Talking In Depth about 'In Blue' With Bones and Jones
Interview by Breanne Gill and Photos by Kyle Dobie.
Congratulations on the release of your new EP In Blue! Could you tell us more about the thematic and sonic concept you wanted to achieve with this new release?
Thanks so much! There’s definitely going to be an overarching theme that runs through the next few releases. Not much I can say other than keep an eye out! Sonically we really tried to experiment with different synth layers and textures which is something we haven’t really done much of before. We’ve always tracked most stuff pretty true to how we perform live. It’s been really fun to dive deeper into a song and see if we can put other ingredients in. I think we’re also coming to a point in our lives where we are trying to figure out what the hell is going on! That feeling definitely transfers itself into the lyrical aspects of the songs which I hope can resonate with a few people.
You’ve said before that you draw inspiration from the landscape surrounding you. How would you describe the landscape of In Blue, whether it be as a whole or individual tracks?
The landscape of In Blue is one filled with many different emotions, as there are multiple of us who write the songs and are each experiencing different things in life. Three words that come to mind are tenderness, nostalgia, and hopefulness. Coming into our mid-twenties we are starting to experience the anxiety that gaining more and more responsibility holds. Writing music and letting these stresses out like that is one way I guess we try and show tenderness to ourselves. The nostalgic aspect plays off of the anxiety mentioned. As you come to realize how big and complicated life is, you certainly start to feel nostalgia for the simpler days of being a young adult, being in your first relationship, etc. In saying all of this, we’re all extremely lucky and privileged to live our lives surrounded by great friends and family, so we hold hope for whatever comes next and you can feel that hopefulness and excitement in the way we play.
As a modern artist, what draws you to vintage sounds and influence, and how do you reinvent this nostalgic feel with each new release?
I think the reason we were originally drawn to vintage sounds and influences was all to do with our upbringing. A few of our folks played and they all love music. They raised us on The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, etc. Which makes sense as to why we all leaned into loving and playing those sounds. I wouldn’t say we’re trying to consciously reinvent anything. We’re just making music that feels good to us and is something we would listen to. Art is all about creating for yourself first and foremost. If you’re creating something with what you think other people will like in mind, I don’t think you can call it a true, honest piece of art.
What is your songwriting process like and how does the band’s decade-long friendship affect creative conversations and collaborations?
The majority of our songs start with one of us coming into the rest with a chord structure and melody for a song. Then we add in our own parts until we’re all happy. Quite a boring answer but there isn’t really any sworn recipe for writing a song. I consider the rest of the guys as my family by this point so there is definitely a closeness that you don’t get when working with a hired-out producer or session musicians. We are extremely honest and comfortable around each other which creates a perfect creative space (apart from the occasional brotherly bickering).
You’ve done some amazing collaborations such as your EP with Folk Bitch Trio. If you could collaborate with any artists in the future, who would be your dream collaboration?
We’re very lucky to have worked with FBT! They’re easily producing some of the best music coming out of Aus. He’s not a musician but a dream collaboration would be to work on a music video with Hiro Murai. I really love his work with Childish Gambino! I think the rest of the guys would kill me if I didn’t say Paul McCartney as well so I’ll chuck that in.
Your music has been featured on a Spotify playlist called “Front Left”, with the description of “Music that’s hard to define, but easy to love.” If you had to define your music for first-time listeners, how would you?
Hmm, I always struggle with this when someone asks me. Might keep it safe and say alternative/indie rock. It’s good music to drive to as well!
Your live shows emphasize and encapsulate your musical ability and unique energy, and you’ve had the opportunity to play at a variety of new and exciting venues. What has been your favorite moment or memory at one of these live shows?
A moment that was definitely not my favourite was at a show when we were much younger and hadn’t played much. We were set up at this pub on ground level and some drunk dude came up to my keyboard and rubbed his genitals on it. Luckily it didn’t deter me too much from playing live haha. Apart from that wonderful experience, every time we’ve done a combined set with Folk Bitch Trio has been so much fun. Also supporting our great mates The Grogans is always fun. Basically any time we’re hanging with good mates!
Are there any particular artists, genres, or eras of music that influenced In Blue’s distinctive musical style or inspired your creative process?
Wilco has definitely been a big influence on this EP. We were listening to them a lot when recording this. I love the way all their music is produced. All the little subtle guitar licks or instruments happening in the background. I also think the house/electronica scene in Melbourne and Australia has influenced us a bit. We obviously don’t make EDM or anything like that but I think it could have played into our introduction of synthesizers and drum machines. That’s probably not something you would hear mentioned alongside each other often, Wilco and EDM.
As you progress through your growing music career, what are your aspirations for the future? Anything we should be keeping an eye out for in the coming months?
Playing music is something we are going to be doing forever. Whether it’s as part of this band or by ourselves. I try not to think too excessively about the future as it can set unrealistic expectations, even if not on purpose. So we will just keep making the music that we need to make for ourselves and work hard at that. Wherever that takes us, that's where it takes us and we can be grateful that we even get to do this at all. We’ve got a lot of new music coming out over the next year. A lot of shows to go along with that too. Hopefully, you don’t get sick of seeing us! Apologies in advance if so, but we’re not stopping!
