A Quick Chat With Long Legs
‘No Zen’ was born during stretches of insomnia — how did that state of restlessness influence the lyrics and the way the track came together?
I feel that being in that exhausted and sometimes stressful state caused some pretty weird thoughts. My half awake mind created some wild imagery which made for interesting imagery in the lyrics. I guess that's a silver lining for having insomnia!
You recorded and mixed the song yourself in your bedroom studio. What did that process teach you about your own creative voice?
Thankfully, it’s not too expensive or complicated to create a little studio space these days. I used to work in remote aboriginal communities making songs with the school kids there so I got pretty used to a minimalist approach when it came to my equipment.
I recorded the drums with an electric drum kit and blended acoustic sounds of natural drums, created my own guitar and bass tones going directly into a Helix (FX pedal). I often struggle with finding my voice on songs but this one was easy because I was so exhausted and sleep deprived I just didn’t care how well I sang as long as it sounded like I was beginning to lose my mind. The entire song was mixed on a laptop with a pair of relatively cheap Audio Technica headphones.
The track blends 2010s indie pop with retro surf and soul textures. What artists or records helped shape that sound while still keeping it deeply personal?
I feel like I’m often dancing between two worlds, wanting to write modern sparkly pop and 60s rock ‘n’ roll or 90s New Wave. Harry Styles meets Joy Division or Vampire Weekend collaborated with Elvis.
I’m just a big believer in if it feels good and you notice yourself getting lost in the mood rather than the chord progression, then you’re on the right track.
Your music speaks openly about therapy, trauma, and self-acceptance — how important is it for you to be emotionally honest in your songwriting?
People see through things that aren’t genuine and honest very quickly, especially at the moment where everyone is battling for fleeting moments of your attention, you only got a short time to plead your case so I just try and be as honest and vulnerable as comfortably possible.
I also hope that can influence young men trying to process and articulate difficult emotions safely. Even if no one ends up listening to it, it will have been a good outlet for me because I was honest with myself.
Having transitioned from post-hardcore to dreamy indie pop, what’s surprised you most about performing from a more vulnerable, melodic place?
Probably just how exhausting it is singing and dancing at the same time. I have even more respect for front people now. I used to be able to smash through a whole set with Belle Haven without getting puffed out. Maybe I’m just not gig-fit any more!
With the upcoming show on Thursday, August 8 at Bendigo Hotel Upstairs with Wrendrive, how does it feel to bring this very internal, solitary creation into a shared live space?
It feels so exciting! I really believe in this song and I like it’s something very relatable but probably not often spoken about in songs.
I’m excited to see how diving into that slightly dreamlike state feels in front of an audience.
I'm lucky to have an amazing band of mates willing to play these songs with me.