If you haven't already heard the incredible debut album by Nat Vazer, I suggest you go here and read Lee Moretti's beautifully written review, or listen here below. We had the great opportunity for Lee to interview Nat, and are excited to present it to you now -
1) You're from Melbourne originally and we understand that you came up musically as a classical pianist who then began playing in punk bands. Can you tell us a bit about the music scene in Melbourne and how it influenced how you write now?
Melbourne’s music scene is pretty unique and extraordinary. Even though I’ve lived here all my life, I’ve never hit a point where I’ve felt like I’m done with this city - it’s an ever-evolving beast. There are a lot of bands and artists in my neighbourhood and a lot of amazing, live venues - people from all walks of life seem deeply invested in the scene and there’s a nice sense of community. We even have the Reclink Community Cup which is an annual charity football match between a team of musicians (the Rockdogs) and radio presenters (the Megahertz). I’m sure being around all this action feeds into my writing in some way. You get inspired and excited by seeing what others create, being exposed to different artistic worlds and learning by osmosis. It can help spark ideas and find ‘new dimensions’ to everyday, mundane things.
2) How has COVID-19 affected your creative process, if at all?
It’s been real up and down for me. At first it was great ‘cause all of a sudden I had so much time to focus on writing, but once Melbourne hit stage 4 lockdown - and we had curfews, travel restrictions and all my favourite bakeries were shut - it became harder to stay motivated and productive. I need pastries and coffee. I need to ride my bike and walk at night. That’s like 80% of my process.
3) Is This Offensive And Loud is your first full length album, can you tell us a bit more about your initial vision for the record? Did it change over time?
It was an accidental album because I set out to write an EP. I had just quit my full-time career and spent some time on writing songs while exploring North America. I eventually accumulated a few songs that felt like they really belonged on an album together as they reflected a certain time in my life. So it made sense to release an album instead.
4) What are your favorite albums from the past couple of years?
Over the past two years, probably Andy Shauf - The Party, Aldous Harding - Party and Big Thief - Capacity.
5) From what we can see, your writing has a beautiful blend of personal story with political undertones in one form or another, can you tell us a bit about what inspires you in writing songs, and where some of these stories come from?
The stories often come from events that happen to me or around me. Sometimes I also like to imagine things from other people’s perspectives. I’m not 100% on where the political undertones come from. I think there’s still this angry, hungry kid inside me that just wants to speak freely about what’s on my mind. I think going to law school during uni also flicked some kind of 'activist' switch for me, and perhaps made me think more consciously about influencing change in the world (same world that made me the angry kid, it’s a sick cycle...).
6) To get away from music for a moment, favorite movies, GO!
Alien, Pulp Fiction, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Pan’s Labyrinth, Kill Bill 1 & 2, Almost Famous, Psycho, Mississippi Burning and Jackie Chan’s Police Story. That’s probably my top 10. Ask me tomorrow it’ll probably change again.
7) What is ahead for you in the coming year, and where can fans go to best keep up with the album and any possible (post COVID) touring you may do?
Really looking forward to touring once Melbourne is free from lockdown. There will definitely be some new music in the coming year...
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- Lee Moretti, BMN Contributor