To mark the release of their fine new compilation Greatest Hits, Kylie Lovejoy sat down with TOM to talk about life in a rock n’ roll band called… Lovejoy.
TOM: Congrats on the compilation. Who’s idea was it to put the album together?
Kylie: The idea mainly came from Daniel. Almost in an ultimatum form funnily enough. I wanted to fly Dan up from Tassie to play another gig, just for fun. Daniel wasn’t so keen without something new or fresh to show for it.
TOM: Where did the tunes come from? How many new songs did you record?
Kylie: The tunes have been around since back when Lovejoy were a ‘proper’ band, all living in the same city and gigging regularly. We used to rehearse at Black Box, (Jeff’s recording studio) so we pressed record at a rehearsal one day, and those songs having been hidden away in the background since. Jeff and Daniel recorded the vocals and a few finishing touches through cyber space between Black Box in Brisbane and Sticky Horse (Dan’s studio in Tasmania). It’s very tongue in cheek to be titled Greatest Hits. It really comprises of our 5 track EP, with five more songs that were never released. So, technically it (cheekily) is our ‘Greatest Hits’.. so far…..
TOM: What’s the future of Lovejoy in 2013?
Kylie: 2013 has seen new songs written, demoed, and plans are afoot for more recording with tracking bouncing back and forth across the net between Black Box, and Sticky Horse studios. Live show plans are underway for later in the year, possibly extending to some touring into early next year… Watch this space…
TOM: Will you be making another album anytime soon?
Kylie: Probably not in the near future, as Lovejoy is technically a ‘part time’ band these days with Dan living in Tasmania. For the past few years since our ‘reunion gig’ in 2010, our plan was to play a gig once a year for fun. But with new songs in the works, and two great studio’s at close hand, we might just lay some stuff down.
TOM: If anyone ever asks what do Lovejoy sound like, what do you say?
Kylie: My personal response is a bit of a mixture between 70’s and 90’s melodic rock. Daniel can really sing, so the songs have a great vocal melody. The music can differ from big rocking grooves to a Stonesy, Dandy Warholsy jangle.
TOM: Do you wear your influences on your sleeve? What bands inspired you to get together?
Kylie: Jeff is influenced a lot by the Rolling Stones, Dandy Warhols, there is even a song that is very Charlatons. I like a mixture of big 70’s rock, like Sabbath, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, mixed with 90’s. Queens of the Stone Age, Janes Addiction, Soundgarden. Dan is inspired by clever songwriting, with many influences. The album crosses a few different influences, at different paces. When we play live, we even bring out the acoustic guitar for a few songs. Something I’m only starting to come to terms with.. Hahahaha….
Lovejoy’s Greatest Hits is out now.
