Last week I was blown away by Jez Mead’s latest album Beard of Bees. Recently I had the pleasure of catching up with the band himself to chat about the disc, his unique sound, and life on the road.
You’ve got such a unique sound. What influences your music?
I do a lot of writing on the road while I’m driving so it seems to suit being listened to in that way. I like all sorts of music but don’t tend to listen to that much blues rootsy stuff even though I get put into that department. I’ve only got a tape player in my van so it’s anything I can get from the op shop on tape, lots of 70’s stuff. But I like bands like Talking Heads, English 80s stuff like the Cocteau Twins and Talk Talk and also heavier bands like Tool. The Drones and Dirty Projectors are my latest favourite things.
Beard of Bees has such a beautiful, spontaneous feel to it. What was it like to make?
I love being in the studio and I don’t really know what I’m going to do ’til I get in there. The only thing with this album is I wanted to make it a bit more raw and to try and capture more of what I sound like live.
One of the tracks on the album, “Devil,” sees you duetting with the lovely Julia Stone. What was she like to work with?
On one of the tours I did with those guys, we were singing that song in their set and it worked well so I was keen to record it again as a duet. We’ve been mates for quite a while so it was just hanging out really; there was no work involved.
You also worked with students from the School of Engineering on “Town’s Too Small.” What made you want to incorporate them into the project?
Well I wanted to get a sort of chain gang feel going really and the school is right next door to where I recorded the album so we just went and rounded ’em up and got them to clap and stamp on the floor.
There are many guest instrumentalists and performers on this record. What do you love about collaborating with other musicians?
Well I think it just adds another dimension to the album really; it get’s a bit inbred otherwise.
Is there anyone you hope to work with in future?
I’m up for anything really. But it’s funny that a lot of times I do gigs I get people coming up saying “I’ve got a mate that sounds just like you, you guys should jam,” but i’ve never really seen the sense in that. I’d rather do stuff with a xylophone player or something that makes a whole new sound. I’m also a sucker for female vocals and a good duet Lee Hazelwood/Nancy Sinatra style. Maybe a duet with Susan Boyle.
Beard of Bees will be released through your own label Belly Up Records. Why did you decide to start the label?
Well the album’s distributed by EMI but it’s not on the label, so basically we had to make one. Plus if it goes well we can also start putting other artists out on it.
I believe you traveled around 50, 000 kays when touring last year. What do you love most about being on the road?
I love seeing my country and music has taken me to places in it I would never have gone to. I’ve also made many friends and feel at home all over the place.
What are your favourite parts of Australia?
I really love being between here and there, in the middle of nowhere, that’s where i write a lot. I’ve just been playing in Broome which is awesome and basically just an excuse to go fishing as well. I also love playing in Newcastle; there’s no beard stroking there, just people getting into it and in your face in a good way.
What do you enjoy most about performing live?
Just connecting with and meeting people really. I like to make them dance too. Live playing is also spontaneous as well and I like the challenge of trying to push the boundaries of my playing and getting to new levels. And the free beer too, that’s always good. There are also some great publicans out there too who believe in bringing music to people as well as making a living.
Will we see you on the road again soon?
I’m always on the road; my camper van’s my home.
Beard of Bees is available for pre-order ahead of its June 25 release.
Image used with permission from Original Matters