The Wildes
Front man Lachlan Bryan shares a glimpse of life as one of The Wildes, an indie country band from Melbourne, hitting the Coast for three concerts from July 30th to August 1st.
What was the inspiration behind your new single, Sue Ellen? Usually we avoid just writing about girls, but the idea of a social misfit girl smoking cigarettes in a metaphorical wheelchair was too good to refuse. But as a rule I don’t know where song ideas come from. They just arrive in my head and I sing them into a dictaphone.
Who came up with the band name? And what were the other contenders? We were originally going to call ourselves The Wildes of Wyoming. They were a frontier family that got massacred by American Indians in the 1800s. We thought it had a nice ring to it, but ended up shortening it to just The Wildes.
Who’s the wildest member of the band?
Mat (Duniam), our drummer, is pretty wild. He has his coffee extra strong and once drove from his home town of Frankston to my home town of Mt Eliza entirely on the wrong side of the road.
How does being on stage compare to making film clips for your songs? They’re very different. Being on stage is, for me, all about making sure everyone is looking at me and listening to what I have to say/sing. On video, the director decides who people have to look at. I enjoy both — the video thing is new for us but we’re getting used to it. I like that our videos require us to act a little. It’s a challenge.
What was your first big break?
I was Jesus in the school play. That’s a pretty big break.
Tell us about your latest album, Ballad of A Young Married Man The inspiration was mostly old stories. Authors such as Edgar Allen Poe, songwriters such as Townes Van Zandt and singers such as Bing Crosby.
What has been your most memorable moment on tour?
Getting our photo taken at a petting zoo and running into Nick Cave and his kids.
Your music has been defined as alt-country, gothic country, country blues and rock ‘n roll. How do you describe it? Gothic Americana sea-shanties for the broken-hearted and socially awkward.
Which singer/songwriters would you love to share the stage with? Bob Dylan, cos he’s Bob Dylan. Prince, cos he’s underrated and I think people should know he belongs up there with Bob Dylan. Leonard Cohen, for his wisdom and humility.
Explain the origin of a line from one of your songs
Almost all of my songs were written in the car. For some reason I’m most creative when driving. My radio doesn’t work so I just think up songs to keep me occupied. Most of the lines of Streets of my Hometown relate to driving around Frankston when I first got my licence.
What’s in store with your next album?
The next album is pretty upbeat. It’s a mixture of big gospel arrangements, waltzes and a few more murder ballads. I’ve already killed off most of the characters in the songs.
What has been your biggest milestone so far?
Making a record we still really like listening to.
The Wildes play Joe’s Waterhole, Eumundi, July 30, 7.30pm, $14.50 or $15 at the door, 5442 8144; House With No Walls, Doonan, July 31, 7pm; Peregian Originals, Peregian Beach, August 1, 3.15pm, free, 0419 108 801, www.peregianoriginals.com
ALL ABOUT LACHLAN
I’ve always wanted to . . . host a chat show.
My worst habit is . . . spending money.
At home I cook . . . mostly vegetarian meals that I’ve made up in my head.
I’m currently listening to . . . Son House.
This weekend I’m . . . on the road.
My next holiday will be . . . a long way off.
My secret skill is . . . hostage negotiation.
The best piece of advice I’ve received was to . . . be suspicious of anything that’s popular.
WORDS KYLIE JACKES
----------------------------------------------------------
EVENTS
Barnum Nambour Civic Centre, July 29-31, 7pm. Cost: Adults $24, pensioners $15, children up to 17 $15. Immanuel Lutheran College students present their annual musical with the story of America’s first travelling circus. Enjoy juggling juggernauts, clowns, lion tamers, magicians and aerial acrobats. Details: 5475 7777.
Art Expo Buderim Craft Cottage, July 30-August 1, 10am-4pm. Cost: Free. The painting group’s annual showcase features daily demonstrations, artist viewings and a showcase of original art, as well as work by the Porcelain Painters. Details: Peter, 5476 5714.
Old Time Dance Pomona Hall, July 31, 7.30pm. Cost: $6. A night of fun in aid of the Pomona Memorial School of Arts hall and the Community House relief fund. Details: 5485 1306.
Craftfest Palmwoods Bowls Club, July 31, 9.30am-4pm; August 1, 9.30am-3pm. Cost: Free entry. The Palmwoods arts and craft group exhibition includes needlework, folk art, pencil sketching, papertole, painting ranging from fabric to china, and more. Details: Jan, 5441 3764.
Country Music Concert Yandina Country Music Hall of Fame, August 1, 1pm. Cost: $5, with afternoon tea. Guest artist is Charlie Bob Nelson while the Yandina branch band will also perform. Details: Roger, 5313 3056.
Pleasant Sunday Afternoon Concert CCSA Hall, Caloundra, August 1, 2pm. Cost: $9, with afternoon tea. Performers include singer/dancer/violinist Joy Darmod, a capella group Out of the Blue, and Senior Idol finalists Trevor Mitchell and Rosie Camilleria.
Details: www.caloundrachorale.com.au
Oriana Sings Lake Kawana Centre, August 1, 2pm. Cost: Adults $25, concession and groups $20, children under 12 free. Oriana Concert Choir members sing their way through fantasy, faith and folk, loss and legend, from Billy Joel’s Lullaby to Negro spirituals. The Oriana Youth Choir will also perform. Details: 5472 7209.
Birdman Talk Millwell Road Community Centre, Maroochydore, August 3, 7pm. Cost: $10. World-renowned ornithologist Dr Yossi Leshem, founder and director of the International Centre for the Study of Bird Migration, talks about birds, aircraft, biological pest control and regional co-operation on environmental issues in the Middle East. Details: 0419 875 551.
Fred Hollows in Memory Maroochydore Library, until August 9, normal opening hours. Cost: Free. Touring exhibition showcasing the late professor’s life and the work of The Fred Hollows Foundation. Details: 5475 8900.
-----------------------------------------------------------
ARTS & LITERATURE
Pizza and Plays Lind Lane Theatre, Nambour, July 30-31, 7.15pm for 8pm; August 1, 1.15pm for 2pm. Cost: $20, including pizza. Lind Lane presents its annual winter warmer with three one-act plays by Coast playwrights. Good Grief looks at the relationship between a man and his self-absorbed counsellor. Gus, Who’s Coming to Dinner? holds a warped mirror to real life and Puppets takes a humourous look at a dysfunctional family of puppeters. The shows also feature Peter Wilson, aka The Mime Guy. Details: 5441 1814.
Love Letters Noosa Arts Theatre, until July 31, various times. Cost: Adults $22, concession $18, groups $16, child $10. Fresh take on a play that traces the lifelong correspondence between Senator Andrew Makepeace Ladd and artist Melissa Gardner. Details: 5449 9343.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt Buderim War Memorial Hall, until July 31, various times. Cost: Adults $18, concession $16, members $14, groups of 10 or more $15. BATS Theatre presents Jeffery Archer’s interactive thriller, in which Sir David Metcalf goes on trial for the murder of his terminally ill wife. Details: 5445 2515.
The Truth About Us Cooroy Library, until August 1, various times. Cost: Various. Coast authors such as Sharon Tregoning share their writing success stories. The program also includes a pitching clinic. Details: 5447 7090.
Reality Bites Cooroy, Noosaville and Eumundi venues, until August 1, various times. Cost: Varies, but many events are free. The second weekend of a literary festival for writers and readers featuring names such as John Birmingham (above), Professor Ian Lowe, Annette Hughes, Melanie Myers and Alexandra Payne. Events include panels, lunches, author talks, literary conversations and workshops. Details: www.realitybites3.blogspot.com
-----------------------------------------------------------
FOOD AND WINE
An Evening in Africa Trios, Noosa Harbour, July 29, 7pm. Cost: $55. Author Tony Park launches his African thriller, The Delta, over dinner prepared by African cook Matilda Scarfe and Trios chef Geoff Cohen. Noosa photographer Bob Neilson will also display his African images. Details: 5448 2053.
Wine Dinner The Boathouse, Noosaville, July 30, 6.30pm. Cost: $69. Four courses paired with wines from Pertaringa Vineyard in McLaren Vale, jazz by Brett Orr and Max Sportelli and expert commentary by winemaker Michael Wehrs. Details: Megan, 5474 2754.
-----------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Riding for the Disabled Open Day 57 Ninderry Rd, Yandina, July 31, 9am-1pm. Cost: Free. Food, drinks, raffles, auctions, prizes and riding demonstrations. Details: 5319 8117.
Billy Cart Grand Prix 20 Cooroy-Belli Creek Rd, Cooroy, August 1, 10am. Cost: Free entry. Annual Noosa Christian College celebration — sponsored by The Noosa Journal — featuring billy cart races, stalls, food, rides and a visit from Hot 91.1 and Zinc 96.1. Details: Ross Reid, 5447 7808.
Weekender Issue 637, July 29th, 2010
Front man Lachlan Bryan shares a glimpse of life as one of The Wildes, an indie country band from Melbourne, hitting the Coast for three concerts from July 30th to August 1st.
What was the inspiration behind your new single, Sue Ellen? Usually we avoid just writing about girls, but the idea of a social misfit girl smoking cigarettes in a metaphorical wheelchair was too good to refuse. But as a rule I don’t know where song ideas come from. They just arrive in my head and I sing them into a dictaphone.
Who came up with the band name? And what were the other contenders? We were originally going to call ourselves The Wildes of Wyoming. They were a frontier family that got massacred by American Indians in the 1800s. We thought it had a nice ring to it, but ended up shortening it to just The Wildes.
Who’s the wildest member of the band?
Mat (Duniam), our drummer, is pretty wild. He has his coffee extra strong and once drove from his home town of Frankston to my home town of Mt Eliza entirely on the wrong side of the road.
How does being on stage compare to making film clips for your songs? They’re very different. Being on stage is, for me, all about making sure everyone is looking at me and listening to what I have to say/sing. On video, the director decides who people have to look at. I enjoy both — the video thing is new for us but we’re getting used to it. I like that our videos require us to act a little. It’s a challenge.
What was your first big break?
I was Jesus in the school play. That’s a pretty big break.
Tell us about your latest album, Ballad of A Young Married Man The inspiration was mostly old stories. Authors such as Edgar Allen Poe, songwriters such as Townes Van Zandt and singers such as Bing Crosby.
What has been your most memorable moment on tour?
Getting our photo taken at a petting zoo and running into Nick Cave and his kids.
Your music has been defined as alt-country, gothic country, country blues and rock ‘n roll. How do you describe it? Gothic Americana sea-shanties for the broken-hearted and socially awkward.
Which singer/songwriters would you love to share the stage with? Bob Dylan, cos he’s Bob Dylan. Prince, cos he’s underrated and I think people should know he belongs up there with Bob Dylan. Leonard Cohen, for his wisdom and humility.
Explain the origin of a line from one of your songs
Almost all of my songs were written in the car. For some reason I’m most creative when driving. My radio doesn’t work so I just think up songs to keep me occupied. Most of the lines of Streets of my Hometown relate to driving around Frankston when I first got my licence.
What’s in store with your next album?
The next album is pretty upbeat. It’s a mixture of big gospel arrangements, waltzes and a few more murder ballads. I’ve already killed off most of the characters in the songs.
What has been your biggest milestone so far?
Making a record we still really like listening to.
The Wildes play Joe’s Waterhole, Eumundi, July 30, 7.30pm, $14.50 or $15 at the door, 5442 8144; House With No Walls, Doonan, July 31, 7pm; Peregian Originals, Peregian Beach, August 1, 3.15pm, free, 0419 108 801, www.peregianoriginals.com
ALL ABOUT LACHLAN
I’ve always wanted to . . . host a chat show.
My worst habit is . . . spending money.
At home I cook . . . mostly vegetarian meals that I’ve made up in my head.
I’m currently listening to . . . Son House.
This weekend I’m . . . on the road.
My next holiday will be . . . a long way off.
My secret skill is . . . hostage negotiation.
The best piece of advice I’ve received was to . . . be suspicious of anything that’s popular.
WORDS KYLIE JACKES
----------------------------------------------------------
EVENTS
Barnum Nambour Civic Centre, July 29-31, 7pm. Cost: Adults $24, pensioners $15, children up to 17 $15. Immanuel Lutheran College students present their annual musical with the story of America’s first travelling circus. Enjoy juggling juggernauts, clowns, lion tamers, magicians and aerial acrobats. Details: 5475 7777.
Art Expo Buderim Craft Cottage, July 30-August 1, 10am-4pm. Cost: Free. The painting group’s annual showcase features daily demonstrations, artist viewings and a showcase of original art, as well as work by the Porcelain Painters. Details: Peter, 5476 5714.
Old Time Dance Pomona Hall, July 31, 7.30pm. Cost: $6. A night of fun in aid of the Pomona Memorial School of Arts hall and the Community House relief fund. Details: 5485 1306.
Craftfest Palmwoods Bowls Club, July 31, 9.30am-4pm; August 1, 9.30am-3pm. Cost: Free entry. The Palmwoods arts and craft group exhibition includes needlework, folk art, pencil sketching, papertole, painting ranging from fabric to china, and more. Details: Jan, 5441 3764.
Country Music Concert Yandina Country Music Hall of Fame, August 1, 1pm. Cost: $5, with afternoon tea. Guest artist is Charlie Bob Nelson while the Yandina branch band will also perform. Details: Roger, 5313 3056.
Pleasant Sunday Afternoon Concert CCSA Hall, Caloundra, August 1, 2pm. Cost: $9, with afternoon tea. Performers include singer/dancer/violinist Joy Darmod, a capella group Out of the Blue, and Senior Idol finalists Trevor Mitchell and Rosie Camilleria.
Details: www.caloundrachorale.com.au
Oriana Sings Lake Kawana Centre, August 1, 2pm. Cost: Adults $25, concession and groups $20, children under 12 free. Oriana Concert Choir members sing their way through fantasy, faith and folk, loss and legend, from Billy Joel’s Lullaby to Negro spirituals. The Oriana Youth Choir will also perform. Details: 5472 7209.
Birdman Talk Millwell Road Community Centre, Maroochydore, August 3, 7pm. Cost: $10. World-renowned ornithologist Dr Yossi Leshem, founder and director of the International Centre for the Study of Bird Migration, talks about birds, aircraft, biological pest control and regional co-operation on environmental issues in the Middle East. Details: 0419 875 551.
Fred Hollows in Memory Maroochydore Library, until August 9, normal opening hours. Cost: Free. Touring exhibition showcasing the late professor’s life and the work of The Fred Hollows Foundation. Details: 5475 8900.
-----------------------------------------------------------
ARTS & LITERATURE
Pizza and Plays Lind Lane Theatre, Nambour, July 30-31, 7.15pm for 8pm; August 1, 1.15pm for 2pm. Cost: $20, including pizza. Lind Lane presents its annual winter warmer with three one-act plays by Coast playwrights. Good Grief looks at the relationship between a man and his self-absorbed counsellor. Gus, Who’s Coming to Dinner? holds a warped mirror to real life and Puppets takes a humourous look at a dysfunctional family of puppeters. The shows also feature Peter Wilson, aka The Mime Guy. Details: 5441 1814.
Love Letters Noosa Arts Theatre, until July 31, various times. Cost: Adults $22, concession $18, groups $16, child $10. Fresh take on a play that traces the lifelong correspondence between Senator Andrew Makepeace Ladd and artist Melissa Gardner. Details: 5449 9343.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt Buderim War Memorial Hall, until July 31, various times. Cost: Adults $18, concession $16, members $14, groups of 10 or more $15. BATS Theatre presents Jeffery Archer’s interactive thriller, in which Sir David Metcalf goes on trial for the murder of his terminally ill wife. Details: 5445 2515.
The Truth About Us Cooroy Library, until August 1, various times. Cost: Various. Coast authors such as Sharon Tregoning share their writing success stories. The program also includes a pitching clinic. Details: 5447 7090.
Reality Bites Cooroy, Noosaville and Eumundi venues, until August 1, various times. Cost: Varies, but many events are free. The second weekend of a literary festival for writers and readers featuring names such as John Birmingham (above), Professor Ian Lowe, Annette Hughes, Melanie Myers and Alexandra Payne. Events include panels, lunches, author talks, literary conversations and workshops. Details: www.realitybites3.blogspot.com
-----------------------------------------------------------
FOOD AND WINE
An Evening in Africa Trios, Noosa Harbour, July 29, 7pm. Cost: $55. Author Tony Park launches his African thriller, The Delta, over dinner prepared by African cook Matilda Scarfe and Trios chef Geoff Cohen. Noosa photographer Bob Neilson will also display his African images. Details: 5448 2053.
Wine Dinner The Boathouse, Noosaville, July 30, 6.30pm. Cost: $69. Four courses paired with wines from Pertaringa Vineyard in McLaren Vale, jazz by Brett Orr and Max Sportelli and expert commentary by winemaker Michael Wehrs. Details: Megan, 5474 2754.
-----------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Riding for the Disabled Open Day 57 Ninderry Rd, Yandina, July 31, 9am-1pm. Cost: Free. Food, drinks, raffles, auctions, prizes and riding demonstrations. Details: 5319 8117.
Billy Cart Grand Prix 20 Cooroy-Belli Creek Rd, Cooroy, August 1, 10am. Cost: Free entry. Annual Noosa Christian College celebration — sponsored by The Noosa Journal — featuring billy cart races, stalls, food, rides and a visit from Hot 91.1 and Zinc 96.1. Details: Ross Reid, 5447 7808.
Weekender Issue 637, July 29th, 2010
