‘New Album’ is where a band or artist answers some questions about their latest release. Up next is Lake South, whose latest album ‘Wellington | Te Upoko O Te Ika’ featured songs about Holloway Road in Newtown, Ellice St in Mt Victoria, the South Coast, Makara and other spots dotted around the region. In the lead up to his album release he created a website featuring a map and small headphone icons, which you can listen to if you travel to each song’s location.
When/where was the new album recorded?
It was recorded between September 2018 and January 2019 at:
– A house in Mount Eden, Tāmaki Makaurau
– A bach in Whanarua Bay, East Coast
– A flat in Hataitai, Te Whanganui A Tara
– Boycrush’s studio, also in Mount Eden, Tāmaki Makaurau.
Who produced/engineered the album? How did the tracks come together in the studio, or at home?
I produced and engineered everything except the drum kit which we did in Alastair’s studio. As usual, it was all pretty DIY. I just set up my laptop and soundcard wherever I could.
How did the songwriting happen? Are there any overall themes within the songs/album?
I wrote all the songs on my acoustic guitar while I was living in Toronto in 2017/18. Some of the themes are:
– Place
– The meaning in moments gone/Why has that stayed with me all these years?
– Friendship
– The epic in the ordinary
– We are history and we are present.
Were you going for a different sound/approach on this album?
I normally just follow the songs. This time that meant more of an ‘organic’ sound I think? There’s more acoustic drums and quite a band vibe. I’m stoked to be playing the songs live with a drummer (Eddie).
Was there any specific gear you used to capture that?
I guess the acoustic drums and bass guitar? I use whatever gear I can borrow/get for very cheap.
Is there a particular single/track that you feel captures the essence of the album?
I think Holloway Road shows the mix of electronic and organic sounds. I think it’s also a song that succeeds in communicating the transcendence that we can find in our ordinary lives.
Is there a physical copy available? If not which digital platforms is it available on?
Yes! We’ve made a set of 11 postcards (+ a CD). Each postcard is a visually representation of a song. Nick Salmon did the photography/design and he did an awesome job. Available from Bandcamp or Slowboat Records on Cuba St.
Are you working on a video/videos for any of the songs? Are you doing any gigs or promotion for its release?
Yes! The video for Mount Victoria/Tangi-te-keo was filmed on location at the old Ellice St Quarry and is out in November. Videos for South Coast and Holloway Road are out now. We’re playing a big public show in Wellington in January – I’m excited about it.