Here's Five: Miles Calder

Having released their debut album last month, Wellington outfit Miles Calder & The Rumours have been making tracks around the country to give their lush alt-country tunes a proper outing on the road. Cooked up over a two-year period, the self-titled record was written during a transitional time for Calder - during that time he spent a year living away in New York and embarked on his debut European tour - and the result is an album that shows a maturing from 2011's, Crossing Over EP. We asked Miles to share some of his sonic influences while penning the record and here are the beautiful songs he shared...

"The album was made over a long two years, so all of us in the band had new favourite albums come and go, and definitely no lack of inspiration and influences. Too many to list here (shout outs to Highway 61, Otis Redding, Edward Sharpe and many more). I can at least give you five that I've been obsessed with at some point over the last couple years..." M

1. Bahamas - 'Lost In The Light'
This song was probably my most played of 2015. It sounds like home and the first time I heard it, I'd felt like I'd known it all my life. The sparse arrangement is ridiculously cool and beautiful, and I think those choices show incredible poise and consideration. The overt backing vocals definitely inspired us to feature harmonies strongly on our album.

2. Girls - 'Forgiveness'
I was introduced to the band Girls by a friend, and have loved the bold production and arrangement decisions on their albums. This tune has such perfect dynamic shifts and just kills me every time those drums bring in the guitar solo. The patience in the drawing out of only a few chords is such great presentation of a heartfelt sentiment. I have definitely had some loud listens of this one.

3. Ryan Adams - 'Please Do Not Let Me Go'
There are a lot of Ryan Adams tunes that could be in this list. Some of his songs have been a massive influence on the band and my writing, especially the Heartbreaker album. This song is heartbreaking and has that reflective, timeless feel that I think drew me to songwriting. The release you get from the band coming in is what it's all about.

4. The Rolling Stones - 'Loving Cup'
I've been a bit obsessed with Exile On Main St since I first heard it around eight years ago. It's like a window into the inner works of a recording band at its most messy, raw and inspired. This tune has such a great full band vibe, that it feels bursting at the seems with instruments and voices. We definitely chased that on some of the songs on our album, adding piano, organ, extra guitars and plenty of back up vocals.

5. Father John Misty - 'When You're Smiling and Astride Me'
I got to see Father John Misty with full band in a really intimate venue in NYC last year. Though he's super sarcastic, he's got this honesty and urgency, especially in his voice, and I think he's one of the most interesting recording artists around today. His second album was confrontingly revealing and challenges you. I love how the pallet of the instruments is reminiscent of early 70s, but has still been put together in a fresh way and most importantly acts to serve the lyrics. The melodies are amazing.

Miles Calder & The Rumours

Friday 18th November, San Fran, Wellington
Saturday 19th November, St Peter's Hall, Paekakariki (supporting Looking For Alaska)
Friday 16th December, The Wine Cellar, Auckland

Head over here to buy tickets to the Wellington and Auckland shows

Photo by Amandala Photography