THEAUSSIEWORD.COM special interview with Juice Webster.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
I wouldn’t say my interest was drawn to the music industry itself, but rather drawn to just making songs and wanting people to hear them. I grew up in a house where music was always playing, so I was always singing and listening, enamoured by music as a form of expression. I learnt the violin when I was little and then the saxophone and gradually the guitar. Once I was able to accompany myself on the guitar, the songs came tumbling out.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
I make music as a way of expressing myself and trying to make sense of thoughts or feelings. I’m motivated by my experiences and emotions, and influenced by art that feels honest and true, but also unique.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?
Mainly I just want to release music that I’m proud of and that I believe in. It would also be cool to play some festivals, tour internationally and collaborate with artists I admire.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
You can expect lots more music and hopefully a tour later in the year.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
‘In the Zone’ is my latest song. It’s about dissociation and disconnection and feeling just not quite there. I recorded it last year with a really special band and had a lot of fun doing so. It’s been a while since I released music, so in a way it feels like a clean slate. The new music feels different from my previous releases – a bit more alive, and chaotic in ways, but also just more mature maybe? I’m not really sure.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
As mentioned above, the reason I write songs is to process thoughts and feelings. I usually start by strumming something on the guitar, playing around until something sticks. Then I just sing over the top of it until I land on something I like and flesh it out from there. It’s a lot of trial and error and I mostly just follow my intuition and what I think sounds and feels nice.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
Nah – I’m a pretty open book I think.
Success, what is the secret to it?
Haha I’m not sure there is a secret to it. If there is one I definitely don’t know it!
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Probably recording this latest batch of music really. I had the best time and it felt like the beginning of something really special.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
Yeah actually! I’ve been making lots of music lately with different people for different projects… stay tuned.
The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself a few years?
It’s impossible to say. I hope I’m still making music because I just really love to do it, but who knows? So much can change so quickly, I’m trying my best to stay present.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
I love the actual music part – the song writing and recording and performing. My least favourite part is how expensive it is haha.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
There are so many. Hannah McKittrick, Armlock, Phoebe Go, Geography (yet to release music but keep an ear out!), Workhorse, Jade Imagine, Jack Grace, Imogen Cygler, Sandy Hsu, Alexander Biggs, Hatchie… I really could go on.
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?
This is a hefty question. Social media is obviously an incredibly useful tool in getting your music out there. Personally, I find it quite challenging because it’s not something that comes naturally to me (yet), but I very much see its value. I guess it’s just important to be yourself and not overthink it all too much – share what you want to share, and don’t feel pressured to present yourself in a way that doesn’t feel right. You’re the boss.
At the end of the day, I still think the most important thing is to make music that feels good and true to you – that will always matter more than a viral social media moment… I hope.
How will you continue appealing to the international market?
I’m just going to keep making music that I love and hopefully that will resonate across the seas.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
Yes! I write the songs by myself, but I’ve worked with a bunch of people in the recording phase of my new music. Simon Lam produced it, Theo Carbo played guitar, Ollie Cox played drums and Noah Hutchinson played bass. They’re all incredible. At this point I just want to keep making music with my friends.
What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Follow your gut and just keep writing songs. And write songs for you first. If other people like them, that’s great, but you’ve gotta like them first.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans?
Come say hello if you see me in the street! Otherwise send me a message on Instagram or something.
Any last words?
Thanks for having me.
Facebook: @juicewebstermusic
Twitter: @juicewebster_
Instagram: @juicewebster