Words by Art Jefferson
Images courtesy of Husky
True musical virtuosity is a combination of vivid songwriting combined with instrumentation and production that allows emotions to simply and uncontrollably run free. Melbourne band Husky are masters of mood, using a gentle warmth of folk and alternative to form what could be called sonic art at its purist.
Consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Husky Gawenda and keyboardist/vocalist Gideon Preiss, the two cousins released their impeccable 2012 debut LP Forever So which boasted a style of wordplay and storytelling that evoked a distinct spirit similar to legends such as Bob Dylan. Also containing a tenderness of acoustics, the album was a beautiful introduction to the band, making way for their second LP Ruckers Hill releases in 2014. Finding a delicate balance between minimalism and bursting, full-bodied production, Husky’s latest gift is a sort of homecoming welcome that one would expect from true maestros whose dedication is first to the craft, which again exemplifies the magnitude of genuine artisans.
The songwriting in your tracks have always been immaculate. What age did your love of songwriting begin?
Husky Gawenda – I loved songs always. For as long as I can remember they were magical things to me, while worlds I could escape to. At around 12 years old I started to write poetry and songs of my own. I wanted to create these worlds.
Just going back into some of your history, you and your cousin grew up together surrounded by music. Was there ever any talk of forming a band before 2008?
Husky Gawenda – I had a high school band with Gideon’s brother from around 13 – 17. Gideon (who is my cousin) was a few years younger so we hung out a lot but didn’t play music together back then. At some point I realized that he had become an incredible musician and had some kind of plan (or dream) that we would start a band together. Eventually we did.
Husky, I read that you were quite shy when it came to performing. When did you develop the confidence to finally sing and perform in front of people?
Husky Gawenda – I was very shy and whilst I loved writing and playing music, performing didn’t come naturally to me. I played a lot with my older sister growing up. She sang and I played guitar and sang harmonies. She has a beautiful voice and is a very natural performer. Ashe convinced me to sing more and gave me the confidence to do it eventually. The first time I performed my own songs in front of people was at an open mic night in Melbourne at around 2am for 10-15 people. My friend took me there and signed me up without telling me he was going to. Once I realized, I had no choice. In a way that was the first small step of what has become a long and amazing journey.
Your album Forever So was the absolute epitome of beauty. Can you talk about the recording process of that LP because there was also a real organic element to it.
Husky Gawenda – Firstly, thank you. Gideon and I recorded Forever So in my bungalow in my back garden. When I listen to it now I hear that the songs convey some pretty important and poignant things I was going through at the time I wrote them. I think that was an achievement. There’s an honesty and realness about them. And I think the way we treated the songs and brought them to life really honored where they came from. A lot of that was due to Gideon’s skill, sensitivity and musical heart. We spent many late nights and misty mornings in that bungalow, exploring other worlds and lost loves and times gone by.
Again, Forever So had such imaginative songwriting. Was there a particular creative process that you engaged in when writing the songs to that album?
Husky Gawenda – No not really. I just managed to tap into some important feelings and experiences and convert them into song. I don’t think I can explain it other than to say music and words are a very natural form of expression, I just need to find the silence to allow it the space it needs to come out.
Your new album Ruckers Hill is an amazing follow-up to Forever So. You were actually touring for quite a while before you recorded it. Did that long life on the road play a factor in terms of the sound and direction of the LP? It almost feels like the record is that blissful moment of being back home.
Husky Gawenda – I think the record does suggest and deal with a kind of homecoming and all that comes with it, good and bad. Ideas like belonging, distance, time, change, freedom – its beauty and its flaws – are clearly threaded thoughout Ruckers Hill. So yes, I’m sure Ruckers Hill was at least partly a result of a couple of years of heavy touring.
‘I’m Not Coming Home’ reflects the idea of escapism. Whenever you feel that need to escape everyday life, is there a particular place that you resort to as a space of peace?
Husky Gawenda – Escaping can be hard because it’s often yourself you wish to escape, although you don’t often realize it, I guess. I don’t anyway. If I’m stuck somewhere then books and music and film are often sufficient for me to lose myself for a while. When possible, nature and silence. The ocean, the forest, the desert…birds, trees, water, hills, valleys, big skies, stars…all that stuff.
I’m sure fans must have told you countless of times how much your music has touched them. Is there any one particular moment that stands out to you?
Husky Gawenda – It would be impossible to choose a particular moment. It never ceases to touch me and amaze me when people tell me they are moved or comforted in some way by our music. I’ve had a few people over the years tell me that our show was their first ever show. You never forget your first ever show. That feels like quite an honour.
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