BUSINESS' new single I Wish I Knew is out now! We chat to the duo about the release and more.
Image: Supplied.
The boys of BUSINESS are back with another stellar track to finish off 2020. I Wish I Knew follows up the three pieces debut single, Nice To Meet You, both of which are set to appear on their debut EP, set for release next year.
The track pairs sombre lyricism with upbeat instrumentals, perfectly capturing the summer vibe with a blend of iPhone-recorded acoustic, guitars, synthesized drums, some perfect slap bass and killer vocals. Frontman Elijah Hughes gives a shimmering vocal performance, channelling Bastille frontman Dan Smith. Complemented by a stack of electric and acoustic guitars, with some cheeky slap bass, the titular lyric "I wish I knew"’ serves as the driving force of the song. The song also incorporates field recordings, with the squawks of seagulls present and a recording of a conversation amongst yourselves whilst onset of a photoshoot. And then of course, there's that stellar saxophone.
Made up of Hughes, guitarist and bassist Regan Hickey, and drummer Callum Watson, BUSINESS are already carving their own way, proving themselves as not only talented musicians, but also bringing a zesty approach to their releases. The trio are currently working on their debut EP, striving to produce high quality, homegrown goodness with independence.
I Wish I Knew is out now! Read our full interview with BUSINESS below!
Tell us a bit about how you each began your musical journey…
Callum: I saw a drummer at my sister’s party and the next morning I couldn’t help myself and I just had to play and ever since that day I knew I would hit shit forever. I’m currently studying jazz drums in Brisbane.
Elijah: I’ve always loved writing stories and music has always been the something I have connected with. Naturally as I got older the two things I love most blended together.
Regan: I started playing bass in the school band program in year 5 and completely fell in love so I continued throughout the rest of my schooling. Eventually I picked up other instruments along the way and got interested in recording and producing. Right now I’m studying jazz bass and guitar in Brisbane.
Your new single I Wish I Knew tells the tale of a failed summer romance, set to an uplifting, danceable soundscape. What inspired the conceptual nature of the song?
What inspired the nature of the song was just to not take things to seriously. We wanted to encourage and shed light upon positivity amongst the dark times and make a groovy tune.
You pair sombre lyricism with upbeat instrumentals, perfectly capturing the summer vibe with a blend of iPhone-recorded acoustic, guitars, synthesized drums, some perfect slap bass and killer vocals. How did you arrive at creating the juxtaposing elements of the song to take listeners on an emotional rollercoaster and perfectly encapsulate the fleeting moment of a summer romance?
Basically, the song started with the three guitar parts that Regan recorded on his phone one day before catching the train to uni. Eli wrote some lyrics and we played around with a few different ideas before finding the right direction for the song to support the lyrics to tell the story properly. Then it was a matter of recording and playing around in Ableton to get the meat and potatoes down, with a bit of polishing of course.
The track also incorporates field recordings, with the squawks of seagulls present and a recording of a conversation amongst yourselves whilst onset of a photoshoot. How do you think including these personal touches adds to the song?
These personal touches just made the song more unique and recognisable and we wanted to really emulate the summer vibe. Regan always likes to throw random sounds into songs, even if it isn’t necessarily heard - you’d be surprised with how empty it would sound without the weird stuff.
You’re currently working on your debut EP! What can listeners expect from the collection of songs?
Expect the unexpected… A mix of different sounds for sure, not necessarily anything too similar to what we’ve released but nothing too different. You’ll have to wait and see.
Could you tell us a bit about your creative process when writing and recording songs?
We usually just get together and hang out. The friendship came first. Music is something we all very passionate about so naturally when we hang out, we get onto playing and creating music. Eli will usually have some lyrics and a general idea of a progression, then we think about what vibe we’re going for and it happens pretty naturally. We don’t like to force anything.
What has been the most challenging part about creating music during the COVID-19 pandemic?
We’re pretty lucky in the fact that we live within a 5-minute drive of each other. The most difficult part in general is balancing between university studies and work to be honest.
Will we be seeing any visuals for the singles Nice To Meet You and I Wish I Knew? And if so, what can we expect from the music videos?
We’re still in debt to our photographer so there won’t be any videos anytime soon but we’d love to get visuals happening at some point further down the track.
Australia has a diverse and vibrant music scene, who are some of your favourite Aussie acts?
Sticky Fingers, DMAs, Spacey Jane, Lime Cordiale, Gang of Youths and a cheeky bitta’ Onefour.
What do you think sets BUSINESS apart from other Aussie bands?
Probably the combination of Regan and Callum having strong foundations in jazz music with Elijah’s storytelling ability. It makes writing really fun because we never know what we’re working toward until we get there.
The current pandemic has obviously put a halt to touring and performing live, what are your touring plans post pandemic? And what can people expect from a BUSINESS live show?
We haven’t been able to throw a proper gig as of yet, right now we’re focussing on getting the EP done. We’ve spoken about a few ideas for gigs, maybe playing on top of a pool – we don’t have the full details yet but we’re definitely having these conversations. In terms of the live set itself, it’ll be predominantly original material – released and unreleased and a mix of live sounds and some Ableton magic with our own spin on classics for fun. Expect to be surprised.
RAPID FIRE
Biggest influences?
Sticky Fingers/Fleetwood Mac
Dream collaboration?
Baker Boy
Album that has had the most impact on you?
Elijah: Will You Be My Yellow? (Bakar)
Regan: Malibu (Anderson .Paak)
Callum: Smoke & Mirrors (Imagine Dragons)
How do you define your musical style in 3 words?
Indie, Developing, Fusion
Best song of 2020?
Blinding Lights (The Weeknd)
If you could create the soundtrack for any film, which one would it be?
One of the Star Wars spin offs.
Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus?
Miley
Album you would listen to on repeat on a road trip?
The Human Condition (Jon Bellion)
Best concert each band member has been to?
Elijah: Ziggy Alberts
Callum: Queen
Regan: Sticky Fingers
Last concert you went to?
A jazz gig in Brisbane.
Guilty music pleasure?
Onefour.
Would you rather be a Spice Girl or a One Direction boy?
One Direction Boys: They’re all doing so much in the arts industry as a whole now, not just musicians anymore.
If you were a Spice Girl, what would your Spice nickname be?
Elijah: Road Spice 1
Callum: Road Spice 2
Regan: Old Spice
If you could support any artist on tour, who would it be?
Chase Atlantic… luv u Pat <3
An artist you think has had the most influence on the music industry?
Kanye.
What advice would you give yourself a year from now?
Stop taking everything so seriously and enjoy the ride.
The moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?
Regan: The first time I saw Sticky Fingers live at Riverstage. The atmosphere was nuts, I could only imagine what it would’ve been like to be up on stage.
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