Australian outback poetry meets country Americana to share tales in The Little Lord Street Band's single 'Can't Go Back'.
Ahead of a run of live dates, WA's alt. country, Americana band The Little Lord Street Band are ready to unveil their newest music video promoting their current album 'Time And Place'.Awarded Best Country Act three years in a row at the WAM Awards, the core of the band is comprised of co-songwriters and couple Natasha Shanks and James Rogers – who are joined by the rhythm section of Michael Savage and Alex Megaw.
A post-heartbreak song, 'Can't Go Back' is the opening track of 'Time And Place' (which was released in April this year) that sets the overall tone of the album for a rose-tinted look back at days gone by through a lens of alt-country meets indie pop.
Shimmering guitars open the track, James' clear, earnest vocals welcoming you into a world of bittersweet joy, the sorrowful nature of the lyrical subject matter energised when the rest of the band enter with earthy, delightful instrumentation, the warm sonic tones unleashing fuzzy, dopamine feels.
"This song is about remembering a past relationship in a more positive light than it might have actually been," shares the band. "It feels like alt. country meeting indie-pop shoegaze in a head-high tackle."
We sit down for an in-depth chat (read the complete Q&A online) with the group's principle songwriters and couple, Natasha Shanks and James Rogers.
You're releasing a new single, music video 'Can't Go Back' from you album 'Time And Place'; how does the song represent the tones/ vibe of the record, especially as the album's opening track?
The song sets the tone of the album, which is thinking back to days gone by and sometimes remembering those more positively.
Tell us a little bit about the creative direction for the song's music video?
We had a bit of stock Super 8 footage from 2021 Waverock Weekender in Hyden, and we were in Melbourne catching up with a friend and director that has worked on some of our other music clips.
He thought it would be a good idea to make an impromptu video whilst we were setting up for a show at the Lomond Hotel and walking around a nearby river to tie in the old footage with the new Super 8 footage from 2024 juxtaposed a 'then and now', in reference to not being able to go back but still reflect and reminisce on those moments fondly.
Released back in April, the response to 'Time And Place'; it must've been a thrill to land in ARIA's Top 20 Australian Country Albums chart?
Absolutely! Being 'veterans' of the Perth music scene and having not 'made it', it is nice to see some kind recognition in the form of making the charts. In saying that, if it didn't chart we'd still be happy with the album that we have made.
It's the group's second album; how does it capture the mood, spirit and passion of the collective?
Yes I believe it does. It's certainly an album where all of us nutted out these songs over a period of time together. Born over time, writing these songs during COVID and pondering what next? What happens now? And 'what's happened'? To a surrendering, in coming together and common realisation 'oh this is it, this is us now'. We all felt that.
Lyrically, was there a central theme you wanted to instil in these songs?
Not really. These songs were bound together over a period of time, not written with an intent for a theme, as we demoed and jammed these out in two parts; the 'before kid' and 'after kid'.
We had more songs, but some weren't ready and didn't make the cut in the recording studio. It's definitely a chapter in the band's history in reflecting and reminiscing, and they've somehow found there way together on this album.
The lessons learnt from the group's first album, especially the way it was conceived during the pandemic and writing in isolation. . . did you find those experiences gave you confidence for the sophomore record?
Due to the nature of the COVID bubble we were living in, there were so many unknowns and shoulder shrugs with the release of our first album. Venues sizes were capped, media outlets were quieter than usual as international touring was at a stand still, big events and festivals cancelled.
We were out to make as loud noise with this debut album 'A Minute Of Another Day' and capitalise on the space to do so without the usual noise of every other release. We were capitalising on the boarders being closed in WA to tour up and down and use the landscape to just keep going, create, record, play.
Whereas the sophomore album 'Time And Place' was a huge joint effort and we crowd-funded to finish it. We were mindful of honouring the pledges and getting our music to those supporters foremost and the release and launch was more of quick let's drop and run, let's get this baby out as soon as we can, so we can capitalise on the momentum by way of the third album we've been demoing. Not wanting to sit on all this good music.
We weren't as diligent and/ or pedantic about the strategy on this release; definitely not results driven as I guess we've been in the past, and maybe this relaxed approach or unattached approach was a better experience; whose to say really. Both albums were definitely 'of a time' in the band's chapter. Grateful we get to make and create music, and people still want to support us with it.
A songwriting partnership now with a decade-plus experience. . . what have your learnt about the dynamic you have with each other, and how has that contributed to the growth of music and the type of songs you can write together?
We fought a lot as co-writers with our ego in the early days, now not so much now, no energy. I think we've definitely matured in that sense and not so precious about the songs and parts we've written. We both bring elements to the band with our songwriting; a his and hers still exists and you can tell by feel and performance of these songs which are which.
The songs we collaborate with, these feel powerful in the storytelling and amplified by the dynamic we each bring to it, like 'Burning All Night'; we co-wrote that song in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains end of 2019, when the fires were devastating NSW and we were stuck up there in the midst of it in fear of our lives, trying to find a positive way to see out our time waiting for the fires to pass if were so lucky.
How has parenthood shaped the direction, if at all, of your creative, musical pursuits?
We've learnt to be patient with our creative pursuits and chipping away when the energy is there. Weekly rehearsals are a thing of the past as we all try to find the time now as our band family grows also in amongst availability and lurgies. If we all do get to rehearsals, it's when the kids are in bed.
We are a little more selective with shows based on where we are at and what it will entail to make it happen. Now as parents, we navigate having to be 'extra' organised coordinating a kid on tour/ shows and or babysitters in addition to making sure we've got batteries for the guitars.
We are surrendering a lot more to mistakes and the mess we are leaving in our wake as we attempt to still do what we love, whilst working and parenting. Really is an all-out juggle.
You have a number of duo shows upcoming before a couple of band gigs; how do you approach the live set between the two formats especially adapting songs to a two-piece?
Great question. Recently we were reminded of the differences between duo and band, supporting Freya Josephine Hollick at Four5Nine bar in Perth. Jimmy's guitar died so we went from playing two guitars with a stomp to one guitar and me awkwardly doing some kind of spirit fingers onstage, floating around with no instrument to play.
Kind of can't prepare for that, but we were reminded of the essence of stage presence and performance (and not relying on other band members) as a two-piece verses the full five-piece band experience.
As a full band, we tend to play to each other and hype each other up and rise with the energy and momentum of the show and audience, and with the duo it can be sometimes about leaning into playing our more softer, quieter introspective songs, if the venue and show calls for it.
We adapt the show to the vibes of the day and room; if we are feeling the quiet call we'll not overplay, and if we are feeling the room needs an icebreaker we'll quickly turn into a comedy duo also.
On the live front, you wrap up 2024 with another duo show at Bridgetown Blues Festival in November; alongside the performance, will you use that opportunity to escape from the day-to-day grind and bask in the feels of a bush festival?
So true, we love Bridgetown; it's a stunning part of WA and we are so lucky to be invited to play this festival, first time and it's been on the bucket list for a while.
No better way to spend the weekend than playing music with your mates and then roaming the streets and venues to watch all your other mates play also. It's such a unique experience where you get to fill your cup and others, all the while supporting your mates doing the same thing.
Hard to find a weekend and/ or energy these days to get to many shows so this is a perfect opportunity for us to get around and see all these legends. Plus a bush rinse is the perfect way to spend time. Highly recommend.
The joy of immersing yourself in a music festival away from the bustle of urban life; is that something you both still enjoy?
Yes, very much so. We love a good, open road and a festival at the end of it. It's like folks that venture away from home with the intention to witness new music and/ or be curious and adventurous with you are the kind of people you create memories with and retell those stories together in years to come.
We've got friends that are fans of the band that have been to our shows all the way up in Yardie Creek in the North West and all the way down to Nannup Music Festival and we shoot the breeze on those experiences time and time again. It's what music festivals in regional areas of Australia do, fostering that 'coming together' fabric and sharing in the experience together. We are all in it together. We love that.
The rise of country, Americana and roots-flavoured music in Australia the last decade is undeniable; as musicians in that space, have you felt the energy of more attentive, larger audiences? Has that begun to open more doors for opportunities?
We've definitely noticed the shift and the support, just take a look at regional rodeos in WA to see how much it's changed and shifted.
Festivals are on the decline, but outback Australia is fully packing out dirt patches in the middle of nowhere with the sound of country music. Being heard and seen can be a privilege and having audiences respond to your music, either support or sing-along to it can be the sustenance and endurance to the whole game.
The band's integrity and talent is reflected by the quality list of artists you've supported – both internationals and national talent – alongside the many awards collected along the way (congrats re: winning Best Country Act at WAM Song Of The Year three years running) and hundreds of live shows. As professional musicians are you content, honoured with your place within the music eco system in Australia, which is a an almost daily grind for the vast majority of independent artists?
Yes we are, content; we remind each other all the time of the achievements and milestones and highlights and lowlights (the stuff you don't miss), how we've grown as artists, a couple and parents.
Our values have changed along the way with our music. We are still amazed at the opportunities we've been granted in supporting artists like Gomez and JTE, and places we've toured, but also humbled at the awards as we are just busy doing our thing and come up for air every once in a while to be like. . . oh yeah we get to make music and play with our buddies, that's the gold right there, that's the ultimate success story.
We still really enjoy the whole music making creation process, from rehearsal to stage and we all love the songs and playing them together. Doesn't get much better than that combo.
Is it too early to ask about album #3 (what can you share if anything)?
Oh, we've been demoing some of the third album for the better half of the year already. It's taking shape and there is some incredible songs we've all fallen in love with.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond. . . is there a plan in place for the band or is there excitement in approaching the future with a little uncertainty as to what creative projects can happen?
2025 looks hectic with our second son due end of the year, we'll be playing a few local and regional shows in amongst child wrangling and continue with the demoing and songwriting. There are plans to get recording again as the itch to scratch is strong.
Thanks for your time; anything else you'd like to add?
Thanks for the platform and continued support to share our music and story.
The Little Lord Street Band 2024 Tour Dates
Sun 6 Oct - Freo Groove Cafe (Fremantle)Sun 13 Oct - Perth Zoo
Sat 19 Oct - Lyric's Underground (Perth)* supporting Jonny Fritz & Joshua Hedley
Sat 2 Nov - Rodney's Bait N Tackle (Perth)
Thu 7 Nov - Honky Tonk Blues (Fremantle)
Sat 9 Nov - Blues At Bridgetown Festival
Sun 10 Nov - Blues At Bridgetown Festival