theaussieword.com catches up with Dave Powys from The Paper Kites for a special interview.Give us an introduction. How did it all begin? What had you first interested in music?
I’ve been going to church most of my life, and always loved singing and watching the drummer play. I was also introduced to great bands by my older sister. Albums like ‘Dookie’ by Green Day
and ‘Sparkle and Fade’ by Everclear. These were formative for me and made me want to play myself.
and ‘Sparkle and Fade’ by Everclear. These were formative for me and made me want to play myself.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
The love of music, it always comes back to just wanting to play it and be surrounded by it.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
To live of what I do. To actually make enough money to not settle for plan b.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
We’re all set to release our album very soon, and we’ll be hitting the road in support of our new album in October.
Tell us a bit about your latest album and how would you best describe your music?
There has been a shift from the older more well known style of songwriting. Considering all the songs were written between the hours of 12am and 4am, It still resembles the trademarks of our band, and should be an exciting direction to take to live audiences.
Success, what is the secret to it?
Hardwork, consistency, sacrifice, friendship and a willingness to drive for long hours.
What has been your biggest career highlight?
Selling out our first ever headline show in the US two years ago now at a little venue in San Fransisco was a major highlight for me. There was a line of people out the front doors before the show, and I kept wondering “who are they here to see?’
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
I’m a big Questlove fan. He’s done so much great stuff in his career, but is still happy to play on the tonight show. Also Lance Ferguson of Bamboos fame really gets around and even does a show on double J now.
Any new projects in the pipeline?
Not currently.
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists.
Something For Kate, Hiatus Kaiyote, Tame Impala, Ainslie Wills.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
A lot had changed! The good thing is there is more access to music than ever before. The bad thing is our materialistic nature has now been given a musical shopping mall. We can browse and stream and exploit artists work before actually paying for it and treasuring it (If we even get that far anymore).
Thanks for the interview! What final message do you have for us today?
If anyone ever comes to one of our shows and wonders ‘Should I say hi to that guy/girl) from The Paper Kites?” the answer is YES! you should. we love meeting people and having a yarn. So do it.