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The Eighth Note: Stef Animal

‘The Eighth Note’ is 8 quick Questions with Wellington Musicians.

A chance for us to catch up with people & see what they’re up to, or introduce you to a new musician/band and their music.

Today’s guest is Golden Awesome singer Stef Animal, who has just released her debut album ‘Top Gear’.

Who are you? Tell us a bit about your music:
I sing stuff with The Golden Awesome, an epic gaze-rock-dream-psych band. I also make music by myself using synthesizers and things.

What have you been working on lately? Any new tracks or albums on the way?
I’ve just released my debut solo album Top Gear on compact disc – it’s a bunch of hastily (but lovingly) recorded demos using off-beat equipment. There’s a second Golden Awesome record on the way this year too, which is very exciting.

Where is the best place people can follow you & find your music?
The usual online places but especially on Bandcamp:
Stef Animal
Fishrider Records

What were the 3 most influential albums to you growing up?
Enya – Self-Titled (AKA ‘The Celts’)
Dead Can Dance – A Passage in Time (it’s a compilation but I didn’t know that at the time)
Cocteau Twins – Blue Bell Knoll

Which other Wellington musician(s) would you most like to work with?
Simcha Delft
Conrad Wedde
Warwick & the Wankers

What ’s your favourite Wellington venue to play in?
I just played a show with The Golden Awesome at The Performance Arcade near the waterfront and that was a pretty neat situation.

In your songwriting or composing (or the band’s songwriting) how do the compositions and songs take shape?
With The Golden Awesome my job is to fit a melody on top of chords and structures that the others have come up with. When working by myself I usually work the same way, feeling and rhythm and chords arrive first, and any special melodies are draped on top of that.

Where/when is your next gig?
Thursday March 1st at the Captain Cook in Dunedin with Indi (from Christchurch)


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