Hey Quinny, thanks for taking the time to chat with 27 Magazine.
- Musical Evolution: OUTER MONOLOGUE is your dubut album! How long have you been working on the album for?
Most of the songs are relatively new, written between 2020 and 2023 which I feel quite good about. I recorded in 2 main stints, one in September 2022 and another in January 2023. Originally it was going to be an EP but decided to go for an album instead.
- Inspiration Station: Every song has a story! Can you share the craziest or most unexpected inspiration behind a track from the new album?
With ‘Up the Dollar’ I thought it would be a great challenge to try and write a right-wing punk song, really trying to put myself in someone else’s shoes. It didn’t really work, as it sounds quite like a joke the whole way through, but I do have to preface it with an explanation before I play it live or soundcheck with it, just in the off chance the irony doesn’t quite land.
- Lyrical Journey: Your lyrics often reflect personal experiences. Did you write any of the songs while on an adventure, perhaps sipping coffee in a quirky café?
Well lots of the lyrics I reckon are written about adjusting to living in Australia and thinking about being away from home – ‘Friends’, ‘An Act of Contrition’ and ‘No Place to Die’ definitely have strong notes of homesickness, with more of it peppered throughout the album for sure.
- Collaborative Vibes: Who did you have the most fun collaborating with on this album? Any behind-the-scenes shenanigans you can share?
So many collaborators! All mostly from other Scottish bands such as Marie Collins (The Vegan Leather), Graham McCusker (Marouli), Kieran Logan (Kassidy) and Dan Drennan (Noise Club), but I got to work with some Melbourne mates too – Adam Green (Cannon), Scott Green (Pretty Follies), Naomi Oakley, Estelle Conley and Rowena Wise. I even roped in my girlfriend Maddy for some BVs.
At the studio I recorded the album in (Tpot Studios near Perth in Scotland), Robin who runs the place has befriended a jackdaw who just flys in and out of the studio as she wishes. When I was recording the acoustic guitar for ‘Settlers’ I had to stop a few times – the guys were trying to cook in the kitchen (there was a window from the live room into the kitchen so I could see) and Jackie kept swooping in and pecking their heads. Not only was their squealing ruining the takes, but it was just so funny to watch behind some nice safe glass.
- Touring Fun: What’s one thing you’re most excited about when playing shows—local food, beaches, or maybe a legendary venue?
I love seeing new venues and meeting new bands. Those connections end up carrying on for years. I once played a show with a guy Jeff Brown in Nashville. Since then we’ve played shows together in Glasgow and London. I like having an international network of people to count on.
- Fan Favorites: If you could pick one song from OUTER MONOLOGUE to perform live that you think will really resonate with the fans, which would it be and why?
I think ‘Everything You Want’ would be that song. It’s upbeat and catchy to reel you in, but I think the lyrics about the difficulty we have accepting that things in our lives could be going well will connect with a lot of people – if they can make out what I’m saying!
- Pre-Show Rituals: Do you have any quirky rituals or routines you do before going on stage? We need the juicy details!
Pre-show not so much. I just need to make sure I’m warmed up and I put my phone away. I did have a rule with an old band that we couldn’t do the toilet once we’d reached the venue, which obviously made things difficult!
I’m more of a post show routine guy. I get very amped up when I’m on stage so I need a minute to calm down. So I normally have to hide for about 10-15 mins (which seems rude) then I chat to people, then pack down my stuff. It annoys some sound engineers, but generally it’s all good.
- Unexpected Covers: If you could cover any song (regardless of genre), what would it be and why?
Maddy has been well warned that if we get married she’ll need to join me on stage to do the dueling guitar solos from ‘The End’ from Abbey Road at the party. So I’m looking forward to that.
- Touring Antics: What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you on tour in the past?
I played at a university party in a basement in Amherst, Massachusetts once which was pretty wild. A girl there told me my voice was perfect, which I’m sure I believe but it was really nice to hear.
- Looking Ahead: With the album around the corner, what’s the one thing you hope fans take away from OUTER MONOLOGUE?
Mostly, I’m just hoping that people are inspired to make their own music. I had so much fun getting people together to do this and I’d recommend anyone needing an excuse to reconnect with old mates or make new ones try something similar.
OUTER MONOLOGUE is out Thursday October 17
https://quinny.ffm.to/outermonologue
QUINNY – UPCOMING SHOWS:
SAT 19 OCT | THE GEM (UPSTAIRS), COLLINGWOOD, VIC | ALL AGES
Album listening party – Free entry
THU 19 DEC | SHOTKICKERS, THORNBURY, VIC | 18+
Tickets available from Moshtix