Jamie and I are how brothers are; we can tend to be a bit more blunt and frank with each other but we're best friends. It's definitely helped us enjoy making music rather than it being some sort of source of contention.”
Infinity Broke has more of a psychedelic sound than the previous bands the boys have been in, yet when asked to describe the band's style, Scott says it's really up to the listener to interpret them music themselves. “I guess the influences in this are probably running a little bit more deeper with this particular band.
“It's a bit more psychedelic and eclectic. On the new album there's a couple of songs on there that are just a soundscape and there's no real limit to music. It's an interpretation for the listener. As long as there is some form of emotional connection for the listener, then for us its totally worthwhile.”
Interestingly enough, the tracks on the new album, 'Before Before', were recorded at the same time as the songs from the first album, 'River Mirrors', but it wasn't planned this way. Scott says after the recording process was finished, there was enough music to separate into two distinctly different albums. “We did record both records simultaneously - not with the view of having two albums or a double album or anything, but we just thought that every track stood up so no tracks ended up on the cutting room floor. To keep things cohesive, we separated them into songs that characterised each album really well.”
Both albums were recorded in a large sheep-shearing shed on a farm just outside Bathurst, NSW. An old 1-inch, 24-track tape deck was used to get that textbook, '70s analogue sound, and while there was a little bit more effort involved, the end result proves it was certainly worthwhile. “The stuff we listened too and were influenced by when we were kids was all recorded on tape and analogue and there's something really special about that sound. It required a lot more effort, but the outcome has more of a raw, organic feeling to it.”
The decision to record in a shearing shed initially came about due to budget constraints, but the large tin shed added to the overall sound the band was trying to achieve. Scott says in hindsight, they wouldn't have done it any other way. “A visual artist is out there working as a painter, and it was actually his family's old farm. He really helped us as well with creating separation and part of getting the sound that we needed as well.
“So it was a bit of a forced thing due to budget, but we probably wouldn't have it any other way, looking back now. We really love the sound of the record. It's got a raw, juicy sound.”
Infinity Broke released 'Before Before' in France on French label Beast Records; having previously had ties with Jamie during his solo projects, when Beast Records heard about Infinity Broke they invited them back to France. “When Infinity Broke formed, we were invited to play and they really wanted to release the record on their own label.
“We were pretty fortunate to have their interest. They funded the whole thing and promoted it and our CDs were circulated throughout France and made available at festivals,” Scott explains.
Infinity Broke were well received in France, and Scott says it's partly due to the vastly different approach French audiences have when it comes to enjoying music festivals. “It's a different kind of place. I don't know if you've ever had the chance to go to a music festival or just see the way the audience reacts to live music in France or its neighbouring countries, but people tend to have a really open curiosity that you don't always find in Australia.”
Scott likens French audiences to fine-art critics, explaining festival goers are there for the music, and not just the party. “It's sort of like when you walk in to an art gallery. People are respectful and they're quiet and they're viewing the works.
“It's not just some social booze up. They want to listen, they want to tap in to what you've got to offer as an artist. They're interested in how people from the other side of the planet are presenting, writing and recording music.”
When asked what the future holds for Infinity Broke, Scott says this may be the last time the band play live together for some time. “We'd love to see people come and enjoy our show because we don't really know what the future holds for the band so this may be you last opportunity for quite a while to see us live with this east-coast tour.
“As far a playing any time soon after that, we don't really know. We'd encourage people to come and enjoy what we've got to offer. It's original, something unique and different and for that reason it would be good to take advantage of that opportunity while it's still there.”
Written by Matthew Sales
Infinity Broke Tour Dates
Thu 14 May – The Phoenix (Canberra)Fri 15 May – The Tote (Melbourne)
Sat 16 May – The Metro (Adelaide)
Fri 22 May – The Bearded Lady (Brisbane)
Sat 30 May – The Factory Floor (Sydney)
