Quirky husband-and-wife combo Victoriana Gaye – Vicki Gaye Philipp and Jeff Raglus (Bachelors from Prague / Mambo Artist) – have packed a lot into the seven years since they formed. Recording four albums – the latest The Freest Of The Free is being launched at Club Mullum this week. Come and celebrate with this dynamic Melbourne duo as they launch the new album, which was recorded in Goonengerry with Christian Pyle and features Mullum’s own Dave Sanders on drums with Thierry Fossmale on bass, who will be performing in the band on the night.
What is the essence of good songwriting for you? How do you craft a song?
Good songwriting to us is coming up with something new that is not particularly driven by a genre or a dance beat. Just a melody you haven’t heard before and grabs your emotions straightaway.
We often craft songs together, our most usual way (but not always) is that Vicki starts a song and then I finish it. She often writes the verses and I write the chorus or middle eight.
What is the song that you have heard lately that has impressed or moved you?
Cass McComb’s new album Mangy Love. Great songwriting and interesting arrangements.
Tell me what you wanted to achieve with the new album.
To do something spontaneous and unusual. To record with new people in a new spot. All our previous albums were recorded in Melbourne; this one was recorded up here with local players.
What were the challenges, and how did you feel about the finished product? Is it possible to just go ‘it’s done’… I always wonder when you know when it’s time to walk away.
The challenges definitely are that you have to stop at a certain stage. Because we were a long way from home and couldn’t just stay indefinitely. This put a distinct timeframe on the whole thing. We usually spend a month on an album; this one was done really in a week! Like clockwork. The results are very honest and real. We both think it came out well.
What should we expect for your gig in Mullumbimby?
Quirky but real and inventive music.
Everywhere we go, people often tell us we don’t sound like anybody else. It’s a unique sound.
Victoriana Gaye album launch at Club Mullum at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services on Thursday from 7pm.
