A Quick Chat with SAVAGE HONEY
Congratulations on the release of your debut album Darling! It captures a huge range of emotions and experiences. What did making this record teach you about yourselves as both musicians and people?
We were lucky enough to be locked away, in isolation while making the bones of this record. We hired a beautiful Air BNB in Forrest, Vic, with a converted 1940’s train carriage as bedrooms, and a large, timber-clad lounge area as live recording space. We lived together, ate together and recorded together, alongside our producer Aaron Dobos, until we had the bed tracks for the record. It was challenging at times, balancing each others moods, creative sensibilities and communication styles, but inevitably I think we have a good product as a result, and, (speaking for myself), I’m a better collaborator as a result.
You recorded parts of the album in the Otway National Park and at Sing Sing Studios in Melbourne. How did those environments shape the sound and feeling of the record?
I think the earthy, live energy captured in Forrest (such as the rhythm sections of the tracks) are evident throughout the record. This is starkly contrasted by the crispy, sharp vocals and top-line guitars throughout the record. There’s a nice balance in that.
There’s a strong sense of nostalgia and classic rock influence throughout your music. Which artists or albums had the biggest impact on Darling?
Melodically, we took influences from bands like Oasis, Bob Dylan, Kings Of Leon. Sonically, Jimmy Hendrix and Pink Floyd we impactful. Vocally, Jake draws inspiration from Matt Corby, Elvis and The Killers.
Savage Honey have become known for energetic live shows balanced with heartfelt songwriting. How important is that emotional contrast to your identity as a band?
Emotion in our music is vitally important to us. We try to keep it at the forefront of our songwriting (lyrically and melodically), live performance and recording. I think it’s particularly prominent in songs like Video Games, Demons and Moonlove.
A lot of the album explores personal relationships, heartbreak and growth. Was it difficult turning those experiences into songs and sharing them publicly?
I think we’ve always been quite willing to open and vulnerable with sharing our experiences. It serves a therapy and, as a bonus, can be compelling.
You’ve supported acts like Pacific Avenue and The Terrys, while also playing festivals like Party In The Paddockand Beyond The Valley. What have been some standout moments from the journey so far?
We’ve been extremely fortunate to play some amazing shows, as mentioned above. Our Party In The Paddock set stands out as a life-highlight. It was our first festival and the crowd was extremely receptive to our music. It was an incredible feeling. We also made some important connections and friendships on that trip.
If listeners could take one feeling or message away from Darling, what would you hope it is?
Through hard times, there is always learning and growth on offer. Don’t resist pain, embrace it and work through it, leaning on your friends and family where you can.
With the debut album finally about to be out in the world, what does this next chapter look like for Savage Honey?
So we’re heading on tour in August this year, hitting NSW and regional VIC (inclusive of some high country shows in our nation's ski resorts). After that, its back into the studio to work on our next release, with plans to bring Savage Honey to the international stage thereafter.