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New EP: Meech Brothers

‘New EP’ is where a band or artist answers some questions about their latest EP release. Up next are indie folk-pop band Meech Brothers, whose 3rd EP ‘Brown Owl’ was released earlier this year.

When/where was the new EP recorded?
Mostly recorded in Clint’s study with the exception of Diving Bell which was mostly recorded at Toi Poneke Arts Centre when we use to sub-lease a studio there.

Who produced/engineered the EP? How did the tracks come together in the studio, or at home?
Engineered by Clint with a laptop and a good microphone or two. In terms of production, we worked together on the overall sound. Chris Winter (Eb & Sparrow) Mastered it out at Avalon.
Sometimes one of us would bring an idea – or an almost finished song – along to a session which we would then develop together. Some songs were truly collaborative – being created out of jams during writing sessions.

Does the shorter format of an EP give you the option to experiment in any way with your sound or with different forms of song-writing?
The shorter EP format has always appealed to us – mainly from a practical point of view due to the quite slow way we write – an album would probably take us over 5 years to make based on our track record! But equally, as a statement, it’s nice to focus a few songs on one theme or mood without feeling the need to divert too much from that core proposition – something that you could be tempted to do with an album (out of fear that you need to “mix things up a bit” – which is of course a nonsense – but a trap, nonetheless).

Was there any specific gear you used to capture that?
All songs were built on a foundation of piano and acoustic guitar. On top of that Gareth has added some lovely electric guitar parts with his Telecaster Thinline (previously owned by a member of Bailter Space) played through a very vintage Fender twin amp. Clint used a Nord keyboard for Wurlitzer and Rhodes electric piano and organ sounds, a MicroKorg synth, a thrift shop Casiotone and a 90’s-era Korg Electribe drum machine. He also even resurected his trumpet – unplayed for years – for one song. The motto throughout the process was to exercise restraint. To not over do it. Most of the contributions of the extra instruments are pretty subtle and intended to add some colour only. Mostly. Hopefully.

Is there a particular track or theme that the EP was formed around?
Diving Bell was the first song recorded when we were still using studio space at Toi Poneke – it’s the song that bridges the gap between our previous EP, poco and this one – and it’s the song that inspired us to make another EP. I use to think that it was centrepiece song, but as time has gone on, I’ve concluded that Edge of the Earth really is the heart of the EP – both musically and thematically. It is a song that morphs from acoustic folk to something more unusual. Lyrically, it touches on loss and the acceptance of loss, and this is a common theme throughout the EP. Loss, being lost, and being found are all subjects that surface throughout.

Where do you see the EPs place in growing an audience online? Do you see it as a progression towards an album or a separate entity?
To my ears it should appeal to people who like that indie folk stuff like Iron and Wine, Bon Iver, Beirut, Advance Base or even Beach House. Connecting with that audience is the trick, though. We recently signed a publishing deal with Jan Hellreigel’s “Songbroker”, so there’s a hope that they may place our music in a film or TV show which of course could have a huge impact on growing an audience. I see the EP as a work in it’s own right. There are no plans for an album in the near future – but never say never! The next goal is to get out there and play live more.

Which digital platforms is it available on?
Just Bandcamp at the moment.

Are you doing any gigs or promotion for its release?
Official EP release gig will be held at Le Maquis in Wadestown on Sunday 1 October (in the afternoon).


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