After following up their much-loved 2021 sophomore LP 'Lull' with a string of enticing efforts these last few months, emo-psychedelia outfit Tiberius return once again to deliver their powerful new single 'Clippers'.
Lifted from their forthcoming new EP 'Fish In A Pond', which is out on the 30th June, 'Clippers' makes for a rousing listen from start to finish. Channelling more of that raw and explosive energy they are known for, they are continuing to cement themselves as one of the more euphoric names doing the rounds right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with bandleader Brendan Wright to find out more about his background and what has inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I first fell in love with guitar when I was 13. The Beatles got me into loving music, but it was Kurt Cobain and Nirvana that got me to pick up the guitar and start writing songs.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Growing up my Dad always played the Beatles and Santana in the backyard, as well as a lot of other classic rock. When I was in grade school I had a stint with Weird Al. I remember being embarrassed about it, but I really did love those songs. He slaps. In 7th grade, I started getting into the early 90’s grunge and punk stuff. That’s when I really found myself wanting to be a musician, and more specifically a songwriter.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I got an iPod nano when I was 11, and I had some tunes on that, but the first album that I owned and remember carrying around with me religiously was ‘Abbey Road’. I used to listen to the CD in the stairwell of the nursing home where we’d visit my Great Aunt Minnie and ponder my little world. Not a bad gateway album to music if I do say so myself.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I don’t necessarily think there are any tracks I wish I wrote, but I have an undying affinity for the way Kevin Parker recorded Tame Impala’s ‘Lonerism’ album. The way that he and Dave Fridmann get those drum sounds were INCREDIBLE. That record, and recording style is always something I’m trying to emulate in my music.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I write a lot into my notes app on my phone while jogging or while I’m watching bands at shows. Those are both times that I’m thinking about a lot, and I’ll often find little phrases or ideas sinking out. Later when I’m playing guitar or jamming with the band I’ll take out my phone and try to sing a couple of lines and see what happens.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I listen to a lot of acts that we play with in either Tiberius or some of the other bands I play in. Right now I’ve been spinning a lot of Greg Freeman, Brody Price, and Paper Lady. A lot of that alt country turned shoegaze and vice versa. I’m also pretty much always coming back to Car Seat Headrest & Pinegrove - those songs mean the world to me.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
It would probably be Car Seat Headrest. I have so much respect for Will Toledo as an artist. His ethos towards art, recording, and continuing to push himself has always been a huge inspiration over the years.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
When I finish a song that I feel really feels reflective of my life and resonates with me, it’s truly one of the best feelings in the world. When I meet someone who also took the time to engage with that, and also happened to have it resonate with them, I melt like butter. It feels incredible.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I love to meet new people, but I absolutely hate networking. I really hate thinking about my art and band as a business, but there’s a lot of situations where I feel like I have to. I really have to work to stay present and make sure I’m moving through the world with genuine intentions.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I don’t know if it’s the best piece of advice, but something that’s always resonated with me, was when Mac DeMarco talked about being a musician, he said something along the lines of ‘you just gotta do it’. Just write, record, and just put it out. And for as complicated as life can get sometimes, it’s nice to remember that music can really be that simple.
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Tiberius' new single 'Clippers' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.