Locals Only #1 - Western Australia
Our chats with Western Australia-based musicians, emerging and established! Hear from funk rockers Bribery, psych-rock four piece Rapid, electro pop rap artist aayu, genre-diverse wonder Pavan Kumar Hari and country pop star Claudia Tripp.
Words Wilson Tan
Bribery
What to expect: Energy-filled, funk-rock with a touch of pop delivered by the collective chemistry of Abbie (21), Copper (22), Sam (22) and Matt (23)
Image: Nathan Van Bloommestein
Introduce yourself! Why did you first start making music?
We are BRIBERY, a band made up of four Perth-born musicians featuring Abbie Fairweather on vocals, Cooper Cutts on guitar, Sam Ferguson on bass and Matt Settiono on drums. The concept started when Cooper and Matt began chatting about the band-themed t-shirts they were wearing at a party. Cooper then reached out to his university friend Abbie to sing. Afterwards, Sam replied to Abbie’s Instagram story seeking a bass player and the band formed!
How would you describe your sound or artistic style to someone hearing your music for the first time?
Our music mostly fits the pop-rock space, but we try to combine pop, rock and funk in unique ways that appeal to both old and young.
What does your creative process look like?
Our process is straightforward. Usually, we start from a melodic line or chord progression created by a member. Our song ‘Sunscreen’ captures this process perfectly. We wrote it during Sam’s first rehearsal, with Abbie later adding lyrics and melodies. We then added a bass solo to finish it!
How has being based in Perth shaped your music or the way you approach your craft?
Perth is very spread out. Thus, community matters a lot. As an emerging band, forging genuine relationships with other artists and audiences in the local scene is crucial.
What artists have inspired your music lately?
Abbie is a diehard ABBA fan. Recently, she has been listening to Perth acts like Ricky Neil Jr., RubyHoo and HAZEL. Matt has been diving into Paramore and grungier rock lately, whereas Sam has been learning basslines from Deon Estus of Wham!. Meanwhile, Cooper has been playing in the pit for a musical theatre show, while still drawing inspiration from rock bands like KISS.
Tell us about one of your most memorable gigs so far.
That would be our most recent single launch at the Indian Ocean Hotel! We were very anxious. But all that passed when Abbie sang the first line of our new single and the crowd sang along. These experiences remind us why we do this and make us grateful to share our music with others.
What are you excited to release next?
We are going to release a funk track that will round out our catalogue nicely, with a mix of pop and rock. We also have some exciting announcements coming soon!
What would your dream gig look like?
Our dream used to be simply to fill a bar with people dancing and enjoying our music. But now our goal is to keep the energy going as far as possible. Of course, we wouldn’t say no to playing a classic Australian festival!
Rapid
What to expect: Psych-rock that’s furiously fast and fuzzy from Cam (22), Flynn (25), Omri (22), and Jac (24).
Introduce yourself! How did you first start making music?
RAPID first started with Cam (guitar), Fynn (guitar) and Omri (drums), who shared a similar interest in riffy, fuzz-rock bands such as Ty Segall and Psychedelic Porn Crumpets. After two years of jamming, we had eight original songs, but nobody wanted to sing and both Fynn and Cam preferred playing guitar. Fynn met Jac at university and invited him over to jam. Jac immediately loved the vibe, so he chose to handle vocals and bass. Six months later, we had our first gig! RAPID was a name that brothers Fynn and Omri created when they were young, with hopes of using it as a future band name.
How would you describe your sound to someone hearing it for the first time?
We usually land on fast-paced, psychedelic rock!
What does your creative process usually look like when you're making a new track or project?
We typically start with one person having some chords and a melody. We then sit together and develop it over a couple of hours or longer. Omri records his ideas into Ableton, and we go through his projects and choose one to work on.
How has being based in Perth shaped your music?
The Perth music scene is amazing, and we think it’s changed our songwriting approach. When we first started, we were heavily focused on fuzzy rock influenced by USA bands like Meatbodies and Fuzz. But there’s not much of that here, so we ended up playing shows with indie, folk and pop acts. That pushed us to write songs without sticking to one specific genre and stop worrying if it’s not ‘heavy enough’ or ‘not having sufficient riffs’.
Who are some artists or sounds that have been influencing you lately?
Wunderhorse, Basht, Superheaven, Pinegrove, Mannequin P****.
Tell us about your first gig. How did it feel? How does it compare to your shows now?
Our first gig was at Badlands Bar (RIP) – it was such an awesome venue. Before that, we only played in our tiny rehearsal space. A club at Cam’s university organised it and he managed to get us booked. I think we played four songs, including a cover. We felt very nervous and still feel the same now, though slightly less so!
What’s been one of your favourite shows or gigs you’ve played so far?
That is probably our Floodlights EP Launch at Mojos Bar. It was great celebrating its release and playing many new songs, especially since it had been a while since our last gig.
What are you currently working on or excited to release next?
We are on hiatus now, with Jac and Omri currently living in Melbourne. Cam will be moving over in August, so that we will be getting back on track then. However, we have a few things coming up that we can’t say much about yet!
What would your dream gig look like?
Our dream gig would be a sold-out tour! We’re all best friends so I think it would be really fun to travel together and play gigs every night!
aayu
What to expect: Expressive electronic pop-rap with melodic hooks shaped by Perth singer-songwriter and producer aayu (24).
Image: Will Hellewell
Introduce yourself! What drew you to music?
I’m aayu, a singer-songwriter and producer from Perth. I first started making Launchpad covers after getting one at 14. I also experimented with a trial version of Ableton and really loved it. Since then, my life has pretty much revolved around music.
How would you describe your sound to someone hearing it for the first time?
My sound integrates pop, rap and electronic music, although I also try to produce a fusion of everything I like.
Describe your creative process when creating a new track or project.
I often follow a vocal-driven approach by fleshing out a concept or beat for a song quickly so I can immediately write a hook or verse. It helps with easy track structuring while making the vocals stand out.
How has being based in Perth shaped your craft?
I was lucky to find a strong, tight-knit community when I moved back to Perth from Melbourne in 2022. With the record label FEB4RD, I feel like I’m being pushed to evolve my artistry. Love those boys so much.
Who are some artists you’ve been loving lately?
Sade Olutola is a London artist uniquely blending pop styles and addictive vocal lines. Her new EP Arrow Heart is a must-listen. She’s one of my dream collaborations.
What’s been one of your favourite shows or gigs you’ve played?
rainmail, Starshower and I played a joint set in Si Paradiso’s basement two years ago. That night felt like a homecoming for me, being the first set I’d played since moving back. Being up there with friends and performing to fresh faces showed me how open-minded the scene here was. I think no matter where I play, Perth will always be home.
What are you currently working on or excited to release next?
I’m releasing an album in May. I’m super nervous for it to drop, but also very excited for it to finally be out. It feels like the most cohesive project I’ve made. It’s called Stitches and it dwells on surgery as a way of pushing through some stuff I’ve been through over the years. It’s a very Midwest emo influenced record, but there is some alternative-electro on there too.
Pavan Kumar Hari
What to expect: Vibrant, dynamic and dramatic sounds shaped by the versatile musicianship of Pavan Kumar Hari (27)
Image: Stephen Heath
Introduce yourself! Why did you first start making music?
I’m Pavan Hari, a multi-instrumentalist based in Perth. At seven or eight, I became fascinated by the piano. I loved improvising and emulating music I heard on the radio instead of practising what I was taught. I started composing from there. Most of my compositions incorporated four-chord progressions, like most early 2000s music. However, Indian classical phrases would emerge naturally because of my constant exposure to Indian culture and music. The intersection of those two worlds shaped my musical identity.
How would you describe your artistic style?
My sound is diverse, genre-blending, expressive and emotional. These elements come together to create my personal and evocative work.
Walk us through your creative process.
My approach changes depending on the project and collaborators involved. When writing my own music, I start with finding inspiration and research, figuring out what to express and what musical world best conveys it. Afterwards, I immerse myself in that style and improvise. Eventually, I discover motifs and ideas that develop the piece.
Tell us about one of your most memorable performances so far.
One standout would be my Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) graduation recital at The Rechabite, where I performed with an orchestra, dancers and even a live painter. I remember looking out at the audience and taking everything in. As a kid with my piano, I always dreamt of this moment.
What are you currently working on?
I'm writing music for a Barking Gecko Arts production called Walk of the Whales, which will later be remounted into a theatre show called An Imaginary Life in June. I’m also involved in creative developments with the Spare Parts Puppet Theatre and independent artists like Humphrey Bower. On the music side, I'll be playing Fairbridge Festival with Duende Indalo and Salama.
What advice would you give to young people who want to start making music?
Do it for the love! All music and performing is an expression. You've been expressing yourself your whole life through words and actions. You just need to channel them through a new musical language!
Claudia Tripp
What to expect: Bracing and playful indie rock, rife with emotion and energy by Venus, Maxwell, Jack, and Josh (23)
Images: Josef Wilkins
Introduce yourself! Why did you first start making music?
I’m Claudia Tripp, a singer-songwriter from Perth. Since I was young, I was exposed to music as my dad played in bands every weekend. At seven, I started writing my own songs and I’d ask him to play them on the guitar so I could sing along. Subsequently, I began busking and performing at local open mic nights. Even before singing felt like a career, it was just something I loved.
How would you describe your sound?
I’d describe my sound as country-pop. I’ve always loved country music, but I’m also drawn to pop melodies that you hear once and end up singing all day. My music mixes those two worlds.
What’s your creative process when you're making a new track?
Songwriting has always allowed me to process my feelings when I’m going through something. When I’m overwhelmed, penning down my thoughts helps. It feels more like the song comes to me when I need it, rather than me planning to write.
How has being based in Perth shaped your music?
I’ve toured a lot on the east coast lately and even played shows in the USA! Everyone asks when I’m going to leave Perth since it’s far away, but it’s a lot calmer than some bigger cities. Perth gives you the freedom to find yourself as an artist without feeling the need to rush or fit in. For me, it’s a place I can always come back to, be myself and create at my own pace while staying true to my identity.
Are there any artists who have influenced you lately?
Dan + Shay and Tucker Wetmore have been huge inspirations, lyrically and musically.
Tell us about one of your most memorable gigs so far. How did it feel compared to when you first started performing?
I’ve been really lucky to play some huge shows lately, including festivals that hold up to 15,000 people. I often think about that younger version of me who would perform anywhere that would let me, such as on the street, at markets, or in bars. The feeling hasn’t really changed, though. Whether it’s two people at the bar enjoying the music or thousands of people at a festival, the joy is still there, and that joy itself is special.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently finishing my first album, which I’m so excited about! Releasing a full-length project has always been a dream, so it feels special to finally be at this point. Hopefully, it will be out within the next year!
What would be your dream gig?
Playing an arena show one day would be incredible. But honestly, when I’m playing a rodeo to 5000 people, I often think, “this might be the most fun gig there is.” For now, I’m just excited to keep saying yes to opportunities that come my way and enjoy performing on whatever stage I’m on.
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