Start Listening To: Nat Vazer

Nat Vazer has hints of Phoebe Bridgers, Angel Olsen and Courtney Barnett. Being behind one of our favourite albums from 2020, we couldn’t wait to speak with her.

First of all, thank you so much for taking the time out to speak with us. If you don’t mind, could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your music for the uninitiated?

I’m a songwriter from Melbourne. Intimate guitar pop, indie folk rock is how some people have described my sound.  My debut album ‘Is This Offensive and Loud?’ was released this year.  The limited edition cassette version has also just come out on Perpetual Doom!

A tired question to be sure but, while working on your recent LP, how significantly did the pandemic impact that creative process?

The LP was released mid-pandemic so I wrote it before that, but the pandemic had an interesting impact on the release.  As cities went into lockdown, people’s appetite for music and entertainment seemed to grow during that time.  So it was unexpectedly a good time to release new music.

Speaking of which, what would you say, if anything, is your typical creative process? Or do you tend to take a different approach depending on the project?

I don’t really have a ‘typical creative process’ - I feel that every song has taken me down a different path and the process is constantly changing and evolving.  Some common themes have been writing in solitude, late night walks and just chasing new sounds that excite me.  I like to noodle on guitar a lot...I find that the best ideas often emerge when I’m able to play playfully, which is harder than it sounds.

What kind of changes would you like to see come to the music industry in a post-pandemic world?

Real diversity.  Greater community.  The live scene coming back strong.  Free coffee.

On the flip-side, what do you miss most about the pre-pandemic world?

Hugs, camping, mid-week pub hangs, breakfast with friends and house parties

Maybe it feels like picking a favourite child but which track is your favourite from your latest LP?

Floating on a Highway.  I had an extra fun time recording that one with the band on a very very rainy day.  We recorded the rain that day and now it runs through the entire track.

Not necessarily limited to that LP, which tracks are you most excited to play live when live music returns to full fruition?

Grateful and Sunlight.  They have a great live energy and fun to rock out to with the band.

Other than being reflected in the lyrics of the opening track, what was the intention behind the title of this LP?

The title 'Is This Offensive And Loud?' is a lyric taken from the first song on the album.  It was one of the thoughts that crossed my mind as I was writing the record - the idea that if we can worry less about what people think, we can achieve far more by focusing on ourselves, doing what we have to do and going where we have to go.   I think people will always try to instil in you their own ideas of what is sensible for you.  But writing these songs for me was kind of about disproving those ideas of ‘sensibility’ and like ‘taking the power back’ so to speak.

What are some of the lessons you’ve learned through your different musical projects?

Be kind to yourself.  Say ‘no’ to things you don’t genuinely want to do.   

Are there any particular musical influences that you drew from when creating this LP, or who influence your music or life more broadly?

I went back to listening to some old Beatles, Nirvana and Radiohead records when I was writing the LP - that was mainly because I was overseas at the time and I find old records kind of grounding when living in new places.  Because I also grew up with these bands, they’ve been influential on my songwriting and also my life in general. 

What’s it been like working with Hotel Motel Records?

It’s been a fun, fast-paced journey with legend Jo Syme who runs Hotel Motel Records.  She’s very smart and cool, and has been an incredible support to me.  As badass as label bosses come!

If you had to collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would that be and why?

I feel like my answer to this question changes all the time depending on my mood and what I’m writing at the time.  Today, it’s Elliott Smith.  ES just has this unique melancholic sound and his writing is so cleverly intricate, twisted and delicate - he’s masterful at what he does and to collab with him would be a dream.

What are some of your favourite releases to come out of 2020?

Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher, Andy Shauf - The Neon Skyline, Kevin Morby - Sundowner

What can we expect from you in 2021? Any plans for upcoming releases or live performances?

You can expect more new music, and hopefully a few tours when things go back to normal.

Thank you once again for your time, do you have anything that you’d like to add?

The LP on limited edition cassettes are now out on Perpetual Doom!  And EVERY TAPE comes with a free ‘Ticket to Higher Places’ sticker.  Exclusively available from www.perpetualdoom.com