Quiet As A Mouse

Nostalgia is fine…but… is such an interesting album title because it feels both sentimental and conflicted at the same time. What emotions and experiences sit behind that phrase, and how does it connect to the themes across the record?

The title came from the key hook from the album track ‘1999’ and I thought it would work really well as the album title and would link the album together nicely. I suppose a lot of my songs have a longing and melancholic feel to them but as a person and with my music I try and do like to move and push forward. You are right though, thinking about it, I think a lot of us are conflicted with the memories of the past, living in the present and looking to the future.

Quiet As A Mouse began in Edinburgh before evolving into a new chapter in Brisbane. How did moving between countries and cities shape both your identity as a songwriter and the emotional tone of the new album?

I was born in England and I moved to Australia when I was 11, lived in quite a few places in that time and then lived in Edinburgh until I came to Brisbane in 2019. I think my love of surprises and changes in my songwriting came from this moving around and change. In my opinion and in quite a few of my songs the best part is the outro section like in early single ‘Casketcase’ and with ‘1999’. I think the change and experiences of living in both countries has encouraged my diversity and open mindedness; my songs are indie rock but within each song and even section you might hear influences of alternative rock, emo, grunge, punk rock, alt country and classic rock and rock pop.

‘Peter Pan’ explores ideas around nostalgia, growing older and romantic idealism. Do you feel like the song is partly about trying to hold onto parts of yourself as life changes around you?

I’m not too sure, it could be for sure. The song's chorus was a call to people (not just men) who are special and interesting but maybe don’t believe it or see it in themselves. You are not just an average person. I think we all have interesting and special traits.

You’ve worked with respected producers like Liam Watson and Marcus Mackay throughout your career. What are some of the biggest lessons or creative insights you took away from those experiences?

It was so cool to be able to work with both Liam and Marcus. I think both just helped me further build my confidence and experience with songwriting, singing and arrangements. I just learned being in the studio with them and I suppose it encouraged and developed my enthusiasm for details when in the studio. I mean even though I’m a raw punk in nature, things have to be right also, so I do have a bit of a perfectionist side as well.

The project has always balanced melodic indie songwriting with grunge, emo and alternative rock textures. How did you approach shaping the sonic identity of Nostalgia is fine…but… compared to earlier Quiet As A Mouse releases?

The new album was recorded with my friend John Prefontaine at his studio in Capalaba, so that was different for this album. John and I worked closely with the production and guitar sounds. We kept a similar sound with the guitars, vocals, drums and bass throughout the album. For instance, we used the same guitar, amp and couple of pedals and a handful or so of effects we liked in the mixing and mastering. I suppose what I’m trying to say is that it was recorded and produced consistently throughout the sessions, so hopefully that comes through when people hear the album.

Looking back at the journey from your early UK releases through to this upcoming album, what keeps you creatively motivated to continue evolving Quiet As A Mouse more than a decade after it first began?

I still have the fire in my stomach and in my heart, I still absolutely love writing songs, recording and releasing albums, EPs and singles. And I think I’m always chasing to write a great song and to better myself with my songwriting. I’m already thinking about my third album, so I don’t think I’m going to stop anytime soon.