Energetic surf indie rockers Caravãna Sun have entered 2020 strong, with a catchy as all hell new single, signing to Berlin’s label Embassy Of Music (home to Bjork, Moby, San Cisco, Ball Park Music) and a slew of gigs lined up to see them through until the latter half of the year. One gig we’re particularly excited about is when the sun-soaked Sydney-siders take on Melbourne’s Flavour Fest. We chat with vocalist and bassist Ant Beard ahead of their appearance.
Congrats on the new single ‘Charlie’, which hit many right in the feels with its vulnerable undertones. I understand it’s a song spawned from a personal difficulty. Was writing this song all part of the healing or dealing process?
Yes for sure! Music and songwriting can provide a window of observation into these experiences. It’s about moving further toward the heart and trying to understand myself and this concept of struggling better through expression. Above all, the song was written as a reminder for myself and others that, although we can feel very alone in the dark times, there’s always space to reach out for help.
Despite being such a vulnerable song, it’s still quite uplifting, retaining Caravana Sun’s brand of vibey, sun-drenched rock. Was it hard to create a song like this?
No I’d say it really wasn’t hard, that’s why it works. Over the years we’ve put a lot of energy into trying to write and create things that were thought out and precise. This process was truly so easy in its resistance. It’s like, the more we let go, the more the song was willing to show itself and all we had to do was write it.
Do personal experiences drive most of the music you create?
Yes, I’d say that’s a huge part of my writing. Above all, the words and melodies always somehow relate back to some internal drive to understand and be understood.
You’ve just joined the Embassy of Music family in Germany, alongside Moby Björk Ball Park Music & San Cisco! What does this mean for your future releases? How did this signing come about?
We’ve been touring Europe for the past 8 years and have formed some of the pillars of this band around performing to such incredible audiences. Signing this deal began as a conversation but like all things in our world, it always comes back to the same thing, the song! They believed in what we had to say and how we wanted to say it. You’ll expect to see a lot more of Caravãna Sun eating pretzels along the Rien, let’s just say that.
You guys have been pretty consistent over the past few years, hitting the road and following the summer with your music. Which one do you prefer? Does winter mess with your vibe?
It’s a weird scenario, I LOVE winter but can’t help but think you always want what you don’t have. Summer has been great for us and always had a huge connection to people being together. It’s the time community comes out of their homes and into each other’s eyes. A chance to connect to one another, we just provide the soundtrack!
You guys are performing at music and food festival, Flavour Fest in Melbourne this month which is something different! How did this one come about?
This one came in again from some great relationships. Australia is a relatively small country not to mention the music industry. We’ve always provided ourselves by putting on a show that’s worth talking about and this one will be no exception.
It’s a pretty rad lineup with indie-rock legends, British India, along with Jakubi, Clews and Bec Sandridge. Have you shared a stage with any of these artists before?
Over the years we have with nearly the whole line up at different festivals. This will be one to remember no doubt! It’s such an incredibly great time for music in Australia and we feel grateful to be surrounded by a line up at the forefront of all things awesome!
The festival is all about a delicious blend of fiery, sweet and smokey sensations – when you’re on the road, what your favourite food?
Great question! Food is a huge part of touring for us and we tend to bend our plans around a delicious meal in whatever country we visit. With a mix of vegetarians and not in the band, Sushi always seems to be the happy medium ground. Otherwise, a B & E roll never goes astray after a big show.
There are a few cooking demos as well. Is there a Caravana chef amongst you that might get benefit from a few tips and tricks?
I’d have to say Chris Smithson on Keys and Synth would have to be the Su Chef for us, ESPECIALLY when it comes to whipping up a mean breaky after a morning surf. There’s something in the way he moves around that hot plate that would make anyone weak at the knees
Plan to chase that summer again for 2020?
Yes and yes!
Located on Frontier Park in Aintree, Flavour Fest is a free ticketed event that will run from 12 pm to 9pm on Saturday March 21. Visit www.flavourfest.com.au/
Caravãna Sun will also take to Melbourne’s Stay Gold on Friday March 27.
