Old Man River

Thu 13th Aug, 2009 in Features

In just over a months time Ohad Rein (aka Old Man River) will road-test songs from his upcoming album at the inaugural Blueprint Festival in regional Victoria. Fasterlouder sits down with the singer to discuss animal noises, recording in India and how his new album sounds like a – œwarm blanket’.

Firstly, how scary was the first time you asked a crowd to make animal noises when you played La? Were you worried they wouldn’t do it?

Scary?! Have you seen crowds these days? No they were making animal noises even before we started playing so there was no need to [even] ask.

You travel a lot with your music, to places that most bands tend not to go. Is traveling the best part of playing music or is playing music the best part of traveling?

First lots of kudos for the question it reminds me of a Zen riddle in the likes of – œwhat is the sound of one hand clapping’ – I guess music is the best part of playing music?

What have been some of the most memorable moments from the road?

For some strange reason I can’t seem to remember the most memorable moments…I guess they stayed on the road.

You’re set to play Blueprint in September. Is this the kind of festival Australia’s been missing?

It sounds like it might be the one.

What drew you to play it?

I like the concept of playing in nature and the fact there will only be two stages (I think). Less choice could be a real blessing in these events; you get more chances to discover something new.

Will you be sticking around for the whole festival? And if so, who are you most excited to see?

I always like watching Claire Bowditch, super mom superstar! She’s good fun and I haven’t seen Blue King Brown yet and I hear they put on a great live show.

It seems like the kind of laid-back festival that brings on a bit of jamming. Is there likely to be a bit of stage hopping between Old Man River and other artists?

I don’t know yet it mainly depends on how they’ll mix our drinks.

What’s the best thing about outdoor music festivals? You’ve played a few in your time.

You don’t have to wait in line for the toilets andyou actually get to be outdoors.

What can you tell us about your new album?

I am very excited about it. It’s bigger, better, deeper and stranger. We did some of it in Mumbai, India with one of India’s best producers and some of its finest players, and the rest in Israel and Sydney with maestro Wayne Connolly. It came out sounding like a warm blanket and very personal and I reckon the Indian stint gave the whole sound a very original and unique sonic twist – very exciting!

Will you be touring again soon?

In Blueprint we might road test few of the new tracks and musicians. I’m planning to build a whole new band to fit the sound of the new album – looks like we’ll be doing some very special shows around October.

Old Man River will be playing Blueprint Festival from 18th-21st September 2009 in Ararat, Victoria. For the full line-up or to purchase tickets head here.