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. Up next are Lawnmaster, who have just released their 4th album.

Who are you? Tell us a bit about your music:
Lawnmaster is an old school guitar pop band. We’ve been a three piece for most our life, with Ken Double (g/v) Al Street (b) and John McDonald (d/k). We’ve been permanently joined by guitarist Peter Velvin in the last year. The band is mostly a vehicle for Ken’s songs with Al chipping in. We’ve made four albums since 2011.

What have you been working on lately? Any new tracks or albums on the way?
We’ve just released our fourth album, Curable Romantic, and are emerging from a long COVID huddle to do gigs.

Where is the best place people can follow you & find your music?
We’re on all the platforms but Bandcamp is always best. There are CDs as well for anyone who wants to get hold of us.

What were the 3 most influential albums to you growing up?
That’s going to depend on who you ask, but since Ken’s writing this he gets to say!
‘Who’s Next’ by The Who. Great songs liberated from their Lifehouse prison but with thematic roots intact. The idea of the rhythm section as a series of triggered explosions. An enduring late teen obsession.
‘The Velvet Underground and Nico‘. Art pop that optimises both cultures. University of course.
‘Rust Never Sleeps’ by Neil Young. The proto-slacker approach only emphasises the epic sweep of the songwriting. A personal totem from the day I bought it.

Which other Wellington musician (s) would you most like to work with?
I will quit my lousy singing for life if Julia Deans promises to do it for me. Can we still claim her? Also, Vorn and Luke BUDA.

What’s your favourite Wellington venue to play in?
We have a sentimental attachment to Moon.

In your songwriting or composing (or the band’s songwriting) how do the compositions and songs take shape?
All on acoustic guitar. Chords first, melody next, subject matter groped toward through initial lyrical ideas and then final words. Finally, a demo with a skeletal but fungible arrangement.

Where/when is your next gig?
We’re organising that now!