Can you tell us a bit about your inspiration for your Double A Side releases Where Does Life Begin and Vertigo?
Interestingly Tim our drummer wrote the verses for Where Does Life Begin. So it already had a strong sentiment when I got my hands on it. Straight away though I got these images of people dancing from a far but feeling like maybe I no longer belonged. Like the freedom of my 20’s was now behind me and I missed that.

Vertigo too touches on a similar idea. How change and growth can be awkward and strange but in this instance I wanted to look at it with a sense of humour and positivity. It’s about embracing these moments in our lives.

What are your influences and how do they affect your songwriting?
My honest answer is I don’t really know anymore. I haven’t listened to much music over the past few years or if I have a bunch of it is instrumental.

As we’ve been writing for so long I get my musical fix that way. But if I had to be more specific I think the 70’s pop music that was blaring throughout my upbringing has definitely guided me. I do love vintage pop but the goal is always to put our own twist on it.

What’s the creative process like for you?
Melodie’s first, lyrics second. I’m always chasing a feeling or a mood when we’re writing and I’ll do demos singing jibberish until I feel good about the melody. I really believe it’s about honing in on the sentiment of the track with every aspect of the arrangement and story. It’s a Rubik’s cube but a very fun one.

If you could change something about the Australian music industry what would it be?
Firstly I think we should be really proud of the bands and artists coming out of Australia. I feel like we set a high bar, and do punch above our weight so I wouldn’t wanna lose that. It’s competitive but I think that’s ok if it’s pushing artist to get better and better.

With saying that, support on the ground level is always helpful. It’s near impossible when your starting out to make a buck, to make it financially work and so many will give up. If we can help artists more in the early stages of their career I think this would be a good thing.

What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music as an outlet?
I think I’d become a full time green thumb. I love growing veggies. Or maybe take up painting? Anything creative and good for the soul.

Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with? Why?
I think Bon Iver would be a pretty great project to collaborate with. Justine Vernon is such a musical pioneer. Just to be in the same room as him would be amazing.

What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry?
It’s all about songs. I’d say 90% of your energy should be put into writing. Finish a body of work and go again. If you get good at this the rest will follow.

Who’s the most interesting person you’ve worked with/met?
We’ve been lucky in that we’ve worked with a great mix of producers over the years. Though I think Justin Stanley, who produced our latest record, is a pretty special dude. I loved watching him go to work on a song, chasing the string to tie it all together. It was inspiring and I learnt a lot. It also helped that he was super lovely.

Any plans for a tour on the cards?
Plenty. We’ve got the Sydney Opera House show in December and then we’ll look to do the full tour of Aus next year once the record is out. We also do Canada, Netherlands and UK at the start of next year so it’s game on!

Boy & Bear – Sydney Opera House Forecourt 2025

Sun 14 Dec 2025 – Sydney Opera House Forecourt – Sydney, NSW
With special guests Hollow Coves and Darcie Haven

Tickets now on sale