Maybe, Harry – brand new Canberra music at The Front
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My recent adventuring around Canberra lead me to a gig at The Front in Lyneham on a Sunday night. All I knew was that there would be live music and that it was a gold coin donation – a win, win situation.
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For those who have never been to The Front, the best way to describe it is someone’s living room that they decided to invite people into. It’s quite small and cosy, with squishy couches to sit on inside, booths at the back to slide into, and little wooden tables with lamps balanced on top. If this sounds like your cup of tea, wait! There’s more! The Front also serves food and coffee – they do a mean scrambled eggs with roast vegetables and a deliciously crunchy granola for breakfast, you can take my word for it!
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On the Sunday night in question I rocked up with my friend Alice, who I had dragged along on the premise of live music. We were a little early but it was still packed with people. We ordered a large pot of chai tea to have with a slice of baked pear and apple cake, which was simply scrumptious. The chai was beautiful and fragrant and warming and Alice and I couldn’t stop grinning and telling each other how happy we were that we had made the effort.
Managing to snag two seats at a little table by the window, the band started to set themselves up just as we were settling in. It consisted of two men and one woman, and they had an impressive array of instruments: a piano, two guitars, a bass and a cello. Without microphones they introduced themselves as ‘Maybe, Harry’ and launched into their first number.
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For the next hour, Alice and I tapped our feet and hummed along to Maybe, Harry’s indie-pop-folk jam. Ranging from a cover of ‘Team’ by Lorde, to performing their own songs, Maybe, Harry combined the musical talents of all three members to produce some of the best live music I’ve heard in a while. All three members sing, and all of their songs are intricately laced with perfectly executed, surprising and dainty harmonies, which weave cleverly between the cello and piano and acoustic guitar backing.
I enjoyed myself so much I called the Front and asked for their details, and I harangued them so much that they agreed to do an interview with me. Here’s what they had to say:
Where did the name “Maybe, Harry” come from?
Breandán – Harry was notoriously absent from early rehearsals. We were under pressure to find a name for an upcoming gig and Kat suggested ‘Maybe Harry’. It was short for ‘Maybe Harry is coming to rehearsal today’ which served the dual purpose of teasing Harry (which Kat and I do a lot) and actually having a real name.
You’re a relatively new group: how long have you been playing together and how did you get together in the first place?
Kat – We have only been together for six months. We have done a bit of busking but our first proper gig was at the Front on Sunday 4 May.
Breandán– Kat and I met in Canberra but I’ve known Harry for many years from University in Brisbane.
How would you describe your sound? How did it develop? Any inspirations?
Breandán – I always struggle to describe our sound to people but we are essentially indie pop. All three of us sing which allows us to do some cool harmonies and the combination of piano, cello and guitar gives us a pretty different sound to other bands. Harry is classically trained and brings a high degree of technical musical skill and sense of humour to the band. Standout influences for me have been artists like Bright Eyes, Kings of Convenience and The National.
Kat – I’m influenced by Russian retro pop, gypsy folk and musical theatre and all things dramatic.
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Are you all musically trained or are you self-taught? Have you all always been musical?
Kat – Harry and I did a Bachelor of Music.
Breandán – I’m self-taught and that’s an enormous challenge when it comes to playing with highly talented musicians such as Harry and Kat. They constantly challenge me to be a better guitar player and singer.
Do you write songs collaboratively or separately? Where do you practice?
Kat – At this stage we write songs separately but sometime they completely change when we jam as a group. Having three songwriters in the band is a real advantage. We have been practicing in Harry’s bedroom. I suspect this is starting to annoy his housemates but at least somebody knows all our lyrics when they come to our shows.
What’s the secret to finding great live music in Canberra?
Kat – I’m not sure that there is a secret. So much of what happens in Canberra is underground and not very well advertised. I think if you’re interested in original live music you need to go to venues like The Front and get to know different bands.
Breandán – I agree completely. I think once you find a band you like keep going to their shows. The reality is that ticket and drink sales drive venues to continue to host live music. The only reason live music happens is because of the support of audience members.
Where are your favourite places in Canberra to chill out?
Breandán – I love the natural beauty of Canberra. I find hiking in the Brindabella Mountain ranges or riding my motorbike down Paddy River Road really relaxing. Canberra is probably the most underrated city in Australia.
Any closing remarks?
Kat – Only that we look forward to seeing you at our next show.
Those interested in heading to The Front for the first time can catch comedian Kirst Arific on Saturday 24 May from 7:30pm, or some live country blues by PJ Michael on Sunday 25 May from 6pm.
the essentials
What: The Front Gallery and Cafe
Where: Lyneham Shops, Wattle Street, Lyneham
Phone: 6249 8453
Email: info@frontgallerycafe.com
Web: www.frontgallerycafe.com
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