Meet Your Upstarters Finalists: Local The Neighbour
Of the five Upstarters finalists, Local the Neighbour is perhaps the most laid back.
Blending indie rock, alternative pop, and bedroom pop, his songs are catchy without feeling overly polished or forced; there’s gravity, but in a chill way - serious music that doesn’t want to keep you frowning. There’s an easygoing quality to his sound, with honest lyrics and dreamy melodies that carry a little bit of longing. It’s the kind of music that feels just as good coming through your headphones late at night as it does live in a crowded room. Get to know him below and catch him at the Monster Children Showcase at BIGSOUND Brisbane, this coming Wednesday.
Who are you?
I’m David and I make indie music in my attic under the Local the Neighbour.
How would you describe the music you make?
It’s definitely diy and raw. I sometimes like to describe it as ‘modern cowboy indie rock’.
What have you learnt about each other (your bandmates) through making music together?
I’ve learnt that I should make music on my own
Are there certain rituals you do when making music?
I pee a lot before shows. I used to have bad stage fright, now I’m all good, but that ritual stays lol.
What is the hardest thing about being a musician in Australia?
Definitely the fact that it’s tough to get out of the country and play for new audiences. Logistically being an island and so isolated from the US or Europe is tricky and EXPENSIVE to do, especially nowadays! The other thing I’d say is, Australia is a small country so there isn’t as much sustainability or audience if you sit in somewhat of a niche space. In saying that, whenever I tour overseas, I’m always thankful to come home! Living in Australia is truly the best.
What is the dumbest ‘job’ you’ve had to work to be able to pay for gigs?
Working a Christmas midnight shift at Mrs Fields Cookies.
What song do you wish you had written that someone else wrote?
I’m sure there are a few but the first thing that comes to mind is Say Yes by Elliot Smith.
How important is lyricism in songwriting?
It’s important but also it isn’t. I’m not a poetry guy, but I love to talk, so my lyrics are more conversational in that sense, where things are kinda casual. Being a drummer/instrumentalist first, I definitely care more about the melody, and will bend my lyrics to fit that, as opposed to the other way around. Obviously this isn’t always the case, but generally that’s my vibe.
What is a perfect record?
10,000 Gecs - 100 Gecs.
What would you do with the $20K if you won it?
I’m getting a helicopter in my next music video. BOOM ;)
