White Summer on “Soul Breaker”
After a massive 2017 supporting the likes of British India and Ash Grunwald, rock band White Summer have released their debut album Soul Breaker. with sold out shows in Melbourne and Sydney, rotation on MTV Upload, national and community radio airplay plus a song feature in the Nevermind Adventure documentary that had over 50,000 views, White Summer have been busy readying their debut Long Player for release.
On the back of singles Zero In Tennis, Talk Me Through and Out Of Phase the Melbourne rockers have continued to gain momentum with support slots with Holy Holy, DMAs and Kingswood. Their debut album was recorded at the Grove Studios with acclaimed producer Burke Reid (who has worked with the likes of Peter Garrett, Sarah Blasko, Courtney Barnett and DZ Deathrays). Jimmy from the band answers some questions for Hi Fi Way: The Pop Chronicles about their debut album.
Did you feel proud as punch with your new album Soul Breaker?
You have to stop and take a moment to pat yourself on the back at times because we (like most other bands) are always working towards the next goal and you forget to stop and appreciate what you have already accomplished.
Is there a hidden meaning behind the album title?
I do enjoy cryptic meanings in tracks, I feel like artists write the same song a million times and it’s boring. I went to town for the album so I’m looking forward to hearing peoples different interpretations.
How was the process of making the album?
Nothing comes easy but that makes it all the more rewarding, this was our first time recording an album so we went into the process with an open mind, tackle the issues when they arise and always remind ourself to have fun if we start wanting to kill each other for messing up a part.
Did everything go smoothly?
It never does but i’d be worried if it did, we like to push each other, try new things, explore new ideas, step outside our comfort zone. When shit hits the fan you really just have to take a deep breath and nut it out, were not saving lives here… stress less.
How would you describe Soul Breaker sonically?
Its a very spacious and clear sounding album with the right amount of grit.
Are there broader plans to tour Australia or head overseas?
We’re going to smash an East coast tour late June then head West in October.
Did you learn a lot supporting bands such as Holy Holy, DMA’s and Kingswood?
You pick up little things off everyone but I really think the biggest lesson is playing the bigger venues and audiences those bands pull and how your current setup functions.
What’s your favourite or most embarrassing tour story yet?
We had a launch at Ding Dong Lounge and we went to all this effort to have it recorded live and within the first 30 seconds I fell down after a beer spill from the previous band which hadn’t been cleaned. I also had a pint thrown at me by a dad for being to loud at a festival that was pretty funny.
What does the rest of the year hold for White Summer?
Vinyl release and a few more tours before going back to working on new material.
Interview by Rob Lyon
Be sure to catch White Summer at the following launch shows…
