Borne is born with 'Loss ofSignal'

Tue 3rd Jul, 2007 in Features

Just a few days prior to the release of the Melbourne foursome Borne’s long awaited debut album Loss of Signal, FasterLouder spoke with the charming lead singer Cameron Tapp about the new album, the thrill of performing live and the journey that made it all possible.

Tapp says surviving in the industry has been Borne’s proudest accomplishment. “I think our biggest breakthrough is just the fact that we’ve survived being an independent band. People really wouldn’t think too much about that or think twice about it. But, it’s so hard to survive as a band that does it full time and tours full time.”

The hardworking Aussie boys of Borne formed in 2003 and spent the last few years perfecting their sound and performing live, building a strong fan base at live shows with their overwhelming onstage. With Cameron Tapp’s alluring lead vocals, Steve Kucina on vocals and guitar, Pete McDonald on the drums and Scott Thorburn on bass guitar, the Melbourne mates released two EPs and achieved much success with singles such as Souls on Satellite and The Guide, both attaining single of the week on iTunes.

It’s been a long journey for Borne, as tweaking their unique sound was no piece of cake. “At first our sound was so different that it was very hard for us to get a foothold anywhere. People just didn’t want to know about it because we weren’t sounding like Jet or we didn’t sound like this or we didn’t sound like that,” says Tapp. He continues that the battle brought a close connection to the band evident in their unique sound and onstage presence. “Sometimes I scratch my head and think if I was told how tough it was going to be, I probably would’ve second thought it to begin with. It’s just so incredibly tough. First and foremost, our success in the industry is the fact that we’ve survived thus far. And that’s brought the whole band together to the point where when we play you can see it, feel it too.”

Not only is performing live what Borne is good at, but it’s what they love to do. “It’s what we live for; it’s just amazing” remarks Tapp. Borne recently wrapped up killer performances at one of London’s most popular events, Hyde Park Calling, rocking next to Aerosmith, Jet and Crowded House in late June. Tapp again accentuates that with the immense challenge yielded a bond evident to audiences. “The last tour that we did in the UK, on one hand in was so incredibly tough on the other hand it was so incredibly rewarding because it was so tough. All those experiences they bind us together like glue. Glue in our machine. We get up on stage after driving ten hours to get to a venue and just fucking tear the place apart. That’s what we do that’s what we love doing.”

Borne recently received humbling comparisons to international sellouts Coldplay and Snow Patrol. The honored Tapp reveals, “Obviously we don’t mind that at all. It’s a huge honor. I mean a lot of people have said – œyou sound like Coldplay or Snow Patrol’ as if it’s a bad thing. Fucking hell, these guys have sold hundreds of records. It can’t be a bad thing. Chris Martin has a great voice. They are great songwriters and great artists.” Tapp admits that recognition, comparison or criticism of any kind, is an expected part of the business. “I think when you get to any level where you to start to get some kind of criticism whether it be good criticism or bad criticism, people are always going to compare you to someone because that’s their benchmark. But that’s a great thing.”

Humbling comparisons aside, Cameron proudly states the unique Australian flare of Borne’s unmistakable, electric sound that is embedded in the music, writing and his distinct voice. “There’s a definite Australian edge to the music. It’s very, very acoustic based. I think people say that our music sounds so different and my voice is very easily distinguishable. It’s very unique.” More than anything, performance reveals Borne’s pioneering sound. “But it’s the way that we play. It’s the way we execute the songs that makes us very unique.”

Borne’s debut album, Loss of Signal, hits iTunes July 3rd, is a manifestation of the journey the outfit continues to ride along, says Tapp. “I think [listeners] should really be ready to start a journey and I think they should be ready to put the album in their car and listen. I’ve been told it’s the kind that you keep listening to and listening to and it kind of grows on you. If it doesn’t hit you the first time, maybe give it a second or third listen and we’ve got you.”

And Cameron Tapp’s favorite part about the album? “The fact that it has taken so long to make and just the circumstance. To me, it’s kind of a symbol of life, a symbol of hope and achievement as far as you never give up. So many times I never thought I’d get to this point and look it at and think now what. I can’t believe it’s actually finally here.” It’s evident that their debut album Loss of Signal is straight from the heart of Borne. “I think what I like most about the album is that the collection of songs speak leagues about everyone’s life that’s had a role to play. Not just the members of the band, but people who are my mates and who have supported me on the journey. There are just so many stories within our songs, so much that has gone into those songs that you probably never would’ve imagined.”

Even in the commotion of Borne’s highly anticipated album hitting stores, Cameron Tapp never stops dreaming about the broader picture. “I’d like to try and get to the point where I could maybe tell people about a few of my views on world politics and how that’s changing the environment. Many of us are aware of it these days and some people aren’t aware of it. I think when people look to their artists, or their heroes, their champions for a bit of guidance. That would be a wonderful way to use our art for a good cause.”

After a chuckle and witty joke of achieving world domination through music, the charismatic lead singer reveals a humanizing role Borne hopes to take on. “We are definitely trying to help people have a better life. Things seem to be spinning out of control quite frequently and it’s a bit of a worry.”

But it’s no worries for now, as the Borne mates will enjoy Loss of Signal soaking in, still not forgetting those ambitious aspirations. “We just want to keep playing. Keep playing and keep being appreciated, and being able to write good music: being able to really enjoy it, ultimately.” Check out Borne as they are born again with Loss of Signal.