INTERVIEW: LEISURE — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

LEISURE

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I start the week by finding out about the New Zealand band...

PHOTO CREDIT: Ravi Chand

LEISURE and their latest single, Easy Way Out. Jaden from the band takes up the questions and tells me about the track; what the music scene is like in New Zealand and how they got together – he reveals what we can expect from the band’s approaching album.

I ask if there is an album that means a lot to him; whether there are gigs coming up for the band; if there are any rising artists we need to get behind – he ends the interview by selecting a pretty cool track.

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

Very well, thank you - though sorry it is only I, Jaden. N.Z. has a heatwave, so we're taking it easy.

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

We're LEISURE, a five-piece sensual, relax-o band from New Zealand.

Easy Way Out is your new single. What is the story behind it?

We wrote it on a writing trip in Huia, New Zealand. We hired a place on Airbnb and had two makeshift studios going. The song is about pushing through the muck with a Cod-Reggae soundtrack.

I believe there is an album due later this year. Can you reveal the stories/ideas behind it?

Yes. We have just finished the record and the idea was to expand on where we've been but stay true to ourselves and enjoy the ride.

How did LEISURE find one another? Was it an instant chemistry?

I had met all the guys over my years working in the N.Z. music industry. Once we all got together and made music it all happened pretty easily. Our first single, Got It Bad, was one of the first songs we wrote.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ravi Chand

I cannot imagine there is a huge music scene in Auckland. Would that be a misconception?

Yep, totally: we have a very good music scene.

When you were growing up, what sort of music inspired you?

We all have different influences, which come through in our LEISURE tunes, but we all appreciate honest music with good songwriting and no B.S.

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

I think, for me, it would be our very first writing trip, where the band formed. But, we also recently performed at the Auckland Town Hall back by the seventy-two--piece, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

PHOTO CREDIT: Connor Nestor

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

It's hard to have just one, though I'd say Carole King - Tapestry. It never gets old and always puts a smile on my dial.

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

Not sure how to answer that...

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Do what makes you happy and focus on your craft.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ravi Chand

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

Yes. We're heading to Australia and have U.K. dates to be announced soon.

As you are all men of LEISURE; what leisure activity would you select as your favourite?

Somewhere at an isolated beach house, hanging out and making music.

IN THIS PHOTO: HIGH HØØPS

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Our guy Jordan from LEISURE, a.k.a. HIGH HØØPS, has a solo record out. A couple of the boys are working with a young kiwi artist called BENE; also Lord Echo from Wellington.