SAM HALES of THE JUNGLE GIANTS: Influence In Production
An interview by Lauren Sanderson.
Brisbane-based four piece The Jungle Giants are heading to New Zealand shores on the 15th September for a one-off Auckland show – their first-ever on Kiwi soil. I grabbed five minutes with vocalist Sam Hales to take a trip down memory lane while discussing the new album, the tour and his favourite tunes at the moment.
You’re performing in New Zealand for the first time this month, are you looking forward to it?
Yeah totally. We have never played New Zealand and I don’t really know why. I have been to New Zealand before on a school trip and I loved, it’s so beautiful. We went to Rotorua and Auckland and it was awesome. I’m really excited to see how the show goes down.
How do you think the band has developed since forming in 2011?
In a million ways. We have all personally developed and have experienced so much together. The music has grown and changed in so many exciting ways since we started. We have learnt a lot about being a band and I’ve learnt a lot about making music and how I like to make music. We have become the people that we wanted to be and we’re still growing.
How did the band get together?
We met at school. I was in the grade above the guys and when I finished school I went and got two jobs to save up to record. I needed $5000, so I got a job and I worked and worked and worked and by the time I had saved the money the guys had finished school and we went and recorded our first EP.
You released your third album Quiet Ferocity last month. How would you describe the album compared to your other two?
I feel like this album Is a real-life sound for us. We have carved out all our influences and we really experimented with the production for this album. I feel like we’ve finally landed somewhere that we are really happy and want to explore more. The sound of this album is really exciting to us and its exactly where we want to be.
How would you describe your music?
It used to be indie-rock but I feel right now it’s alternative dance as we have picked up a lot of dance influences recently. There is a lot of house influence for the new album.
What influences your music?
One of my main influences is production, I produced this record. It’s my first time producing a record and for me the last year or two I have been listening to a lot of European house. I like Instrumental music that plays around with arrangements and production in interesting ways. Over the last year I have been writing music 9-5, putting all these hours in everyday made me slow down and give each song a chance. So, I feel like time and production is key to this album.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I’ve been listening to a band from New Zealand a lot, they’re called Parallel Dance Ensemble and they are really cool. I’ve also been listening to another band called Fouk, who I’ve recently discovered and I love. Also a shit load of talking heads, they’re my favourite!
Being in a band, do you find you ever clash?
Not really because luckily we all have similar interests in music. We listen to all the same stuff and whenever I find new music I always share it with the guys and we listen to it together. We don’t always agree, but I think that helps in shaping a particular sound. All of the different opinions helps to shape the sound into something unique.
You guys play some pretty cool festivals, what’s been your favourite so far?
I think in Australia I would have to say Groovin the Moo, we have played that twice. Everybody who is there just seems really happy, it’s always sunny and it’s got a real good vibe to it. The festival also takes such good care of the artists, when we play there we feel on top of the world.
What are your two favourite songs at the moment?
Kill Frenzy by Fouk and Wild Child by Parallel Dance Ensemble.
You’ve been a band for the past 6 years, what’s been you most memorable moment?
There have been a lot of special moments that I will never forget but I could say one of my favourites was when we did a tour in Asia a couple of years ago. It was such an insane time, we sold out a bunch of shows in Asia which we did not expect at all. We played a show in Singapore, which was one of the best shows I’ve ever played, we had the best time.
If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?
I definitely think it would be James Murphy from LCD Sound system. He is one of my favourite songwriters and producers. He has such a particular sound, he is like my hero. I would fucking love to work with him – hey a boy can dream!
What’s in store for The Jungle Giants in the future?
After our tour, we are going to be recording a little more at the end of the year and then next year lots more touring and some international touring as well. So, on the road and in the studio for the next year I guess, which is exciting!
The Jungle Giants are hitting New Zealand for a one-off show next week at Auckland’s REC. Tickets are still available for the show from Ticketmaster, but get in quick as the venue is very intimate and it’s sure to sell out!
