JENNY BIDDLE INTERVIEWS JED ROWE:
You’ve just recorded a new album with guitar legend Jeff Lang, tell us about the process of recording with Jeff?
We went for a pretty live sound with an old school approach, recording directly to analogue tape in Jeff’s studio rather than to computer, so the tactic was to work the songs out really well beforehand and then try to catch some sparks flying in the studio.
What did you learn from working with Jeff Lang?
Heaps! I picked lots of technical tips about working with guitar and studio gear, plus some good approaches to songwriting and some perspectives on how to have a sustainable career in the industry.
What other musicians featured on your album?
Aside from the band (Michael Arvanitakis on double bass, Michael DiCiecco on drums and myself on guitars and vocals) we had Jeff play guitar and sing on several tracks, Liz Stringer played banjo and Suzannah Espie sAng some sweet harmonies. We had a string quartet on two tracks as well.
You’re about to release two singles from your new album at the Northcote Social Club on November 6, tell us what we can expect from those singles.
Well Bloodlines is built around a chunky slide guitar riff and Waiting By Your Side is a melodic acoustic track with three part harmonies.
Where can we see your three piece band touring your new singles?
After the launch at the Northcote Social Club our bass player is off to India for a month to seek enlightenment and such things. When he gets back we have an East Coast Tour planned for January.
What’s your most embarrassing gig moment?
I once turned up to a gig straight after a camping trip wearing my last pair of clean(ish) pants. Unfortunately they had a hole in the crotch, so I played the entire gig with my knees facing the side of stage. I think I got away with it.
JED ROWE INTERVIEWS JENNY BIDDLE:
I hear you’re going to make your own guitar, couldn’t you find any good ones in the shops?
The poor rainforests are suffering from my growing guitar collection as it is, but I was hunting a for a new guitar for recording my next album. Making an acoustic guitar is always something I’ve wanted to do. It will be such an incredible experience.
How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard you play before?
Missy Higgins meets The Waifs.
You’ve been in the studio recently, what were you working on and when can we hear it?
I recorded at Newmarket Studios. I wanted a raw album, just the guitar and I, so I can really focus on the intricate details of the guitar. It’s passionate and stripped back compared to my last studio album.
So you’re from Sydney originally, what made you move to Melbourne?
I moved for Melbourne’s vibrant music and arts culture. It’s a terrific city for original music.
You keep winning prizes for busking, what competitions have you won?
I’m turning into a bit of a busking nut. I’ve won awards at the Tamworth Country Music Festival 2011, the Ballina Coastal Country Music Festival, Melbourne’s Best Busker 2010, the Grand Champion Korumburra Busking Festival. The Melbourne’s Best Busker competition for this year is coming up, November 26 to raise money for charity and I look forward to being part of that.
What recordings have you released so far and where can we get them?
Chest of Drawers (2009). Almost Live at the Basement (2008). Available on iTunes and at jennybiddle.com
