INTERVIEW: The Teskey Brothers — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

TTB Montsalvat Lisa Businovski COL 022 - Copy.JPG

PHOTO CREDIT: Lisa Businovski

The Teskey Brothers

___________

THANKS to Liam from The Teskey Brothers…

Teskey-20-April-2017-0222_GRADED copy small.jpg

for chatting about the band’s new album, Half Mile Harvest, and the sort of themes that inspired it. I ask how the Melbourne band got together and what sort of music inspires them; if there is any new talent we need to get behind and whether we can catch the guys tour at all.

Liam highlights a favourite memory from his career and reveals band ambitions for 2019; if they are coming over to the U.K. at all and if they all get time to chill away from music – each of the band members choose a song to end the interview with.

__________

Hi. How are you? How has your week been?

Liam: Good! I’ve just been in the studio working on new songs and about to go into Triple R community radio station in Melbourne for a performance and interview. Always enjoy visiting radio stations.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?

Sure thing. We are The Teskey Brothers. We are four friends that grew up just outside of Melbourne, Australia and have been playing music together for over ten years. Brendon Love is on bass; me (Liam Gough) on drums; Sam Teskey on lead guitar and Josh Teskey on vocals and rhythm guitar.

Half Mile Harvest is your new album. Are there particular themes that define the record? Do you have favourite songs from it?

We didn’t realise it at the time of writing it, but it’s mostly about breakups and trying to hold relationships together. Songs like Pain and Misery and Crying Shame are pretty much what it says on the back of the box. Those themes resonate throughout the album. Bit of a downer but that’s what we were all kinda going through at the time.

I’m really excited to have I Get Up out in the world. It’s a fun song to play live and always gets the crowd moving!

When did The Teskey Brothers start making music? Do you remember those early days and the song you were playing?

A long time ago. We busked at the local market as teenagers and then eventually started playing gigs in the local pub across the road from the market. We mostly played Blues jams and stared at our feet. Slow beginnings!

Which artists did you all grow up around? Do you have any personal musical idols?

We idolised a lot of the local Melbourne Blues musicians. Melbourne has always had such a thriving music scene. We would go out and see lots of bands of all styles really. I think this gave us an appreciation for an eclectic array of styles and sounds.

TTB Montsalvat Lisa Businovski COL 028.JPG

PHOTO CREDIT: Lisa Businovski

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

We really wanted to make our album Half Mile Harvest available for people to buy in Europe and U.K. which, as of today, has actually happened - so that’s a big tick on the list. Otherwise; we’re hoping to record some new music and play a few Australian music festivals.

In that same vein; do you have plans for 2019 in terms of what you want to accomplish?

2019 is going to be another big year of touring, which will be fun. The past year has taken us all over, so we’re aiming to revisit Europe, U.S.A. and Japan. We’d also like to get to Canada and Scandinavia. Fingers crossed. We’ll also put out the next album so that will be a big moment too.

TTB Montsalvat Lisa Businovski COL 020.JPG

PHOTO CREDIT: Lisa Businovski

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?

There’s a festival near Melbourne called Meredith Music Festival. It was a life goal to play at that one. It’s such a unique site and the lineup is always so eclectic and incredible. Last year, we were given a late afternoon slot and it was such a special moment for us. I was a bit overwhelmed.

Which one album means the most to you would you say (and why)?

Electric Ladyland by The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Raw, live feel and mix of Blues, R&B and Rock. Incredible.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

I would love to support Neil Young. We would love to share a pizza with him and talk about the ’60s.

TTB Montsalvat Lisa Businovski COL 015.JPG

PHOTO CREDIT: Lisa Businovski

Can we see you on the road this year at all?

We are playing a handful of summer festivals in Australia this year

Might you come to the U.K. and play?

Yes! We’ll be there in February. Our London show is at the Union Chapel which looks incredible.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Just keep at it and don’t give up. Don’t change what you’re doing or how you’re sounding just because of trends. If you love the sort of sounds and music you are making then stick to your guns and just keep working hard. It took us ten years to hone our sound down to something we liked and I think we needed that time! There’s no rush!

IN THIS PHOTO: TEEKS

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I’d recommend checking out TEEKS from New Zealand. He’s making some really cool soulful music.

Do you all get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

We all love to have our own time and the more touring we do the more we realise that we need to make time for ourselves. We all have a strong connection to nature and love to go camping or hiking to clear our minds and connect with friends.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Sam Teskey: Peter Green – A Fool No More