Tim and Jean
Having just released their debut album, and with influences as far ranging as Ray Charles and Sonic Youth, Tim and Jean are an act to check out. Female First chatted to Tim about the duo.
-Were you glad to finally get your debut album out?
Yeah its good to get it out so you can move on to the next stage and start to make something better.
-How's the initial reaction been?
I guess its been ok. We’ve had lots of airplay in Australia and We’ve played lots of great shows and festivals which is what we enjoy best.
-Why should people pick the album up?
Well a lot of people obviously shouldn’t cause they might not like it but I guess if you like the gig maybe...but then again you might prefer a sandwich or a pint of beer.
You could always pick it up and put it down. But then again you might actually like it.
-How did the duo start?
We’d known of each other for a while, playing in different bands. Then one day we met and decided to try jamming some music.
That first night we wrote and recorded two tracks - ‘Like What’ and ‘Come Around’. Nothing serious, no serious intent, just a bit of fun really.
Then ‘Come Around’ was picked up on the net by Triple J, an important Alternative station in Australia, and started playing it a lot. All started from there.
-What challenges have you had to overcome whilst trying to make it in the music business?
Just the demands from record companies, that you don’t really think about. Like having to make a video and having to market yourself.
Doing interviews and getting up early for flights. Australia a huge country which means touring requires lots of flying.
-Do you both have a proper background,musically, or is this one of the first projects you've both had?
We’ve both been in lots of bands since we were really young. I’ve played piano since I was very young and played lots of jazz and blues.
I also toured with an aboriginal band, playing keyboards. We travelled through lots of remote areas and played to lots of isolated aboriginal communities.
Jean is a guitar player and he’s played in lots of rock bands since he was about 10.
-Who are your influences?
Ray Charles, Oscar Petterson, Herbie Hancock, Tom Petty, Sonic Youth, Prince, My Bloody Valintine.
-How was it supporting Moby?
It was great, our second gig was playing with him at Sydney opera house.
Moby and his band were really kind and made what could have been totally overwhelming and daunting into a great experience.
-How would you describe your sound?
A jazzy funky popping jam.
-Are you glad to be home?
Always - but great to see other countries.
-What do you have planned for the rest of 2011?
More touring and hopefuly recording.