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Perth MusicSteve Parkin Interview
Steve Parkin is a somewhat veteran of the Perth Music scene. He is currently writing his second solo album and gave us this interview.
Q. Tell us a little bit of history about yourself as a singer/songwriter. How did you start out and what have you achieved?
Well I’m a singer and songwriter from Fremantle, Western Australia. I currently plays both solo and with my band The Foreign Films. Used to be WA pop/rock bands Autopilot and Vinyl. I’ve played the Big Day Out, Rock-It festival, supported the likes of Tori Amos, Sloan, Ken Stringfellow, Powderfinger and Eskimo Joe, and have released several CD’s - the last one being debut solo album Sandytown (through Shock Records 2005) which was recorded at Fremantle’s Debaser Studios. Sandytown was Produced and features playing by the Debaser crew Rodney Aravena (End of Fashion) Joel Quartermain (Eskimo Joe) and Andrew Lawson (Avenues).
Q. What bands have had the greatest influence on you and who are your favourite bands at the moment?
Augie March, Sufjan Stevens, Dios Malos, Flaming Lips, Elbow, HEAPS of others!
Q. What helps in writing new songs? Do you need solitude to get inspiration?
The melody has to come first. Then i get a mood, then come the lyrics. Solitude does help - but it’s a rare commodity!
Q. Favourite AFL team?
DOCKERS, of course
Q. Who are your favourite live bands?
Eskimo Joe, Red Jezebel, Little Birdy, Karnivool, Macarburrettors, Gyroscope, Belle Ends, Paver Pickins, Kill Devil Hills are awesome.
Q. What is your favourite live music venue? Do you prefer small pub shows with a small audience or bigger shows with lots of people cheering you on?
Any audience that is there for the music is alright with me. I’ve played Rock It to 16,000 and I’ve played Mojos to 15 people. Was actually more scared at the Mojos gig. They can see the whites of your eyes!
Q. Is the Perth music community a tight knit bunch?
Dunno about Perth. Fremantle’s pretty bloody cool at the moment. Nah, it’s great in WA at the moment. Lots of support all around, as far as I can see.
Q. What is your song writing process? Do you write the lyrics and music together or one first and then the other?
Usually music first, then words. Usually.
Q. What is your take on the Perth Music Scene at the moment? Do you think it is thriving or is it a bit of over-hype?
No. It is better than its ever been. The quality of songwriting, production, live shows is amazing. You have some of the best producers and engineers in the country here at the moment. Debaser, Dave Parkin, Shaun O’Callaghan, too many to mention. Also some of the country’s best bands. We just can’t seem to talk the sandgropers into coming out in the same numbers as their eastern states cousins. Turn off Big Brother. Go to a gig.
Q. What plans do you have for the next few months?
Writing another album, due to record in June/July 06. Also working on the Debaser Community Orchestra album. More to come on that soon!
For more info on Steve Parkin visit his official site.
