Busybee
Norgdom
Perth MusicJeff Lang Interview
Jeff Lang is pleased to present his new album, Half Seas Over, released nationally by ABC Music/Warner on the 10th of May. Jeff spoke to Melanie Tremblay for this exclusive interview. Half Seas Over is an album resonant with story and song. The name of his album reflects a maritime adage that means barely keeping it together,“ which kind of resumes my album” explains Jeff. Like his 13 other albums, the cover of his new one is very original, and Jeff is really proud of it.
From the name to the cover, the new sound on the album is also original, and is delivered by the great range of instruments he uses. From very old instruments he found touring around the world, to custom-made guitars made especially for him in Newcastle and Adelaide. Since his first album (Ravenswood) in 1994, Jeff has been accumulating stunning instruments, which he admits to having trouble getting rid of.
The singer-songwriter and guitarist talks to me with passion about his career and new album. He has performed in front of lively crowds, cool venues and music festivals all around the world except for Africa. He has played with big names like Bob Dylan and Richard Thomson, both of whom have always inspired him. Jeff has performed in so many places around the world that we discover while talking that he played in one particular venue close to where I am from in Québec, where apparently a crazy pub owner welcomed him. One thing is obvious; “Every place has it’s own vibe and crowds, and that’s what I love, but there is nothing like playing at home”. After touring Australia in May and June, Jeff will be performing in Ireland, England and Scotland in July, and at Reunion Island in August following with a few shows in France in September.
Promoting Half Seas Over, Jeff is looking forward to performing in places where he has never been before, like in the Sakifo Music festival at Reunion Island in August.
Unlike many artists, most of the reviews about Jeff Lang’s music highlight the fact that he follows his own path instead of being compared to other performers. Jeff really appreciates these comments, explaining that every artist should be different, and that it makes sense that he is not compared with other artists because he is a songwriter, musician and performer. He writes his own music and interprets it differently. The lyrics Jeff composes, the instruments he uses, and the melodies he creates are unique. He explains that “making music and performing is spiritual and it should be the same for every other artist”.
Jeff is touring nationally through May & June, and will stop at the Fly by Nightclub in Fremantle the 16th of May supported by Andrew Winton. The tickets are $20 on presale and $25 at the door.
Jeff Lang has a great website and forum. You can access to it to find out more about his music and find out where he will be performing next at www.jefflang.com.au.
