In Conversation with Caitlin Park

Hi Caitlin,

How long have you been playing and performing and what was the spark that sent you down this musical career path?

I have been a musician for years, but the music I am making now, I have been creating and working on for about 5 years. I have always been interested in writing and creating music and sonic soundscapes, however I think watching the phenomenal musicians that come out of Australia as a young adult, as well as theatre and watching films have been the main inspirations for my musical progression.

How would you describe your music for people who have not yet heard your songs yet?

Electro-acoustics. Folk music with sound effects and dialogue samples. Big drums and lots of vocals.

How did your collaborations with Peter Broderick and Holly Throsby come about?

Holly has been a friend of mine for years, and was a big inspiration to me, both musically and personally – I always wanted to sing a song with her on my first album, and I got to sing on her album too. It was an honour.

Before my album came out, almost 3 years ago now, I sent Peter a bunch of demos after writing to him and letting him know how much I enjoyed his work and respected his opinions of mine. He enjoyed them so much he sent me a handful of poems he had written, including a beautiful visual piece called ‘A Boat?’. To challenge myself, as well as show my respect for his work I turned it into a song – and wrote music and a melody for his poem. He enjoyed it so much he let me put it on the record. To this day, Peter and I have only met once in person.

You won the ‘Spirit of Qantas' award in 2012, tell us how that.

It was an incredible shock and a fantastic feeling. The shortlist for the competition that included artists that I have been inspired by for years and to be chosen amongst such strong talent was an honour. My mentor Lee Groves has been a fantastic friend and a strong role model, I respect him immensely – and visiting New York and CMJ Festival was a highlight of my career. I LOVE NY.

UK tour next month, is there anything you are particularly looking forward to on your trip?

I am really looking forward to The Great Escape Festival, I have visited Brighton before and it is beautiful part of the world. As well as that, I can’t wait to visit the towns and cities I haven’t been to before, and to introduce myself to a new country.

What was the music you listened to back in School/College days that blew you away and do you still sing these songs in the shower today?

That’s a very personal question.. ha. In all honesty, I listened to Joni Mitchell and Ella Fitzgerald and Neil Young and The Band.. I don’t really sing in the shower, but if I did you would definitely hear, “The Night they drove old Dixie down”!

One of your influences mentioned is The Penguin Cafe Orchestra, what appeals to you about their music?

I love their simplicity and the way they build loops – also, their timbres and textures is right up my alley.

You also worked in a cult video store, any funny stories you would like to share?

Funny stories? I had a great time working there, It was the best job I’ve ever had. I watched art house films, Buffy, Woody Allen, Polanski, Hitchcock’s, and took note of all the obsessive cult movie watchers and their strange ticks and behaviour. I also enjoyed intensely conservative people coming in and talking about the latest French indie film… oh dear.

You have had exposure via Triple J Radio. Is that the best station to listen to for new music in Australia and who are your other current favourite artists from your homeland at the moment?

It definitely depends on the kind of music you want to hear. Personally, I think it is best to listen to Community Radio (FBI in Sydney – or 3RRR in Melbourne) to support media that supports the music of the city. I also love Triple J and really appreciate all of their support – it is an important station in Australia and has always been so supportive of Australian artists’ exposure.

Where is the closest record store to where you live?

Pigeon Ground Public. I love to shop there, only problem is I always end up spending my whole paycheck.

Finally, now recording your second album, what so far has been the main differences from your first LP ‘Milk Annual’

The new songs are based much more on vocal melody and have a soul/motown sensibility. The sound of the new record will be much bigger, with lots of drums and lots of vocals. It is darker than ‘Milk Annual’ but it is executed in an upbeat way – I can’t wait to play the new and old songs in the UK, and hear what people think.

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