EARTH CADET
Rocket onto the Scene with Debut EP 'Tales From The End'
Earth Cadet open up and shed light on their debut EP, 'Tales From The End.' This collection of tracks is a testament to the band's love of music and the unique creative process that unfolds in a record store that the band run in the heart of Bendigo. Inspired by a memorable line from Nat Vazer at Big Sound, 'Tales From The End' showcases Earth Cadet's ability to blend elements of 90s grunge, shoegaze, punk, and arena rock into a compelling sonic journey. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the personal experiences and inspirations that shape the record. How live performances and interactions with other artists fuel their creativity. Join us as we chat with Earth Cadet about their passion for music, the challenges and highlights of producing their EP, and what's next on that blue horizon.
'Silhouette' was inspired by a line from Nat Vazer at Big Sound. How do interactions with other artists and live performances influence your songwriting and creative process?
Normally, like with Nat, it’s inspirational and it’s aspirational. Don’t be afraid to chase an idea down a rabbit hole. I remember seeing Brisbane locals The Dandys and Full Flower Moon Band play at that festival as well and it was so energising. There’s so much fun and abandon to be had if you let yourself. There’s nothing wrong with a simple guitar part if it’s played well and moves you. I’ve gotten a lot more writing done since I stopped worrying about how complicated things are.
Can you share some insights into the creative process behind your debut EP ‘Tales From The End’? How did the journey of creating this EP unfold?
I had about 15 songs, and we were playing around town here in Bendigo but had nothing really online for people to listen to. I had an album name and a rough idea of the track list and we started recording. The further we got into it I realised these tracks needed to get to people ASAP. We decided to put an EP out instead. We started putting out singles every few weeks. We’d track it live, I’d do overdubs, mix it, master it, release it - repeat. We got into a rhythm and could adjust to what the songs needed on the fly. The hardest thing was the title track – we couldn’t crack it and we ran out of time, but the name was stuck. I couldn’t think of calling it anything else. It’ll be on the next one for sure!
Earth Cadet’s sound combines elements of 90s grunge, shoegaze, punk, and arena rock. Which of these genres do you feel most connected to and why?
Probably grunge. It’s that perfect synthesis of Punk Rock DIY aesthetic, groove, darkness and melody. The songs were king – and the wrapping paper was heavy guitars. I learnt to play guitar to all those tracks on a boombox in my room as a teenager, it will always be my touchstone.
Your single ‘Meteors’ made its way onto Spotify’s ‘All New Rock’ Playlist. How did it feel to receive such recognition, and what impact has it had on the band?
It was phenomenal. We were blown away. There was a point when our number one streaming city was Seattle, the birthplace of grunge, and I was losing my mind a bit, pinching myself daily. It was just really affirming to get that recognition, that Spotify thought we released one of the best rock tracks in the world that week. Gives you that little boost – that maybe if we keep working hard, we are on the right track.
Looking ahead, what are some goals or milestones Earth Cadet hopes to achieve by the end of 2024? Are there any collaborations, live shows, or new projects you're particularly excited about exploring?
I’m super excited to be doing our little tour around Victoria in July and would love to see if we could get up to the east coast of Australia for a couple of gigs as well. We’ve still got a ton of songs and an old Mackie recording console from the 90’s that needs some love so I’m hoping another EP by the end of the year is out. There’s some acts that might be down this way in the back end of the year that we would love to play with, or record here at the shop. Fingers crossed.
Can you talk about other artists from Bendigo or Victoria that you admire or find inspiration from? How do they influence your music and artistic journey?
Big fan of local Bendigo punk act Relays – their DIY work ethic has been super cool to watch. Have lifted a ton of advice from them. A big fan of Nat Vazer, she’s in the states at the moment ripping it up, but her songwriting is a constant inspiration. We are really lucky to have Keaper and Dear Matilda supporting us at a couple of our gigs this tour and they are some of the best around at the moment. The new Slomo album really rocked me this year. They are probably the best heavy band in Victoria at the moment.
What can fans expect from your upcoming shows in Victoria supporting ‘Tales From The End’? Any special surprises or setlist highlights you can share?
They can expect everything from the EP plus a ton of new songs – as well as the unreleased title track! I think we do a pretty good job of filling the stage up with just a three piece. The set is pretty relentless – can’t wait to get out there and play LOUD. We think we are the best Alt-Rock band in Bendigo and can’t wait to show the rest of Victoria how hard we can rock up here in the goldfields.