Tom Ellard was a teenager with a budding interest in early computers when he formed the influential electronic band Severed Heads in the late 70s with band members Richard Fielding and Andrew Wright. In the glow of ground breaking experimental groups like Cabaret Voltaire, Throbbing Gristle and Kraftwerk, Severed Heads quickly established themselves as a fearless Australian band with their tough, lo-fi industrial, techno and dance music, often overlayed with Tom’s mesmerising vocals.
In the almost four decades since, Severed Heads have released over twenty albums and a handful of great cut-and-paste videos. Throughout the 80s they played regular live shows, including the infamous RAT parties in Sydney, where they basically invented VJing. As a band starting out in an analogue environment, Severed Heads were always quick to incorporate new production techniques as well as methods of releasing their music. Their first album from 1979, Ear Bitten, was a minimal electronic noise album, which was lost forever when the house the cassettes were being stored in burnt down. Arguably their most well-known track, Dead Eyes Opened, was released in 1984, then re-mixed ten years later to great success. They were the first Australian band to release an online music download and also the first electronic band to play the Big Day Out.
When Severed Heads officially called it a day in 2008, it wasn’t long before a groundswell of interest from fans and festivals drew the band out of retirement to play a couple of special shows. With Severed Heads set to play a special show as part of Melbourne Music Week next month, we asked Tom Ellard, the musician who has contributed so much to Australian music, about the records that changed his life.
What’s the first song you remember hearing?
It was Leslie Hutchinson singing Broken Hearted Clown. It’s hard to top that on any level.
What music did you grow up on?
BBC Sound Effects Records, Goon Shows and psychedelia. Also music I heard during stays in Indonesia and numbers spy stations on shortwave radio.
Was there a particular song that made you want to make music?
It was actually the soundtrack of the film The Conversation that did it for me. The editor Walter Murch is a hero.
What was the first record you bought?
Brian Eno’s Kings Lead Hat 7 inch. Very glam.
What was the scene like when you began making music with Severed Heads in the late 70s and early 80s. What song/songs remind you of that time?
There were no stupid genre rules, no money, no equipment, no expectations, cheap beer, do it yourself, cassette recorders and televisions. We were low fidelity not because it was cool but because that was all that was available. I don’t think there’s any point people faking that now. I’d say SPK’s Slogun reminds me of that time.
Wow. If that reminds you of the 80s, which song reminds you of the 90s?
Vengaboys, We Like To Party. That’s the 90s.
Is there a song you wish you had written?
I Am The Walrus.
Is there a track that you find inspirational?
Stockhausen’s Helicopter Quartet, because it’s over the top of over the top and performed in helicopters.
What do you play when you’re sad?
I don’t like music when I’m sad. It’s like sugar added to sugar. Hope it rains.
What was the last piece of music you bought?
The soundtrack to Amanita Design’s Samorost 3.
And finally, your favourite song from a film?
Beethoven Symphony No.7 in A major op.92 – II, Allegretto. They used it in Zardoz. What a great film!
Severed Heads play MMW on November 12th. Tickets available here.
Credits
Text Briony Wright