There are probably over a thousand bands in Sydney, so how does a single band succeed in getting our attention? It certainly helps when you have your own recording studio/rehearsal space and a team of loyal affiliates.
This is exactly what seven-piece folk act Seclusion enjoys. But don’t think for one minute that this outfit have had it any easier. Together since high school, founding members singer/guitarist Joel King and drummer Brad Patison have committed all their efforts into their band, working long and hard to get where they are today. Having spent the first half of their existence as a quartet from Tamworth, Seclusion has since reorganised its melodic line-up to include bassist/former guitarist Joe Berben, trumpeter/former sound engineer Mark Stott and three others; consisting of even a cellist and a violinist no less.
Seclusion just might be the most organised band in Sydney…
After a handful of months, the dynamic sevenfold headed by co-captains King and Patison are releasing Incarnations, a meticulously crafted EP that is bound to get you swaying your head with such acoustic odes as ‘Say What You Mean’, ‘Your Attention’ and ‘My/Love’.
In this outstanding collection of feelings, the band swells a collage of cryptic guitar, stark ‘n’ steady rhythms and wailing trumpet. There’s arguably something bittersweet about Incarnations. The outfit’s intricate soft rock ebbs and flows with tranquil soft/loud dynamics and shrill, striking vocals. It’s folk by upstanding musicians who nod to everyone from the Smashing Pumpkins to Van Halen and Bob Dylan. With so many of today’s bands tending to sound either indie or hardcore, it’s refreshing to hear a group that can’t easily be pigeonholed. They’ve managed to come together and create something quite unique. Seclusion walks a fine line between folk and melodic rock, encompassing the best elements of both genres.
Put a mic in front of King and some drum sticks in the hands of Patison, and you will be graced with a chain of numbers that incant you to vast landscapes where you ponder humanity. King is a lot like a naïve philosopher, he projects the image of being a typical frontman, but if you dig a little deeper, it becomes clear that there’s a clever team leader inside of him. Patison on the other hand, is something of a silent rogue, a modest man of few words but many beats.
It’s difficult to compare Seclusion to other bands, because, frankly there aren’t many that step up to the challenge. You should give the sound of King and Patison’s collective your full attention. But don’t take my word for it:
When did your band form?
King and Patison: Back in High school. Year 10 and 11. We all went to college together. We started as a four piece. We were all friends, but we also had differences.
Where did you get your band name from?
King: [Laughs] I got it from listening to a J File about the Smashing Pumpkins and Billy Corgan. When they said they were breaking up … Billy Corgan was going solo and I thought of his ‘seclusion.’
How would you describe your sound?
King: Like the Smashing Pumpkins crossed with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
We are folk but we have an electric show.
What are your influences?
King: The 70s. Like Dylan, Lou Reed, the Doors. 90’s as well, like Dinosaur Jr.
Patison: Van Halen and Def Leppard.
There’s a reputation of hardship linked with trying to make it in a band. What’s your angle on this?
King: It’s hard in society. The thing that sucks is that you need money to get anywhere. It shouldn’t be like that but it is.
How’s your band coping? Are there many hurdles ahead?
King: Motivation is a problem. Getting people to know what their job is…that’s hard to organise. It’s hard thinking and worrying about web pages and looking to get a deal. We have an office and a studio set up in Annandale which helps.
Have you ever thought about calling it quits?
King: I think there were times where it crossed our minds. Friends and stuff…we’ve had our differences. But you know that’s life. If everything was perfect we wouldn’t be here. Mistakes create a band…we would be different otherwise.
If you had a time machine what would you do differently?
King: [Laughs] What? I don’t know. Not everyone can do the same work…work out your role and do it, so many bands have problems. All you need is a group of guys that carry work well. Like a sports team or something.
What does being in a band mean to you?
King: Running the studio. Getting organised, [Laughs] getting other people to keep you organised… Helping other bands record in the studio. We also have an ad in drum media for the studio. It covers rent… it’s a life.
What are your favourite songs on your E.P?
King: “Say what you mean.”
Patison: “My/Love.” [Laughs] “My (slash) Love.”
Why the slash?
King: Because it’s sarcastic. It’s a long story. I wrote the lyrics and we play a verse, a chorus…a melody. I write the bass riffs too, but everyone plays their own thing. Our band aren’t like studio musicians.
What are your plans regarding the band’s future?
King: Pull a bigger venue or gig (after the Marquee show). Have a month break…a couple of tours. We want to go around to Melbourne, Geelong…play festivals.
Where do you want your band to be in three years time?
King: Massive!
Patison: [Laughs]
King: No not really. Like big in the underground… 1000 people gigs.
Are all the members of the band on the same page?
King: Yeah, I think so. We’ll find out at the (Marquee show) after party?
What’s your favourite band memory so far?
Patison: That Monday.
King: Yeah. Once upon a Monday night … when we were recording (for “Incarnations”). The first six hours sounded alright … then I electrocuted myself with my guitar and then we played it back and it sounded great.
What’s your rock motto?
King: [Laughs] Do you know The Office.
Patison: [Laughs] Yeah just use any Office quote.
King: No I don’t know … ‘Don’t make the people think?” [Laughs] Nah no motto.
Seclusion is launching their EP Incarnations this Friday June 30 at The Marquee in Camperdown, Sydney. More info on Seclusion, the EP and the launch party can be found at www.seclusion.com.au
