Perth indie act, Big Orange's latest release 'By The Dozen' leans heavily into the nostalgic sounds of '90s Britpop, conjuring to mind the likes of Pulp, Super Furry Animals, and Supergrass with the Oasis feels virtually oozing through the speakers.
Released last month, 'By The Dozen' again showcases the innate ability of frontman Daniel Davis to craft sonic textures across a multitude of genres (scroll down for their 'Under The Christmas Tree, I Slept' single from December as a prime example).Fused with an alt-rock energy that skirts with indie pop tones, 'By The Dozen' is a big-sounding, sophisticated hit of rock & roll power that wouldn't be out of place as a stadium sing-along.
Was there a distinct vibe, feel you were aiming for with the songwriting and general sonic sound of 'By The Dozen'?
[Daniel] I wouldn't say I was aiming for a particular sound; I always allow that to grow organically and let the idea dictate what it wants to be and what the song becomes.
However, the vibe of the song was obviously greatly influenced by a book my roommate had been reading on Britpop. He'd left it lying around and I picked it up a few times and it gave me the idea for the themes of excess and hedonism. I think the fact that it also has a distinct Britpop 'sound' to the song was just a coincidence.
The piano intro; was that the initial heartbeat of the song that you built everything around?
Yeah. It actually started off slightly different to what you hear. It was a bit more straight. I think once I put the beat to it it become more honky tonk, a bit more funky. Then when I added the guitars it became something else entirely.
I didn't think it was gonna be such a rock song at first, but again I just let the song take its course.
You've again worked with veteran Dave Parkin who recorded/ mixed the song; what did he bring to the project? And is he someone you can freely bounce ideas off to tease out a specific sound?
Oh definitely. Dave is awesome and he has a real talent at getting the sound you want.
He really hears the song you take to him and tries to get inline with what the artist is feeling and trying to convey. However, with this song I had a pretty clear idea of what needed to be done and the demo I had had it all mapped out and he just made it sound great.
The song was mastered by Brian Lucey at Magic Garden Mastering in the US; what did he add to song's mix to give it that final tick of approval?
The mastering process is quite a mysterious one. I'm not quite sure what the hells really goin' on but sometimes they make the song sound good and sometimes they make it sound not so good.
With Brian, we've been happy every time. With all of the songs that he's done he kind of gives them a bit of presence.
Will this track form part of an EP or album release at a later date; what can you share on that front?
Yes, it will be an album that will come out sometime later this year.
This song isn't really an indicator of what the album will be. There will be lots of different styles and sounds. I'll head into the studio with Dave in April and hopefully finish of the rest of the songs.
The current incarnation of the group has been together 18-24 months; does it feel like this is the truest reflection of who Big Orange is?
It's hard to say as I work on the writing and recording pretty much alone. I will say though that I have an incredible group of people and great musicians at the moment who help bring all this to fruition. They're great people.
In a non-pandemic time you probably would have toured the country once or twice the last year or two; the lack of touring and travelling to play music to strangers – is it something you just live with and focus on other areas of creative pursuit?
Yeah, it really sucks not to have that option but my real passion is the creation. So I really have been able to continue doing what I do. I am getting stir crazy though and would love to get on the road with my friends and play some live shows.
What motivated the band's Christmas-themed song 'Under The Christmas Tree, I Slept'?
I had always wanted to write a Christmas song, but I also knew they're extremely hard to get right. So I really had to just wait for the right music to come along.
I had the title for years, but I didn't know what to do with it story-wise. I know it would've been 'cooler' to do something along the lines of being wasted under the Christmas tree but I find that lame.
So once the chords for the song came along, I had the idea for it to be about a child waiting for Santa and I just wanted to capture the innocence and the magic of Christmas that a child feels.
The diversity of genres Big Orange create; is that an important aspect of the band to navigate a number of different areas, to be flexible with where the music can go?
Yeah, I think it keeps everyone on their toes. I think as a musician it's important be able to play different styles and genres and different feels. You box yourself in if you can't play the thing you're trying to express.
General life as a musician; do you have a standard working week/ day or is it more disjointed, allowing life's flow to propel you?
Pretty much everyday is the same.
I go into my music room in the morning and usually sit down at the keys or maybe pick the guitar up. I fire up the computer and work on whatever it is I'm working on, or if I don't really have a song on the go I just play instruments all day looking for one. I try to keep a good work ethic.
Away from music, what else occupies your time (ie. how do you unwind or what do you do for fun)?
Haha, not much.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma?
Well, we've been known to stumble into Uncle Billys (late night Chinese) in Northbridge on more than one drunken early morning. Emma is a big fan of it. I think it's always her idea.
Which fictional character best describes your personality?
George Costanza. I'm neurotic. My friend thinks I'm Jerry though. I dunno why. Probably cos I'm hilarious.
Last show you binge-watched (and what kept you glued to the screen)?
'The Beatles Get Back'. It was just a fascinating look inside a great band and a great bunch of artists. I found John quite captivating. You really feel like you're just hanging out with the band.
