INTERVIEW:
Fletcher Pilon
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I have been finding out about Fletcher Pilon...
and his new E.P., Thoughts. He discusses his musical tastes and upbringing; a few albums that are very important to him and what the music scene is like in Australia at the moment – he picks a few rising artists to look out for.
I wanted to know if there are going to be any tour dates coming up and whether he will come to the U.K. at some point; how he relaxes away from music and which artist he’d support on the road if he could – Pilon chooses a classic cut to end the interview with.
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Hi, Fletcher. How are you? How has your week been?
I’m fantastic, thank you! This has been such a great week with releasing my Thoughts E.P. and playing the release show with my band in Indy Linzbichler and Grace Labrum at the Avoca Beach Hotel on the East Coast of Australia the next day. It was actually my eighteenth, so really the best way to spend it!
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
Hey. I’m Fletch! I’m from the Central Coast, Australia and play singer/songwriter music with some Rock influence. I’ve recently started playing with a band and bringing in some more riff-based songs as well as the Folk-influenced songs. I wrote from a place of contemplation and thought and always want to comment on something in my music.
I love poetry so elements of that come through my songwriting.
Your E.P., Thoughts, is out. What was it like putting it together? Was it quite a rewarding experience?
It was an incredibly rewarding experience. I wrote these songs by myself in my bedroom, so seeing how they came together with the band in a recording sense was just awesome. I’m just so happy that people finally get to hear all these things that I’ve wanted to say.
Are there any songs that stand out as personal favourites?
All the songs hold a deep meaning with me. In terms of lyricism, Thought Song is one that I’m really proud of. From commenting on corruption of innocence in modern media, to mining; the education system, politics and a whole lot of other things…I’m so lucky to be able to release music like this song - that is a reflection of how I approach life.
Do you remember when music came to you? Did you always grow up around different sounds?
Since I was young, I’ve always been drawn to music. I remember being only three or four and knowing all the words to a Play School album. Haha. My dad also plays guitar, so that definitely helped get me into it when I started playing and writing songs at about twelve.
Are there any ambitions for the rest of 2019 in terms of music and plans?
We’re playing some shows with the band soon and looking to add some more for June/July. I’d love to potentially record some more this year but, at the moment, I’m stoked to see out this Thoughts E.P. and the things that come with that.
Being based in Australia, what is the music scene like there? Which towns and cities do we need to look at regarding the best talent?
I’m from the Central Coast - which is about an hour north of Sydney, Australia. Sydney has an awesome music scene with lots of new bands and awesome venues. Melbourne is also hugely music-orientated; Australian music feels to be in a fantastic place at the moment.
Do you have a standout memory from your time in music so far?
Winning Australia’s Got Talent in 2016 will always be a monumental highlight for me. It was such a moving and special experience in dedicating my performances to my late little brother, Banjo. I was so honoured to be able to share his story and spread his positivity for life.
Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?
Definitely Bob Dylan’s The Times They Are a-Changin’. The lyrics on this album and the way he approaches songwriting inspires me tremendously. I teared up when I first listened to the song With God on Our Side and that weight of emotion is something that I’d like my music to bring to someone.
The Beatles’ Abbey Road is one of my favourite albums. I was on the train to Sydney when I first listened to it and I had an epiphany-like experience. From the emotion and craft in writing it just cut straight through to me.
Another album that I just admire is Jeff Buckley’s You and I. It’s a collection of demos he did as live takes that was only released a couple of years ago. His voice is just magnetising and honest. I love Julia Jacklin’s Don’t Let the Kids Win for the same reason.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
Bob Dylan and a bottle of kombucha for rider. Haha.
Are you planning any gigs in the coming months?
Yes! Playing a few shows around the East Coast of Australia:
Sunday, 14th April - Going Off at The Swamp (Central Coast)
Sunday, 21st April - Seaview Tavern (Woolgoolga, N.S.W.)
Friday, 3rd May - Some Velvet Morning (Melbourne)
Sunday, 5th May - The Newsagency (Sydney).
And also more shows to be released soon…
Might we see you in the U.K. this year at all?
Potentially, I’d love that! I’m planning on coming next year - once I finish school - for a bit of a music holiday with my girlfriend.
How important is performing? Do you prefer it to life in the studio?
Performing is my favourite thing to do in music. I love being in the studio but nothing compares to interacting with an audience and sharing that experience - especially when playing my own songs.
IN THIS PHOTO: Julia Jacklin/PHOTO CREDIT: Nick Mckk
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
I love Julia Jacklin’s music and fully recommend that. Didirri and Joel Leggett are also sick.
IN THIS PHOTO: Didirri
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
Music can often be my chill from music. I love coming back to sitting in my studio and writing songs. I also love surfing, so the ocean is where I turn to reset.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Awesome, cheers! With God on Our Side - Bob Dylan. I think the more people that appreciate Bob Dylan the better the world will be. Haha.
Thanks heaps!
Fletch.
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