One of Brisbane’s better known bands are the eight-piece ensemble, Halfway. With a clutch of fine recordings under their belt, they’re well on the way to finishing a new album. This Friday night, Consume are presenting Labours Of Love [May 3], which will see Halfway headlining a night that will also include Bandito Folk and Rick Fights at the Zoo. Sean Sennett caught up with Halfway guitarist John Willsteed for a chat.

TOM: Tell me about the upcoming gig. Can we expect any new material to be played?

JW: It’s been a while since we played in Brisbane, and the last time at the Zoo was Big Sound and Steve Earl was down the front watching our every move – disconcerting and flattering all at once! We’ll be playing a slew of new songs next week, the bulk of which made it onto the short list for the next (4th) album. We’re hoping to give the songs some visual context . . .

TOM: How’s the new album coming along? Have you finished the recording?

JW: We have recorded the bulk of the beds for the new album, but the vocals are yet to be done. Working between the lines can be a challenge. It was a very satisfying, beautiful experience to be a part of these songs and their capture. The songs are grouped around a theme – a story. So, really, it’s a concept album. It’s like the 70s, only more expensive and we have the interwebs.

TOM: You’ve been recording in Brisbane. Can you tell us about the production team this time around?

JW: We’ve been recording at QUTs Gasworks Studios, home of 100 Songs. The initial cluster of songs were recorded in October with Robert Forster (Go-Betweens) and Peter Jespersen (The Replacements) sharing the production credits. It was great working with these two guys – such an enormous musical history behind them. We continued recording the rest of the songs in March with Robert. Phil Graham has been engineering the project assisted by Tom Hunt – we are blessed to have such an enthusiastic, even-tempered team. There are eight of us remember . . . EIGHT EGOS!!!!!!

TOM: Why did you decide to work with Robert Forster again?

JW: The decision to stick with Robert was one we arrived at after a fair bit of late night suburban discussion over drinks and darts. We were very happy with the way the last album (Outpost of Promise) sounded. And this time, Robert is very much on board with the ‘concept album’ thing – the touchstones for this type of work are ones close to his heart as well.

TOM: What’s next for the band? Are there any moves to take your music overseas?

JW: We have plans, all sorts of plans. The band is primed to move up. The connection with Peter Jespersen is one that we take seriously. He loves the band, and would love to get us signed in The States. This album will really help people to see who the band are and what we do. I’m not being a knob now, but I really don’t think there are many bands like us.

TOM: From Xero to the Go-Betweens to Halfway … what kind of commitment does it take to stay in the rock and roll world once you’re over 30?

JW: Over 30? I’m over 55!! Pensioner territory!! Look, it’s such a pleasure to make music, and even more so with these boys. Halfway are such a good band, and I was so thrilled when they asked me in. Music? I just can’t see a life without it. I CAN see a life without road travel and lugging, though.

Halfway play the Zoo as part of Labours of Love with Bandito Folk and Rick Fights this Friday [May 3]