Shining Bird’s Russell Webster on making music, performing with Midnight Oil and an upcoming album…

Interview Tanaya Joe

What began as a studio project in 2012 has led to a successful decade-long music career for local seven-piece, Shining Bird. The band from Austinmer, made up of Dane Taylor (vocals/guitar), Russell Webster (keyboard/ electronics), Alastair Webster (lead guitar), Nathan Stratton (bass), Ricci Quirk (drums), James Kates (percussion), and Michael Slatter (sax) are well known for their dreamy, experimental indie tunes. They released their debut album, Leisure Coast, in 2013 to high acclaim and have gone on to tour extensively in their own right, as well as support the likes of Father John Misty, The Drones, Beach House, Midnight Oil and Kurt Vile.

“Kurt Vile was a nice bloke – sometimes it’s cool to meet the musicians you look up to and realise they are just like you in many ways… other times it’s better to not meet them at all,” Russell laughs.

The band formed quite organically – Russell was making music as a solo outfit, but when he met Dane, he realised, “he had a pretty special set of pipes. We both brought the other guys in, and the rest is, as they say, history,” recalls Russell. “When deciding on a name, we were aiming for the most ’80s sounding name possible… which is weird because Shining Bird isn’t even that ’80s sounding.”

What began as an exercise in wanting “to make music with friends”, saw the outfit quickly pick up a recording contract with local label SPUNK! Records, under whom they have released three albums. Their second offering, Black Opal, was produced by Russell, and mixed by Tim Whitten (who also worked with The Go-Betweens and Hoodoo Gurus), and included a collaborative effort with legendary didgeridoo player Charlie McMahon (Midnight Oil, Gondwanaland).

The album received glowing reviews across the board, including from iconic music magazine Rolling Stone, which called the record “almost flawless,” stating, “At a time when indie’s urge toward recycling frequently lacks purpose, Black Opal confirms Shining Bird as an entrancing synth-pop outfit.”

But while Russell admits the positive recognition is obviously a plus, it’s the process of creating that really inspires the band to keep pushing, “It’s always nice to connect with people,” he says. “It’s a cliché, but all that matters is the process, ‘the journey’ – practise is perfect.”

Over the years, Shining Bird’s style has shifted, grown, and settled into a sound that is distinctly and beautifully their own, described by some as “Valium pop”. Their lyrics are poignant and thoughtful, backed by notable guitar riffs, a chorus of melancholy percussion, crystal keys and lucid synths. The talent of each band member is evident throughout their catalogue of work, but it is the steady assurance in the way they play and the calm ease in which they come together that really stands out. The advice that they’d give to young up-and-comers to, “let go of any expectations. Hold it lightly. Focus on the process,” absorbed by the band members themselves.

The sounds they create are considered and astute, but the band have plenty to say lyrically, too. Not shying away from big issues, Shining Bird use their medium to gently question notions around history, climate and togetherness.

On their latest album Deadlands, the song Black Armband discusses the narrative around nationhood. “The verse of Black Armband was constructed out of old newspaper headlines,” the band said in a statement. “It’s a song that touches on lost stories and a deep longing for home that is no longer there. Black Armband reflects a yearning for truth-telling and the desire to reckon with false narratives of nationhood.”

Currently putting the finishing touches on a new record to be released early next year, Russell says Shining Bird’s creative methods are continuously developing to produce the best from everyone and a sound that they’re proud of. “It changes each record,” he says. “This time Dane, Al and myself wrote songs with two guitars, a piano and essentially no technology. It was a nice change to be facing each other instead of a computer screen in the studio.”

The meticulous and methodical work may be done in the studio, but on stage is where Shining Bird execute that magic, where they really come alive – if you’re yet to see them perform, make it a must. With the latest record completed, keep an eye out for news regarding upcoming shows.

Having played to crowds all over Australia throughout their career, a couple of performances really stand out. “Playing for the elders at Mutitjulu in Uluru and being handpicked to play with Midnight Oil at Anita’s Theatre in 2019 were both real highlights for me,” says Russell, adding that despite 10-plus years on stage there’s still trepidation and excitement before walking out, “Sometimes we run through vocals in the green room before a show, but you kind of have to just accept the nerves at some point… a round of whiskey sours always helps too.”

Check out Shining Bird on 8 December at La La La’s Wollongong.

Tickets at shiningbird.net