Back in 2007, a group of uni mates in Leeds started writing and playing music together, not fathoming that casual living room gigs and an enjoyment of triangles would eventually lead to a Mercury Prize, Grammy award nominations and a debut album in 2012 that would go on to be classed as one that "flipped the indie script" via its genre-morphing, experimentation and catchy as hell off-kilter pop tendencies.
The band in question, Alt-J, have since gone on to become one of the most successful modern British bands, boasting the coveted feat of successfully cracking America (despite some self-described British cynicism), selling over two million records, carving up half a billion streams and even counting artists like Miley Cyrus as a fan.
With 2022 now well and truly upon us all, it's been now over four years since fans last copped a brand new studio Alt-J album, with RELAXER previously releasing in June of 2017, and a rap-heavy alternative album of RELAXER titled REDUXER released back in 2018. But as of today, the fourth album chapter in the Alt-J tale is upon us, bustling with songs about beauty, darkness, Hollywood and even true crime weaved with the classic Alt-J sonic hallmarks - but also with some shimmering showings of a band who just continue to burgeon as writers and storytellers with each passing release. And to celebrate the long-awaited release of The Dream, Alt-J vocalist and guitarist Joe Newman stopped by The Green Room podcast to chat with host Tiana Speter everything from first gigs to directing music videos and more!
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
The journey for Alt-J to releasing their fourth studio album The Dream, including from taking time off in 2019 to now
How Alt-J usually craft their albums, the thematics that started to emerge during the writing phase of The Dream and what significant role feedback from their fans plays when it comes to them understanding their own creative works
Joe discusses the process and experiences behind his directorial debut for the music video Hard Drive Gold (and Tiana and Joe puzzle over whether it's Melburnian or Melbournite when it comes to talking about people who live in Melbourne), and opens up about catching the directorial "bug"
What songs from The Dream is Joe most looking forward to playing with the band, and what songs on the album is Joe most keen on singing live? Joe dives into some standout tunes on The Dream for him and why (plus - Tiana's favourite song on the album turns out be a partial time-traveller from 2008)
The Alt-J process for concocting, creating and, at times, storing music ideas, including an insight into how the band defy time periods when they write new material
Joe takes us back to the very first official Alt-J live show in 2008, and what happened in the lead up to this performance (hint: it was in a living room and it was the catalyst for Alt-J beginning their journey in earnest)
The "pinch me" moments that stand out for Joe throughout the Alt-J journey, and balancing the work and play aspects of his "dream job"
Joe's key green room item he likes to have backstage when he's on the road (hint: it's green, it goes well with toast and Tiana also found Joe a new favourite beer as a result)
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