Introducing Best Western And Their Debut Single ‘Home’
A stunning widescreen capture of time and place, Melbourne’s Best Western’s debut single Home is out now! Presenting economy and plenty of open space for evocative soundscapes to be spun, Best Western drench their debut Home in melancholy and reverb. The intimate voices of co-lead vocalists Zack Buchanan (The Outdoor Type) and Georgia Knight, along with instrumental collaborators Kieran Ebert and Harry Cook paint lovingly detailed antipodean portraits, dense with the pang of longing. Sonically informed by contemporaries such as Sharon Van Etten, Big Thief, and The Middle East, Best Western mine fertile ground. Zack Buchanan does a quick Q&A on their debut single Home.
How has the build up been to the new single Home?
It’s such a nice feeling to release new music. I wasn’t sure if we’d ever get off the ground due to COVID, but here we are.
What is the background behind the single?
It’s about a couple and their shared experience. The complexity of youth, relationships, and parenthood. It’s just a story really. I wanted to write stories for this project.
What has the fan response been like so far?
This is our first release, so we’re currently in the business of making fans. Truthfully though, our friends and family have been really kind, which is what matters most.
Sonically, how would you describe Best Western?
There is a lot of space and restraint in Best Western. It’s simple music really, nothing overly complex. A lot of the ‘sound’ comes from Harry and Kieran’s playing and arranging – they’re both very considered in their approach and superb musicians.
How would you describe the rest of the EP?
Home is certainly the most brooding, and at times, aggressive, of the songs. The rest of the EP is calmer and more contemplative.
How did the band meet?
Harry, Kieran and I (Zack) had been playing together for a long time in my previous project, The Outdoor Type. I had written some new music for Best Western and couldn’t imagine doing it with anyone else, so got them involved. A friend of ours, Holly (who drums on Home), suggested Georgia to sing on Home – now she sings on all our songs!
What inspired the band name?
The music sort of sounds like one of those old hotels to me.
Who would you say is the biggest shared musical influence/ inspiration for Best Western?
We seem to collectively talk about Big Thief and Adrianne Lenker’s music a lot. Sharron Van Etten is a big one for me. Also Australian acts like The Middle East.
Did the band lose much momentum last year due to the pandemic?
Yes and no. We recorded the EP in February 2020 with the plan of releasing Home in mid-2020. We didn’t have any momentum to lose as such as we hadn’t started! But yeah, everything was put on hold for twelve months.
Are you looking forward to being able to tour more broadly around the country this year?
Absolutely, we can’t wait to road-test these songs. Fingers crossed for some shows early in the new year.
What’s next for Best Western?
We’ll look to release the EP early next year and start playing shows. Then… who knows!
Interview By Rob Lyon
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