On the eve of the Newcastle launch of Sanctuary, The Star caught up with Magpie Diaries’ Matt Johnson to find out how the recording and tour is doing.
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How did the Magpie Diaries form?
Around eight years ago to the day, I lost a very close friend through a freak accident. That was coupled with another friend’s suicide. It was a tough time that winter and it pushed me back into songwriting. I’ve been writing for over 20 years, but since I’d started The Gum Ball, playing music and songwriting had kind of taken a back seat to the organising. Magpie Diaries started with a solo show at The Junkyard, and seven years later it appears it has evolved into a band with my wife, Jess, on drums and vocals, Lyle Dennis on lead guitar, Todd Johnston on bass and Cassie Bofinger on saxophone.
Can you describe where the Magpie Diaries sit in the musical pantheon?
The music is generally labelled as smooth, sou,l folk; country, but essentially I dig the old stuff. Some heavy discoveries and inspiration have come via Bobby Charles, The Band, Neil Young and Van Morrison, more recently Charlie Tweddle and Michael Hurley. I like to sit back and let the music and soul breathe. I have found the band is an exceptional tool for pushing and pulling the energy.
You are currently touring on the back of the recording. How is that going ?
It’s been awesome. Woodford Folk Festival over New years was cool, it was great to get out and warm up the band, travel through all those great places and play to new people. We’re fortunate to have a big tour bus so it’s pretty comfy.
There’s over 25 shows on this tour, a lot of travelling involved, including Victoria, West Oz and South Coast legs. All the shows we’ve played so far have been well attended … bring on the Stag!
What do you enjoy most about been up on stage with your music?
My wife Jess plays drums and we sing songs together. For me that’s pretty special. There’s anywhere between four to seven players in the band, usually five, sometimes when the moods right it feels like anything can happen.
Describe the process of writing and recording process?
I’m stoked to have the album. It took three years of chipping away between projects, recorded sporadically in various locations, including Mullumbimby, Laguna and Nashville. Matt Sherrod produced the album, he’s an incredible guy and a great friend.
Catch the Magpie Diaries at The Stag and Hunter Hotel, Mayfield, on January 31. Get a ticket, just $10, here: events.ticketbooth.com.au
