Tell us about your new single/album/tour?
Well, I’m launching my debut EP Night & Day on Sunday 27 August at Wesley Anne in Northcote, Melbourne. I’m really looking forward to bringing these alt-folk songs to the stage with a full band.The Night & Day EP explores the light and dark I think many of us shift between as we try to find ways to get closer to ourselves, the people we care about and the world out there. I think this is the most honest set of songs I’ve ever recorded, drifting between my dreaming and waking world, from a ‘self-directed protest song’ (my first single, Boxing Day’s Ails) to a sad-happy tale where I try to coax myself into being a better partner. I find that the alternative folk style gives me the space to tell the stories I want to tell while allowing them to fall apart where they need to, both lyrically and in terms of arrangement. I luckily stumbled on Richard Andrew (Pharmacy Studios and Underground Lovers) who I think really got that, having previously worked with folk-ish explorers like Grand Salvo. Richard did a phenomenal job as producer….and engineer, and mixer and drummer! With the live show, we’ll be doing these songs justice with some rich arrangements. So many of the players (flute, clarinet, harmonica, violin, double bass) who brought the tunes to life on the EP will be up on stage with me – I’m really looking forward to what they’ll bring to the rest of the set.The late afternoon gig will start with offbeat cabaret genius of Melissa Main and the beautiful, personal songs of Micha Hosking in Kite. They’re both incredibly talented songwriters – it will be great to share the stage with them.
What’s your favourite work at this point in time?
I’d have to say the title track to the EP, Night & Day. It came from an especially vivid dream I had, which I thought captured the excitement and terror of finally having to grow up, told through a semi-mythic kind of ‘hero’s journey’. On the recording, the string and wind players do most of the work bringing that dream into the real world. Andy Pap’s weird, bowed double bass opens the song and has this ethereal feel. Warren Howden (flute) and Gawain Davey (saxophone/clarinet) improvise their way through some dark depths in the instrumental, while Kylie Morrigan’s violin has a lovely grounding quality to it.
Tell us a quick, on the road or studio, anecdote…
At the last minute I was stuck for a drummer for my single launch earlier in the year. Nicola Bell (who’ll be playing drums at the EP launch) is such an amazing player that she got up and played on most of the set despite having never played on any of the songs before! And these aren’t simple rock numbers either – there’s some tricky stuff in there. She did such a great job that we got some sweet live versions that are up on my website. I can’t imagine what she’ll be able to do with some rehearsal!
What, or who, inspires you?
I’m inspired by artists (in any medium) who use their art as a way to explore who they are and to work towards being the best person they can be for the world. Right now, I’m transfixed by RuPaul’s Drag Race (not so alt-folky, I know, but I’ll take inspiration wherever I can get it!). I feel like RuPaul’s such a fearless performer who’s really familiar with his own demons and angels. He can explore serious things while still having a good time.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
Joan as Policewoman’s Real Life.How would you describe your sound in food form and why?I reckon a lot of people (myself included) are wandering around with the emotional equivalent of a cold, and I feel like my music can be a good antidote to that. So…chicken soup. Of course, living in inner Melbourne I’ll provide vegan/vegetarian option: miso broth with fresh vegies and tempeh.
What’s next for you?
Can’t wait to get back to recording once this EP is launched.
What’s your scene?
I’d love to say I’m one of the bohemian bon-vivants cycling between warehouse gigs in Montreal’s Mile End…but in reality my scene is more waiting in line at the local organic grocery store.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YHItl3NLNgor
About Unpainted Prospects
Evolving from the inner northern pubs and bedrooms of Melbourne Unpainted Prospects are an intimate alt-folk band who weave keenly observed tales from the personal to the political. Set in the musical world visited by explorer-songwriters such as Paul Simon, Glenn Richards (Augie March) and Joni Mitchell, they are excited to launch their EP entitled Night & Day (recorded with Richard Andrew from Underground Lovers/Pharmacy Records) at The Wesley Anne in Northcote on Sunday 27th August with support from Melissa Main and Kite.
Unpainted Prospects create a sonically rich tapestry of lush and poignant alt-folk delivered with beauty, sentiment and honesty all the while wearing their political leanings firmly on their sleeves. The band combine their musicianship seamlessly and really draw the audience in with their lilting tunes and strong vocals.
Unpainted Prospects is the latest vehicle for alt-folk storyteller Matthew Daniel. Formed in 2015, the current incarnation sees Daniel’s honest vocals sound across a rich landscape
inhabited by Nick Tumney (double bass), Gawain Davey (clarinet and saxophone), Warren Howden (flute), Nicola Bell (drums) and Alfred Daniel (backing vocals, harmonica). Songwriter Matthew Daniel previously honed his songwriting craft in The Fold, a band who enjoyed airplay on RRR and PBS and graced the same stage as José González at Haldern-Pop Festival, Germany and Jeanette (‘the German Kylie Minogue’) at Alive Festival, Belgium. Unpainted Prospects open doors to places that are sometimes raw, sometimes strange, sometimes clear and some- times achingly unsettled. They are one of those acts who are crucial in our tumultuous political climate. We need the poets, songwriters and creatives to speak up and say what the world is thinking – which they bravely do with their song Boxing Day’s Ails. Don’t miss your chance to see them live when they launch their new EP Night & Day at Wesley Anne on Sun 27th August. Support from Melissa Main who will play a set of eclectic blues folk cabaret with punchy lyrics, catchy tunes and a wicked sense of humour – think tales of the human story delivered with grace, wit and street-smarts. Also supporting on the top shelf bill is fellow alt-fok outfit Kite, led by Micha Hosking. Cost of entry is $7.
Unpainted Prospects – EP Launch
Wesley Anne
250 High Street, Northcote
Sun 27 August
Doors at 4pm
Support : Melissa Main & Kite Rock
Entry : $7 on the door