Here's Five: Ed Kuepper

Brisbane-based songsmith Ed Kuepper is performing two headline shows on these shores this weekend in support of his highly-regarded new record Lost Cities. The album marks the 50th release for Kuepper (excluding compilations) from his prolific career that saw him make music with The Saints, Laughing Clowns, Aints and under various solo incarnations. Ahead of his shows we asked Kuepper to share five favourites from his back-catalogue and the stories that go with them...

1. The Saints - Know Your Product
Eternally Yours, 1978
This and 'Memories' were the last two songs added to The Saints' Eternally Yours album. We had kind of finished the album but felt it wasn't enough of a step from the first one. In my younger years I wasn't that crazy about horns but I did love 'Hold On I'm Coming' by Sam and Dave and this is kind of a homage to the horn section on that tune....also started a new way of working for me.

2. Laughing Clowns - Eternally Yours
Law Of Nature, 1983
The first track released from Laughing Clowns Law Of Nature album. This is another example of the type of horn use that I started with on 'Know Your Product' where essentially the horn part was the main hook in the song. A lot of bands were using horn sections by that time but in a more supportive role.

3. Ed Kuepper - Electrical Storm
Electrical Storm, 1985
The title-track of my first solo album. After the Clowns had split I was considering doing something other than music but had recorded a number of songs on cassette at the kitchen table during the band's final months that I didn't think were right for the band ... I played the tape to a couple of friends who convinced me I needed to record the album.

4. Ed Kuepper -The Way I Made You Feel
Honey Steel's Gold, 1991
This song had been in my set since about 1988 and was always a crowd favourite, but it didn't get recorded until 1991 Honey Steel's Gold and by this time it was a more restrained version. It got a fair bit of radio play in Australia which was unusual for a completely independent release.

5. Ed Kuepper - Pavane
Lost Cities, 2015
The opening song on my new album. 'Pavane' was loosely inspired by reading the Keith Roberts' book of the same name.....the book deals with a 1960s Britain but one in which the reformation didn't happen.

Ed Kuepper is performing two New Zealand shows this weekend, with a show in Auckland on Saturday and then in Wellington on Sunday. Head over here for more information and to buy ticket.