Fiend Magazine Interview
Thatch Noir
Voted one of 2003’s best up and coming Australian talents by legendary Sydney DJ Leigh (Sacrament Radio), Thatch Noir’s Andi gives it to FIEND just the way we like it!
Tell us a bit about your name and why you chose it.
Ok-This is a long story but here goes-Around 1996 or so myself and a friend, Natasha Smith, were going through an article about The Cure in Q magazine whereupon we stumbled across a frightfully amusing description of Robert Smith's hairstyle. As you can guess that moniker was 'THATCH NOIR'...we immediately decided that would have to be the name of our forthcoming rock odyssey if you will. Not only were we huge Cure fans but we had a sense of humour and just liked the general atmosphere that the words 'black thatch' created. It stuck.
After a couple of rehearsals Natasha had to return to her hometown of Wagga Wagga (shudder) and never returned. It seems she had had a cancer that she wasn’t telling us about and one day just collapsed. She died in hospital a few days later and I didn’t even find out until after the fact. This was a terrible blow to me as well as the loss of an amazing friend who I will always remember. Due to the nature of the tragedy the only recordings we made were a couple of bedroom tapes (that were actually forwarded to Matt Curley of 2rrr as a joke) and the whole thing was put on the backburner for several years whilst I somewhat lost myself in drugs and club land... I spent some time in other bands including a stint as the guitarist for zeitgeist around 97-98 and helped steer them toward a more gothic sensibility but I was always determined to get Thatch Noir back off the ground. Around 1999 I started jamming with a few different people and started writing material again-this time quite! Prolifically the songs just seemed to flow out of me and I knew that something in me was sparkling fiercely. However getting reliable musicians who were willing to prioritize was next to impossible so I figured I’d just go it alone and make do with the rudimentary skills I had. They soon developed into something I could be proud of and the official 'Thatch Noir' was unleashed upon the world. It started with the recording of the October Songs demo which featured the now semi legendary track "Rightintheass!" and has continued unabated with fire and sparkle!
Who makes up the project?
That'd be me Andi Lennon (or Andi Spandex as I was coined by my friend and sometime collaborator Damien Gillet). I compose and perform all the instruments / lyrics / vocals / arrangements except the occasional drums that have been played by various session muso's.
How do you feel you are progressing an artist?
I'm definitely developing an original sound. Some of the early stuff was VERY Rozz Williams and Sexgang Children influenced (with hints of Cure) but now it seems I’m more comfortable being myself and I have progressed from being a 'goth' musician into something more unique I feel. The latest songs feature instruments as diverse as the tambura, didgeridoo, cello and tabla's (mostly synthesized) as well as good ole guitar bass 'n drums.
Where are you based?
Stanmore in the inner west of Sydney.
What is your musical background?
Um...well when I was about 6 years old my uncle introduced me to KISS. That kinda lit the torch ya know? *L* I immediately knew what I wanted to do with my life so Thanks PAUL and ACE! Um..played in a number of high school bands. Started writing songs and it progressed from there...
Give us a quick discography.
October Songs (Demo)
Awake (and..) (Demo)
Dirge and Serenade - Forthcoming album (already recorded)
As well as tracks on the compilations:
Prescription Nation and Songs in the Key of A.D.D.
Describe your sound…
GLAM GOFF GYPSY PUNK! *L* that’s the term I coined to describe my sound. Also-imagine if Rozz Williams had been on Acid instead of smack *L*
What is your song writing process?
Take a shitload of speed and play all night till something sounds good. *L* It's all intuitive ear based composition...I’ll piece together a few riffs and vocal melodies then think about harmonies and counter melodies that can sit over them. Usually intersecting patterns based on lines that sit well with each other and the kind of mood / atmosphere I’m trying to create...It usually begins with me strumming away on my acoustic and then ad libbing vocals over the top.
Do you prefer playing live or recording?
Playing live for sure-though it has been hard finding suitable musicians . There’s just nothing on earth like that alchemic moment when 3 or 4 musicians are locked into some kind of trance and the catharsis crackles!
What are your current influences musically - what's in your CD player now?
Apart from the obvious Bowie, Cure, Sex Gang, Rozz, Bauhaus etc. I love music from the 70's and early 80's Pink Floyd, Kiss, Aerosmith, Zepplin, Sabbath etc . The music scene these days leaves A LOT to be desired though two recent bands I’m utterly in love with are Interpol and Mogwai. Absolutely Astounding ! They fly the flag for organic sounds and I’m in rapture!
What is your local scene like as far as supporting musicians such as yourself is concerned?
Erm...crappy.
Politics - personal or otherwise: do they play a role in your music?
Absolutely. I think music is an amazing way to communicate and though I hesitate to use the words 'politics' I thinks it’s SO important for creative and enlightened souls to spread their message through music. Can you imagine a world without John Lennon? (shudders). I don’t like anyone who forces anything down your throat but I think that considering the left wing has no voice in the mainstream media -- someone has to represent the non consensual view!
What inspires you the most?
Music, Metaphysics and Mushrooms!
What image do you think your music conveys?
One of hope tinged with melancholia...idealism and Cynicism in equal helpings
Career highlight?
Without doubt hearing back from Andi Sexgang one of my all-time favourite musicians who was full of praise for my efforts.
Any advice for people wanting to start out in the same musical area as you?
Be patient! Have personality! And be thick skinned!
What keeps you doing it?
Can’t do anything else *L*
This is a reprint. This interview originally appeared on the Fiend Magazine website and can be found here.
