In this
interview, Australian artist Clare Easdown discusses her bold transition to a
raw, unpolished sound in her latest track "Rebel Hearts," inspired by
punk rock.
1.
"Rebel Hearts" marks a shift in your sound, moving toward a
Post-Punk, Political Punk vibe. What inspired you to make this bold genre
transition?
Thank you so much for having me. Yes, “Rebel Hearts” has marked a drastic shift
in my music making. My girlfriend actually inspired this change. She introduced
me to bands such as Fugazi, Li Tigre, Bikini Kill, Cable Ties, Amyl and The
Sniffers and Cable Ties. When I witnessed Fugazi on YouTube immersing
themselves on a stage with an amazing writhing crowd it opened my mind. My
girlfriend completely inspired me through showing me these artists and totally
opened my mind. I just knew I had to be a part of it somehow, and make my next
release infused with even just a slither of this style.
2. You mentioned imperfections in the track were left intentionally. Can you
elaborate on how embracing rawness and imperfection contributes to the overall
message of "Rebel Hearts"?
Yes, when I laid the vocals I could hear all the imperfections and yet somehow
I feel they added to the overall impact and theme of “Rebel Hearts”. I sent the
demo to a few people and they told me about all the imperfections. However, my
girlfriend said it’s perfect as is and I’m so glad she did because I couldn’t
agree more. I feel we are all too precious with music and sometimes having it
perfectly mixed and mastered can strip away at the process and individuality of
a work.
3. Your girlfriend introduced you to Punk Rock, which had a profound
influence on this track. How did this discovery change your approach to
music-making?
Being introduced to Punk Rock by my girlfriend totally flipped all my notions
about how to create music on its head. There are always release plans, rules,
strategies and of course mixing and mastering to a professional level. This
discovery of Punk Rock and being introduced to such incredible artists made me
realise there are other alternative ways to create, that don’t abide by the
rules and embrace the imperfect.
4. How does "Rebel Hearts" embody the concept of rebellion and individuality that you champion in your music?
“Rebel Hearts” embodies the rebellion I believe by just being true to the message that art and life isn’t always going to be perfect. We are all different and should embrace this notion. Often we are all afraid to deviate out of the norm or what is considered “acceptable”. As humans we are pack animals and always want to fit in. “Rebel Hearts” challenges this and offers an alternative where not fitting in should be accepted and true to your authenticity. I hope "Rebel Hearts" could be an anthem to celebrate authenticity and individuality.
5. In an age of polished production, why was it important for you to keep the track raw and unpolished, even using an iPhone to record vocals?
I feel music these days is over produced and people are always so precious about what they release. Often a lot of music is unheard because it sits on a hard drive collecting dust. I say release it straight away. I feel music shouldn’t be overworked and imperfections actually show a journey and difference that should be in fact celebrated. I used my iPhone because I want to express the notion that anyone can create music and should. It should be easily accessible to everyone and not just for the elite who have copious amounts of cash and high tech equipment.
6. You’ve performed live at several venues and busked in various locations around Sydney. How have these live performances shaped your sound and artistic growth?
Yes, my favorite so far with performing would be busking. I have busked in Mt Druitt which is a poorer part of Sydney. I loved talking to the locals in the area and immersing myself in the culture. Busking in that area isn’t the norm so it was a challenge and interesting to bring music to the streets there. I also busked once in Newtown which is avid for buskers. A group of people surrounded me and we quite literally raved in the street. It was a really special moment that I’ll never forget. I love how you never know what kind of connections you’ll make when busking and who will be moved by the music. It’s definitely shaped my sound and growth by showing me that music is a universal language that shoots through the hearts of all and that I should just keep releasing it as much as humanly possible.
7. The music video for "Rebel Hearts" features your girlfriend skating. How does her approach to skateboarding tie into the ethos of rebellion in your music?
My girlfriend skates old school. Back before skating was in half pipes and competitions skaters would use their surroundings and the street and incorporate this into their skating. It was more of an art form than a sport. My girlfriend says she wants skating to be accessible for everyone. She skates on trollies in the street, rocks, ledges, benches, gutters, signs, bins, fridge boxes, you name it! She feels that if she incorporates the environment around us it could inspire others to do the same. Also, when releasing footage of her skating she will always film the stuff ups. To express that she doesn’t get the trick straight away, that it’s a journey and that’s deeply part of the destination. I feel that ties in beautifully with my music making and that’s why I’ve left “Rebel Hearts” rough, raw and imperfect. Expressing the similar notion to her skating ethos that it’s the journey and imperfections that can be in fact interesting and powerful.
8. Punk music often challenges societal norms and expectations. How do you feel "Rebel Hearts" speaks to those who feel like misfits or outsiders?
I feel “Rebel Hearts” expresses that one can be imperfect, rough, raw and unpolished and that’s completely ok. It’s ok to embrace the rough edges and mess. By embracing the imperfections it’s almost perfect in itself and allows for people to be real and not strive for perfection all the time.
9. Mixing and mastering the track yourself from your home in Menai must have been a personal process. What challenges and triumphs did you encounter during the production?
As I produced the entire track on my iPhone there is only so much I can do when mixing and mastering it. I loved the parameters it kept me working in and I feel it gave me a real sense of creativity working within these confines.
10. Your influences span from Trap and Trip-Hop to Punk Rock. How do you blend such different genres to create a sound that is uniquely yours?
My sound has been in the past described as ethereal. I wanted to keep an air of that ethereal sound in my vocals yet add a bit of edge and rasp. I also harmonised throughout the whole track which I feel gave it a different edge and feel.
11. What message do you hope listeners take away from "Rebel Hearts," especially those who might feel they don't fit into societal expectations?
The main message I want to convey from “Rebel Hearts” is that not everything has to be polished and perfect. Embrace wrinkles, curves, rough edges, freckles, moles and rawness. We are human and that’s ok. We are forever trying to fit into molds that are unattainable. “Rebel Hearts” is a track that says relax, be you and enjoy it.
12. You’ve received praise from various outlets for your previous work. How do you balance external validation with staying true to your artistic vision?
I try to always, as hard as it is, challenge the norm and believe in what I’m doing. I had a lot of people say “Rebel Hearts” wasn’t finished and told me everything that wasn’t "Punk" about it. I ended up just thinking you know what, I believe it has something so I’ll just release it and test it. I’m so glad I did. Thank you so much for having me!
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