Since they burst onto the scene in the 2011, Pearls have transfixed fans with their bedroom charm. The languid sounds, melancholy vibe, a deep commitment to flares — how could you not fall in love? Last year the three-piece’s debut LP, Pretend You’re Mine, drew local and global admiration, and left us hungry for more of their hazy romance. But behind the scenes things weren’t a total fantasy. In the time since Pretend You’re Mine the band have faced breakups, lost members, battled late nights and early mornings to emerge somewhat reborn. Now current members James Payne, Ellice Blakeney and Ryan Caesar are preparing to flood all these moments into their second album.
We caught up with Ryan to see where the band sits after such a tremendous period of change, and maybe glean some hints about what to expect next.
A lot has changed since Pretend You’re Mine…
“I own far more synthesisers now and feel like my cat’s temperament has improved. Also I absolutely only drink sparkling these days.”
They’re lost members and reunited with old friends…
“We’re recording with Haima Marriott again, he produced our last effort, it has been brilliant re-connecting. This time we’re also minus Cass Kiely and bolstered by the addition of James Payne — guitar wizard and synthesizer stalwart.”
They barely stopped for air between albums…
“I started writing as soon as I could because I know I generate a lot of trash and need ample time to separate the wheat from the chaff. I also moved close to the beach and forest so needed extra breathing room to ensure the tunes didn’t sound like Jack Johnson playing the Peer Gynt Suite.”
Although they did live it up while gigging Pretend You’re Mine. Their party ingredients…
…“Booze mainly, but also blood orange, Boney M and Holy Balm.”
Despite their experience, they still have mixed feelings before walking out on stage…
“(He feels) Deep, cold fear that you are in some way unprepared for the performance combined with excitement and rider exhaustion. But you just gotta put your head down and motor on. I’ve been deep in the hole enough times to know it’s usually about 40 percent better than you think it is. If you really stink people will often take pleasure in letting you know as soon as possible. Worry about those times instead.”
Although their style gives them confidence…
“Weather appropriate pants often help, Ellice swears nail art and matching socks will do the trick every time.”
The last year hasn’t been a cakewalk, but it’s made them stronger as a band…
“We’ve survived inter band breakups, lost members, late nights, early mornings, no cash and long flights but nothing has been harder work than an open plan toilet and shower situation in our accommodation for the month at the last CMJ. There were some pretty tense jogs to the local cafe but once you’ve had to arrange a time table for some very personal and preferably private daily needs amongst your band, you cannot help but be changed.”
Pearls are performing at Paradise Festival on 25 to 27th November. For the full lineup head to their website.
Credits
Photography Lisa Businovski