One of Western Australia's premiere alt. country acts – they've been nominated for a fourth straight 'Best Country' award at the WAMAwards (West Australian Music) – The Little Lord Street Band return with a new single 'Where Are We'.
Written on the road and depicting a relationship that's become a little complacent, 'Where Are We' comes from a recording session earlier this year and will feature as part of the group's debut album – slated for release next year.
Ahead of the band’s tour that includes showcasing at WAMFest (Perth), we have a chat with the group's vocalist-guitarist James Rogers.
How does ‘Where Are We’ showcase the sound of LLSB re: the new recordings?
This track, like much of the album, displays the band's strengths. Those being our vocal harmonies, the driving rhythm section of Alex Megaw and Michael Savage (drums and bass respectively) and the songwriting between Natasha [Shanks – vocalist-guitarist] and myself. It has a country flavour to it, but it isn't pure country music as it also incorporates a heavier sound in parts.
And can you expand in more depth the recording sessions for the debut album? And when are you looking to release it?
At this stage, we're hoping to release it in March next year, which at this point is looking likely. We recorded the album at Rada Studios in Perth with Daniel Carroll, who's great to work with.
The tracking was done in about two weeks and we did the mixing where we could find the time between touring and regular work. We tracked the album live with added overdubs (mainly vocals and guitars). The tracking of the rhythm section ran really well and made for a recording session that we're all proud of.
For those yet to hear the sounds of LLSB, how would you describe the band?
Alt. country rock. I hope that doesn't scare anyone away, but it seems to be a genre that sticks with out getting complicated in the description. At the heart of this band's sound is the songwriting of Natasha and I, which has given our previous releases a 'his and hers' sound.
You’re about to embark on a massive tour that will wind around the country and take you through to the Christmas/ New Year period. Obviously playing shows is the lifeblood of most bands; do you enjoy life on the road?
We love it. We've been to so many places, made many friends and yet not seen even half of this country.
We're hoping to one day have a van that can take us all over the country so we don't have to fly and hire cars. I'm a big fan of Slim Dusty and how he played in every town in Australia; that's life on the road.
The band has received its fourth nomination for ‘Best Country’ act at WAMAwards; you must be proud of that achievement?
Very proud indeed.
Awards aren’t the be-all of a band’s success, but receiving such industry recognition must be a great motivator to continuing the band’s trajectory?
Awards aren't the be-all of a band's success, that's certainly right. But we do have the awards that we've won hanging proudly on our wall, and when I'm having a cold one after a day of non-music related work, I look at those awards and say to myself: 'not bad'.
Country music, particularly alt. country and Americana, is seeing a revival in mainstream music circles; any reasons why you think this is the case?
For me, it's the lyrics and the storytelling which gets me every time.
We are living in a very fast-paced and at times fickle world and alt. country/ Americana in a way stands for something wholesome and traditional (country) while also being thought provoking, daring and rebellious. The clothing is pretty cool too.
Any great moments or experiences from the tour supporting Justin Townes Earle, earlier this year?
We got to see his show twice. He's a fascinating guy with so many stories and I think he liked us which was great.
Anything else you would like to add?
Thank you.
The Little Lord Street Band 2019 Tour Dates
Fri 1 Nov - WAMFest at The Sewing Room (Perth)Sun 3 Nov - The Goose (Busselton, WA)
Sun 10 Nov - The Goose (Busselton, WA)
Fri 15 Nov - Slyfox (Sydney) supporting Ruby Boots
Sat 16 Nov - Royal Oak Hotel (Launceston)
Sun 17 Nov - Marakoopa Cafe (Mayberry, TAS)
Sat 23 Nov - Weldborough Hotel (TAS)
Sun 24 Nov - Republic Bar & Café (Hobart)
Thu 28 Nov - Pistol Pete's Food & Blues (Geelong)
Fri 29 Nov - Colbinabbin Country Hotel (VIC)
Sat 30 Nov - Macedon Railway Hotel (VIC)
Sun 1 Dec - The Fyrefly (Melbourne)
Thu 5 Dec - Hamilton Station Hotel (Newcastle)
Sat 7 Dec - Blackheath Bar And Bistro (NSW)
Sun 8 Dec - Petersham Bowling Club (Sydney)
Thu 19 Dec - Rodney's Bait and Tackle (Perth)
Sat 21 Dec - The Beer Farm (Margaret River)
Fri 27 Dec - Clancy's Fish Pub (Fremantle)
Sun 29 Dec - Brewhouse (Margaret River)
