Edgecliff
Pursuing music as a career, be that as a solo artist or in a band, is always a learning process. However, the members of Sydney's Edgecliff took that to the extreme with a few of the members also learning to play & master their instruments as the band grew. While unconventional the process has paid off with the release of their new EP, Uproar, being a roaring success.
Chatting to 3 of the 5 members before Christmas we learned how the group came together & how this unusual journey has progressed.
Speaking to Pario were, Kai Stackhouse (bass guitar), Jesse Calabrese (rhythm guitar), & Nick Murace (keyboard). The 2 other members who make up Edgecliff, Will Howell (lead guitar and vocals) & Jacob Lock (drums) unfortunately couldn't join us. Reflecting on how the group came together Jesse said, "music was something really fun that we could all do together."
The camaraderie that they all felt was foundational to the formation of Edgecliff. Particularly as Jesse & Nick hadn't played an instrument until the band was formed. Explaining how this came to be Kai told Pario, "for some of us [the passion for music] came very early from family but for the rest of us it started when we were hanging out & jamming together."
At this point, Jesse jumped in to explain further, "Watching the other boys jam was so fun to do that I then picked up a guitar myself at around 15-16 & I've loved it ever since."
Nick's experience was similar to that of Jesse.
"For me, the journey started when the boys came to me & said 'We're looking for a keyboard player to play with us'. Jessie gave me his old keyboard & I started playing on that at home. It didn't really get me anywhere until I sat down one day, had a real go & just fell in love with it."
From that point on all of the members of Edgecliff have learned new techniques, expanded their skills & grown as musicians together. A journey that Nick said was only possible because "we had our best mates around us, supporting us & helping us improve."
Jesse echoed this sentiment by saying, "It was really fun to learn songs while learning an instrument as well. On top of that playing in a band while learning your instrument helps so much. By bouncing off each other with ideas you find yourself progressing so much quicker."
Fast Forward 3 Years
Now 3 years into their pursuit of music Edgecliff have announced themselves on the scene with their EP, Uproar. Inspired by the band's early music idols such as Silverchair, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Wolfmother, Powderfinger, AC/DC & Ocean Alley this EP is filled with a uniquely Australian style of grunge rock.
According to Jesse, the EP showcases "the past 3 years" of Edgecliff's growth & development as musicians.
"All of the songs were written at different times. Some were written in the last year & others have been in the works for a couple of years now," explained Jesse. "There's something on this record for everyone & we just want to get it out there because it's us. It's the early stages of Edgecliff for sure."
In terms of their personal highlights on this record Kai said "there are 2 hidden gems on there that I think are going to be big secret weapons." However, as our conversation continued 1 song, in particular, came to the fore for Kai, Jesse & Nick. That song is entitled, Broken.
"It's a nice soft-rock ballad that just hits differently when you are listening to it, & playing it," revealed Jesse.
If any of this sounds like your style Edgecliff has a hometown show coming up at Sydney's Factory Theatre in January. When asked how they describe their live shows Nick quickly jumped in to say, "it's high energy! We really do try to bring a lot of energy to our shows every time we play. We love to see people walking away wanting to see more."
Jan 7. Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville. $20+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.factorytheatre.com.au
Follow Edgecliff's Creative Journey on social media on:
Instagram - @EdgecliffBand
Facebook - @EdgecliffMusic
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