Cloud Control are about to go on tour with Leader Cheetah, so we had a quick chat to the wonderful Heidi Lenffer about their love of said band, recording their new record, playing the longest on-tour game of Hearts ever….and more…. read on!

Also, just noticed they’ve got a film clip up for Gold Canary. It’s amazing and looks exactly like you’d think it would – really suits the song. Great job.

1. Are you excited about everything coming up  - album release, touring with Leader Cheetah etc…?  What else is on the cards?

We’re listening to the Cheetah tunes even as we write, which is a small indication of how much we love this band, so you could say that more than being excited, we’re honoured that they are joining us for this tour. Touring itself is best described as a bit more fun than real life- it’s like everything you experience is amplified somewhat by the nature of being in a foreign town. The music is fresh, the stage more energetic, burgers taste better… so when a band member betrays you in a game of hearts, it feels like the crime is worse because it happened on tour; the happy place. Speaking of cards, we’ll be picking up from where we left our hearts tournament last tour. We’re trying for the longest on-tour game ever.

2. When are you releasing the album? Tell us more about where you recorded, who produced, etc ?

The album is on track for release early next year.  Hopefully in time for Valentines- so keep us in mind because nothing says ‘I love you’ better than a thoughtful CD. We have been recording most of our songs in the living room of Jeremy’s parent’s house in a leafy battle-axe block on the outskirts of Springwood. All other tracks have been recorded 10 minutes down the road at our producer Liam’s parent’s house, and we’ve enjoyed some fine home cooking along the way. We are one of many bands whose career is indebted to the graces of generous parents! Liam Judson from Belles Will Ring has been putting our songs to tape and making them sound wonderful.

3. Judging by the first single Gold Canary, there has been a definite shift in your sound, but still retaining classic Cloud Control vibes…. was the change something you could say you worked towards, or did it just kinda happen?

Gold Canary is a unique song in our repertoire but I wouldn’t say it’s indicative of a shift in sound. Listen to Paul Simon’s Graceland for some background information on this single.

4. Can you give us an idea or any insight into what the rest of the new songs sound like?

One insight is that the songs are quite diverse. The full-band plays; there’s a lonely guitar; all four of us sing together; then there’s silence; rhythm drives some songs; melody drives others; sounds experimental? Not really at all, but we’re proud of it.

5. Do y’all still live in the Blue Mountains? Would you say that your surroundings influence the songs you write and/or the overall sound of the band?

Only one of us lives in the Mountains full-time, but we all spend time there on a regular basis. We get asked this question a lot, and I think that maybe people are expecting us to say that the trees whisper lyrics to us, which is just not the case… Space and place are undoubtedly central influences for anyone, whether you’re in a band or not. But in the same way that you are influenced by the people you love, it’s not something you can often put a finger on. And maybe you shouldn’t even try, and just let it be, because you risk losing something in the process of analysis. That’s what we like to do.

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