An interview with Boy and Bear
- genevavalek
- May 6, 2014
- 3 min read
Throughout their career, from the sweet whistling melodies of their first album to the amazingly produced works of wonder of their second LP, Boy and Bear have kept us entranced with their unique and groundbreaking music and amazing live shows. We had a chat with the bassist Dave Symes Boy and Bear, ahead of their massive national regional tour.
So you are currently undertaking a very extensive tour of Australia. What was the motivation to visit all these smaller towns of Australia??
We feel it’s important to play the smaller towns. It’s such a vast place and and it’s nice to be able to take to the road and explore new places and meet new people that are coming to our shows.
Are there any regional towns that you haven’t been able to get to play at yet that you wish you could visit?
We would like to play more in Tasmania and are hoping to do so in the future.
What are the differences between playing a gig at a major city, and a smaller show in a regional town?
Sometimes the best shows are in the smallest rooms! It can be more intimate at smaller shows which can be nice.
What songs do you particularly enjoy playing live and why?
We have been really happy with how the new album material is fitting with the older repertoire. It’s given new life to the set which makes for a fresh sound across the board.
What bands have you been particularly enjoying recently?
Beck’s new album “Morning Phase”. Great album to listen to when your on the road.
Do you feel you would spend more time listening to local or international musicians? Is this a conscious decision?
I would say it’s a real mix. I tend to listen to things that get my attention, and aim to listen with an open mind and not get caught up in who /what/ where. With the internet it is very easy to discover new music from all over the globe.
You're definitely starting to get a lot of radio play as well as sell-out shows in America and the UK. How is breaking into these new markets going?
We just returned from our first tours OS and it was an amazing trip. Exciting to have people on the other side of the world coming along to our shows and listening to our records. We def covered a lot of Miles and have seen some amazing places.
Do you have any particular aspirations when it comes to success overseas?
I guess our aim is that we hope to continue to have an international audience and to continue to be able to tour OS with each album.
After you’re done conquering the world, what is next?
The world is a big place! haha. we are happy for other people to conquer as long as we are invited to the celebrations!
You played recently at South By Southwest in Texas, America. What was the experience like?
South X was a crazy few days. We did 7 shows in 2 days and there were a bunch of bands doing the same thing. Music on every corner. It’s an electrifying experience!
Currently Triple J has a strong wave of indie folk bands. How does it feel to know that you have directly influenced a large number of up-and-coming musicians?
The beautiful thing about music is that everyone is influenced and inspired by something. To be part of that chain is a great privilege.
What are the vices that keep you sane while touring?
It’s amazing how much fun you can have with a simple little tennis ball!
Interview by Matthew Turner
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