Caitlin Park writes and performs folktronica, taking folk and electro-acoustics to new heights with her abstract composition, sampling and film nostalgia.
CP’s fascination with language was nourished by a part-time post at a cult video store around the corner from her family home. This culminated in a piece of music based on the murder plot scene in Hitchcock’s Dial M For Murder – her reverse soundtrack. Then, songs that were written for short films began to take shape as folk snapshots riddled with sound effects and dialogue taken from 1940/50s films.
Releasing her debut album last year, to critical acclaim, MILK ANNUAL is a sprawling, intricate and heart-warming foray into the soundscapes of old films, audio books, spoken word, and minimalistic musical arrangement. MILK ANNUAL is as much an exploration in found sound and sonic design as it is an exhibition of modern folksong construction. You will hear kids screaming, the clink of roped boats, struck matches and irregular heartbeats mixed with layered vocal sampling and overlaid by a singer with a voice that wraps you up in a warm blanket. Masterfully pulled together by Liam Judson (Belles Will Ring, Cloud Control, Sister Jane), and featuring performances by Holly Throsby, Aidan Roberts and a song co-written by Peter Broderick (US), MILK ANNUAL is inspired by the likes of Steve Reich, the Penguin Cafe Orchestra, CocoRosie and The Sleeping States.
Over the years, live shows with national and international bill partners have helped showcase Caitlin Park to a vast audience and have included Active Child (US), First Aid Kit (Sweden), James Vincent McMorrow (Ireland), The Staves (UK), PONY UP (Canada), Holly Throsby, The Devoted Few, Laura Jean, and Leader Cheetah.
Congratulations on winning the Spirit Of Youth Award, it must give you a lot of confidence in your music…
Thanks. It has given me a lot of confidence and its also pushing me to make a really really good record!
You came up against some sweet up and coming Aussie artists for SOYA, out of the short list who would you have chosen?
Ooooh, so many great artist, many of whom i have admired for years. Jack Ladder, Little Scout, Big Scary and I truly loved Hayden Calnin and Courtney Barnetts tracks that I have heard! Its a true testiment to what Australia is capable of.
You recently went to New York for CMJ in how was that experience?
It was a great experience because the city is so inspiring! CMJ was great, so many bands, so little time. And I got to hear some great musicians talk about the industry and the state of music at the moment. It was also intimating to be surrounded by such talent in New York.. however, it makes the challenge more enticing.
With the success of last years debut record Milk Annual, is it hard to start thinking about recording your second album?
Yes, it is hard. But i think the second time around you are wiser and you know a little about what to do and what to expect. The songwriting for this record, will be for this record, which is unlike ‘Milk Annual’ – some of the songs on the album were some of the first songs i’d written. I’m very excited about the next album.
You’re hitting the road with Butterfly Boucher very soon, what’s your favourite part of touring?
I love being on tour. Sometimes its tough, but you meet so many people and get to see new places, you begin to get accustomed to the schedule of travel, soundcheck, dinner, play, watch, bed and by the time you eat dinner you start getting excited about playing again! My favourite part of touring is making friends with the other bands you’re touring with. You spend so much time together, more so than your lovers and the tour becomes a family very quickly. Or you hope so.
What’s your earliest memory of performing and who inspired you to start?
I used to perform music with a saxophone and I played Classical music, and I loved it. I started very young.
The music I play now? My first show is a very special moment in my heart, because I shared the stage with Aidan Roberts (The Maple Trail, Belles Will Ring) and we became very very close friends – he dedicated a cover of Feist’s ‘Brandy Alexander’ to me and it was such a glorious night.
Holly Throsby is responsible for me starting to play music. We met when I was 16 or 17 and became friends, She is a very inspiring woman, an amazing performer and very talented songwriter – I have seen Holly perform more than anyone, ever.
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
I drink Whiskey. No lucky charms, just the sweet burning sensation.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with? Tell us why?
Kira Puru, because she is fierce! And this collaboration will happen!
What is your band’s music the best soundtrack for?
Alfred Hitchcock’s Dial M For Murder!
Are you working on a new album, and when we can expect to hear it?
Yes I am , and i’m listening to a lot of hiphop, so maybe you can expect a slight flavour change..
When can we next see you live?
The 8th of December at the St Stephens Church, for my record Labels Christmas Party! Music Starts 5pm and its only $15!
brokenstonerecords.com/artists/caitlin-park
