Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Broken Cloudy King

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

I remember driving around with my Dad and my two older brothers, singing four part harmonies to songs by The Everly Brothers and Simon and Garfunkel. I think that gave me a good understanding of the language of music at such a young age. I think I was around 6 or 7 years old at the time. Melody and harmonies became a language that I easily understood.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

It started when my brother was learning piano, which was when I was about 4 or 5 years old. I used to sit on the piano stool with him and just watch the keyboard. I used to try to copy what he was doing. When we got a bit older, the three of us started playing instruments and started a band together. We all wrote, played and sang and that really started my love of music and hunger to write.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

The album I’m in the process of releasing (Kyoto) is about a journey through Japan which was halted for personal reasons. It’s about all the things that I was imagining in the process of travelling, which never actually eventuated. Things that might have gone wrong, issues that might have come up and ways that we might have struggled. Imagination is such a powerful thing. A little too powerful sometimes.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

I guess I would say it’s indie pop music. It definitely has a more British sound.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

The biggest thing I learnt was not to write consciously. Since letting go of this and only writing when an idea came to me whilst I was daydreaming or dreaming, the music has felt more authentic and connected. The harder you try and more aware you are when creating art, the less authentic it seems to be. The subconscious mind is the true artist.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

Funnily enough, the most important tool I have is my voice recorder. It’s so crucial to capture ideas as they’re developing. I also couldn’t be without my piano. It was a gift from my late mother and something I will always cherish.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

At the moment, I’m listening to the new album from My Morning Jacket. That and the latest album by Vampire weekend. That blows my mind.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

Growing up in Perth, Western Australia was a big influence. Not because of the cultural influence but rather the lack of music and cultural history. It’s the most isolated capital city in the world and is kind of like a blank canvas. The other big influence was the 80’s and 90’s British indie music that my brother was listening to when I was a teenager. That left such a big mark on me.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

I hope that listeners can relate to the lyrics. They’re stories that would be similar to what so many people have gone through – darkness, love, loss, etc. It’s easy to forget that songs are poetry with sound.

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

The biggest lesson it has taught me is to let go of what others might expect of you or what you think others want you to be. Not to listen to other peoples opinions and try to connect to the true reason you started the journey in the first place.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

Sydney Opera House – outside on the steps. It’s a magical place.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

Damon Albarn. He is one of the most clever and ground breaking artists I’ve ever heard.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)