theredsunband prepare for the Essential Festival, where they play alongside bands such as Dappled Cities, Belles Will Ring, Cloud Control and The Jezabels.
yourGigs (yG): How has the transition been between long-time drummer John Matthews, and his replacement, Jasper Fenton? Was it hard to adapt to a new playing style and a new personality in the band? Has Jasper's playing style influenced the way any new songs might sound?
Sarah Kelly (SK): John left the band at the end of 2007 and Jasper joined in May,2008. He's been on three tours with us now and Lizzie and I adore him. He's a lot like John musically but very different personally - he makes us laugh like idiots. We were very lucky to find Jasper ... it's been very easy. And yes, I think his playing style has affected our new songs. We're writing pretty grungey or shoe-gazing songs.
yG: Did Jasper go through any hazing processes to become initiated as an official redsun member?
SK: What the f***king hell is a "hazing process"?
yG: Your latest album, The Shiralee, is a 100 percent independent release. Would you say it's harder or easier to do things on your own, unencumbered by a record label?
SK: Recording was easier; less external pressure, less focus on stupid things like singles. Decision-making is easier because there are less people involved. But there is a lot more work.
yG: Have you set up your own label then? How was that process?
SK: It was fairly easy. ABN, business name, negotiating a P&D [publishing and distribution] deal with Shock, getting people we like doing our promo.
yG: Did you find you used your experience with other labels as a sort of "what not to do" guide, when setting up your own label?
SK: Well, yeah, but coming from a different perspective [as the band] it was always going to be completely different. I'm looking forward to working with other bands and artists and saying, "That's what you want to do? Are you sure? OK."
yG: Does The Shiralee have a theme or something in particular that inspired the songs?
SK: The song called 'The Shiralee' was inspired by the book of the same name by D'arcy Niland about a fellow who wanders around Australia. But I wouldn't say the album itself has a particular theme.
yG: Much of your song writing is quite sad and melancholy. Do you have any interest in writing brighter pop songs or do you prefer to stick with darker emotions?
SK: Well, the first record was just plain sad. Then with the second record I tried to make it sound happy but still be about sad things. The next one will be angry I hope. I like angry, it's fun.
yG: Finally, seeing as you are playing the Essential Festival, which bands would you put on your bill of "essentials", were you to curate a festival?
SK: I've always liked the idea of organising an all-girl festival in Australia. Get bands like Magic Dirt and Beaches and Spider Vomit and Bridezilla to play.
Aimee-Lee Curran
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