Known for her atmospheric soundscapes, thought provoking lyrics and haunting vocals, Melbourne’s Eliza Hull has put out a string of EPs, recovering critical acclaim and having a number of songs finding their way onto TV shows. Following this Eliza has just put together her debut album with the first single from the album, Caught, just released. Tomatrax caught up with Eliza to talk about her music.
It’s been almost 2 years since your last interview on Tomatrax, what has changed since then?
There have been many things that have changed! I had the chance to tour overseas, performing in Boston at Berklee School Of Music, London at the Natural History Museum, New York in Central Park and in Instanbul and Turkey! It was an adventure! I also spent the last year recording my debut album ‘The Bones Of Us’ which is now finished and ready to come out early 2015.
How did you get your song Echoes featured on American show Awkward?
That was through my amazing publishing team Gaga. It was a bit of a surreal experience! I showed my family over Christmas and they were shocked and very proud!
What’s it like to hear your music featured on a tv show from overseas?
It feels amazing. I remember when I was little that was one of my goals, to get my songs in TV and Film so to have that dream come true is a real accomplishment!
You’re currently working on your first album, the bones of us, how has that been going?
It is finished. Horray! It was a really great process working with Hayden Calnin who produced it. We worked together in his home studio in the city. It was a lot of fun! I also got to co-write with amazing local musicians that I admire like Ainslie Wills, Texture Like Sun and UK writer Tim Gordine.
How will the music on your album compare with your previous work?
There is definitely some similarities stylistically. It is still got that down-tempo dreaminess to it but there is also some new more indie driven pop tracks that will actually get people wanting to move! I wanted to try something a bit different. I am really proud of this record and excited for people to hear it.
Where did the title The bones of us come from?
It references one of my favorite songs by UK band ‘Elbow’ – Bones of You. The album seems to lyrically be driven by relationships ending, starting, evolving so it is therefore ‘The Bones of Us.’ The title evokes a lot of imagery for me.
The bones are the foundation that holds everything together, everything grows off them.
How does writing an album compare to writing an EP?
I don’t think I’ll ever go back to working on an EP, albums are so much more fun! ha ha. They let you really develop an idea. I enjoyed it a lot. It is a lot more work but I think the rewards are much more greater.
What made you pick Caught as the first single from the album?
It is actually probably not the best track on the album, but it is one that shows a different side to my style. It is slightly more upbeat which I love and I think it is a really nice introduction to the album. The next track I am putting out is my favorite on the album so I wanted to save it.
You will be doing a single launch in Melbourne next month, what can fans expect from your show?
All new songs! Supports from amazing Melbourne artists Lanks and Texture Like Sun and some special guests on stage with me. I can’t wait!
What inspired you to cover The Family/Prince’s Nothing Compares to you?
The Sinead O’Connor version was my dads favorite song for a little while, I remember one day he had it really loud while we were driving. It had such emotion I got goosebumps, so I decided to cover it.
If you could appear on any tribute album what would it be?
I would love to sing a Jeff Buckley song for a tribute to him. He is one of my favorite artists of all time.
What do you plan on doing once the album is out?
I am performing this year at New Years Eve On The Hill then I will put the album out early next year and tour with it.
I really am so excited for people to hear these new songs.
Check out Eliza Hull’s website to find out more!
