theaussieword.com meets with Melbourne band The Walters.
What can you tell our readers about you? How and where did it all begin? We are a band called “The Walters”. Were from the south east of Melbourne. Have been together for about three years. And we play something in between Folk and Blues music.
What had you first interested in music?
I always listened to music as a child. I was heavily surrounded by music of the fifties and sixties, like The Beatles, Elvis, Bob Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel. I think all of those artists just sparked something inside of me that never went away.
Who motivates or influences your quest to make great music?
Always what other artists and other producers are doing. John Mayer’s “born and raised” and George Harrison’s solo material really inspired me on this EP and I think that’s really evident when listening to our song “Dark Heart”. But then I’m obsessed with producers like Ryan Tedder. He’s always on the forefront of music and always pushing boundaries that other people don’t dare. That always keeps me going.
Do you have any planned tours coming up?
At this stage, we’re only looking into Victorian based shows, but hopefully later this year, that will expand into nationally.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
I think my biggest dream as an artist would be the American and British media circuits. To play shows like Letterman or Jools Holland. I think that’s something that I would really be honoured to be a part of.
What can fans expect from you in the coming months?
More gigs, more covers, most likely another single, then towards the end of the year, HOPEFULLY another EP.
Success, what is the secret to it and what has been your biggest career highlight so far?
The secret to success is determination and perseverance. You have to know what you want, then you can’t stop until you get it. The biggest highlight I think so far would be playing the Easterfest festival in Brisbane this year. That was a tremendous blessing and honour to be a part of.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
At the moment, current stars would have to be John Mayer, The Tallest Man On Earth, Fleet Foxes, Buffalo Tales, Matt Corby, The Paper Kites and Local Natives. Love Love Love.
How would you best describe you and your music to your fans?
Coloured Silence.
What can you tell us about your latest album?
“Bring Me Water” is mainly about what I’ve been going through in the past few years. It deals with the pressure and problems of a failing relationship, it deals with friendship and a sense of feeling alone. Then deals with personal struggle and self-confidence. Could be considered depressing… but there’s a certain beauty in pain that I think music can possess and express.
Are there any new exciting projects in the works?
There is too much new material in the works. So many new songs and new directions to take. Now it’s just a matter of stripping away what’s not necessary and making sure we have the best ‘cream of the crop’ so to speak.
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
Hopefully living off my own music. Touring the world and continuing to express myself in the only way I know how!
Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists.
Matt Corby, Hamish Anderson, the Paper Kites, Buffalo Tales, Gotye, Ian Rickard. Tremendous Australian talent.
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?
The industry has changed dramatically. Music is now much more accessible and there are more and more artists all over the world trying more and more different things. So that of course makes it quite competitive. In terms of The Walters, I’m actually a big fan of people downloading music. I know in terms of Fleet Foxes and Maroon 5, it really helped to launch their career. So if people decide to share our music and download it for free, yet still turn up to gigs? Then who am I to complain.
Thank you for the interview!
Website: www.thewalters.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thewaltersmusic