Fairchild Republic are a melodic alternative rock band from the Gold Coast. With one EP under their belt, they are gearing up to release their debut album ‘Wish Upon A Paper Crane’ on August 24th through MGM/Green Distribution. The album was recorded in their home studio, taking the time to self-produce and develop their sound from songs written over a two year period.
On the live front, highlights have included a tour of Japan & Gold Coast Big Day Out while also sharing the stage with Neon Indian, Kids of 88, Parachute Youth, Last Dinosaurs, The Medics, Parades, Red Riders, Millions, Woe & Flutter, Canyons, Cub Scouts, Pluto Jonze, The Cairos, The Griswolds, Inland Sea, Cassette Kids, Glass Towers & Argentina.
What’s your earliest memory of performing and who inspired you to start?
I guess performing at the Eisteddfod in grade 1 for piano recitals. I use to hate it and had no appreciation for playing an instrument at that stage however looking back now I thank my parents for forcing me through such trauma. So I’m not sure if that is inspiration to begin performing but it certainly laid the foundations for me to develop my skills in song writing.
You must answer this question honestly or we steal your rider. What and where was the first gig you went to?
Savage Garden – Rockhampton Sound shell, Queensland. I think it was 1997 and I was in grade 3.
‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parent’s record collection and why?
Cat Stevens is certainly one I stole off the old man. As children, my family spent countless hours in the car travelling for sporting competitions/events and therefore we were at the mercy to my dad’s musical taste. Bands such as The Bee Gees, Queen, Cat Stevens and The Eagles were common choices. These days, he is stealing records off me!
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
Joseph Arthur and James Vincent McMorrow. I think the calm acoustic tunes are keeping me aligned at the moment with this busy time.
How do you find new music?
I don’t think there is ever one source these days. I’m surrounded by like minded music lovers, the radio, the internet, youtube ect and therefore it’s always in your face. Originally I use to spend hours on the internet searching the in’s and out’s of the bands I enjoyed (mainly indie rock such as Death Cab, The Shins, The Thrills) and this is what kick started my love for music on a deeper level, I think.
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
I like to keep relaxed for a show – not into psyching myself up with anything crazy or loud music. If I don’t control the occasional nerves before shows, my mind wanders and I feel like I’m not myself on stage . Recently I have been wearing my blue elephant earring that my girlfriend gave me when performing. His trunk is up, so that has to bring you luck right?
If you could curate your own festival, where would it be, who would be on the bill, how many people would you let in and what features would it have?
We would have it at a natural amphitheatre somewhere that fits around 10,000 people. It would be only one stage & one day, with the bands that have been our main influences along the way. It would include The Killers, Sigur Ros, Bloc Party, Coldplay, The Temper Trap, Klaxons, Muse, Foals & Editors. That’s a tough one, I could send hours answer this!
When you’re Rolling Stones Big, what are you going to request on your rider: don’t be shy.
Gosh, it’s not something I have ever thought about as I don’t like asking for things. But for me personally, a quiet place and a nice red wine (preferably Shiraz) is always something that chase after a show. Easy pleased!
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with?
Matt Corby. He is a genuine talent and in my opinion is the closest thing to Jeff Buckley we have seen. He is doing things that others have tried and failed which places him in a league of his own. As a vocalist myself, I think I could learn enormous amounts from a mind like that.
What is your band’s music the best soundtrack for?
Well according to Olympic 400m swimmer Ryan Napoleon – our music is useful in preparation for a big swim. So I guess inspiration.
Where we can see you play next, what releases do you have available and where can we get them?
Our debut album ‘Wish Upon A Paper Crane’ is released on August 24th through MGM/Green Distribution. It will be available on ITunes & selected outlets.
Tour Dates:
August 23rd: Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane w/ The Clues + Box Knife
August 24th: Elsewhere, Gold Coast w/ The Lions Children + Blonde Bear
August 31st: The Northern Star Hotel, Newcastle w/ Geography of Mars
September 1st: Kittens @ The Spectrum, Sydney w/ Young Romantics
September 6th: Revolver Upstairs, Melbourne w/ The Red Lights + THNKR + Mercians
September 7th: John Curtain Hotel, Melbourne w/ The Neighbourhood Youth + Hotel on Mayfair + Pack Bears
September 16th: Sunday Safari @ Byron Bar Brewery, Byron Bay
