Currently working on a follow-up to their album Psychosis of Love, Gwen and Jade from The Gladeyes took some time out to share some insight about their new album, how they write their material and the sad truth about trying to hit up op-shops when on tour in small towns.
What’s been happening with The Gladeyes recently?
We’ve been writing some new material, and starting to record again for another album. It’s fun to get some new songs going! We’re also making a video for “One Million Kisses”, a song off our last album, involving giant cardboard cut out kisses and boys in school uniform!
What’s the most interesting thing (music-wise) you have done this year?
Jade: Rediscovering my record collection… so good to listen to songs I used to love years ago that made me want to start making music in the first place.
Gwen: Figuring out how to use a bow on my guitar-Jimmy Page styles.
Are you writing and / or recording anything new at the moment?
Yes, we are doing a new album! It will probably be more loose than the last one, we are looking forward to rediscovering our low-fi roots. Hopefully it will be a quicker process too, the last one took 2 and a half years so we are excited to see what we can do in a shorter amount of time.
Has your writing process changed over the time you’ve been together as a band?
Our writing process is still similar from the old days in that there’s no specific way we write them. Some we write together, some we write more separately. The subject matter has changed a bit too but that’s probably cause we view the world a bit differently than we did 8 years ago - that’s growing up we guess! But in saying that the songs are often about interpersonal relationships and the knots that you can get yourself into.
Have you ever had to tell one another that you don’t like what the other has written?
We have written lots of songs that disappear, if we feel like they’re not really taking off. It’s usually pretty obvious when this happens! We both generally know if a song isn’t going too well.
Do you have any plans to tour?
We are trying to organise an overseas tour at the moment which is pretty daunting, but it should be a lot of fun. We are hoping to go to Europe, or the States.
What’s your favourite thing about touring?
The best thing about touring is that it’s like having a holiday. We both love road trips and stopping small town op-shops (although it seems like they’re never open when you drive past!). Also of course it’s fun to hang out with your buddies and get to see and play in new towns each day….we must try and do this more…
Is there anything that you absolutely have to take with you on tour (apart from the obvious!)?
Some good CDs for the drive.
What’s the best thing about being a band in Auckland?
There are so many bands around at the moment, it’s nice to be a part of that community. There’s always great local bands playing around that are worth going to see…it’s nice to see that happening in your own town.
Have you ever received a piece of advice from someone that changed your outlook on being a musician?
All live performances are perfect.
What’s the nicest thing that a fan has ever said to you?
If you play a show and someone comes up and says they like it, that is always the nicest thing.
Do you think it’s important for bands to embrace social networking?
It can be a really good way to get your music out there. The internet is definitely a great thing for musicians and also for fans of music, when you find out someone in another country likes your band it’s really cool.
What do you do when you’re not being The Gladeyes?
We are always the Gladeyes.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Pastels/Tenniscoats split album. The reissue of Black Tambourine recordings.
What does the future hold for The Gladeyes?
Who knows?
The state of music in NZ is…
There’s always room for new bands!
