How many more times do I have to tell y’all that there’s a seriously special and alluring sound radiating from Down Under? The most recent outfit to catch my attention, EXILES, are a bold and energetic band committed to delivering unforgettable and incendiary live performances.
Now, while it sadly may be some time before I get to see these fellas on stage, I was lucky enough to catch up recently with the act’s frontman Josh Aubry and have a little chat.
Taking us through the outfit’s smashing new album ‘Waiting For Romance’, what their basic songwriting process looks like, and why he believes social media has killed a lot of creativity, please welcome our new friend Josh Aubry of EXILES!
Well hey there guys! Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us! I’ve been completely hooked on your new album ‘Waiting For Romance’ but, before we get to that, what brought you all together and what sparked the idea of collaborating and creating music together?
Howdy, Josh here! Anytime! We’re so glad you like the record. Most of us have been playing music together for many years. This project originally started as Josh Aubry & The Exiles. We played both Josh Aubry and Exiles songs, but the Exiles songs were more fun, so we got rid of the “Josh Aubry” part (and the songs, ha).
The opening tune on ‘Waiting For Romance’ is a raw, intimate, and deeply compelling offering called ‘I’ll Try’. It showcases you all exploring new sonic avenues, and I’m wondering if you could tell us what inspired the bold decision to place it as the record’s opener.
All of our previous releases have either been fast, fun indie tracks or heavier post-punk energy. We’ve had the slow burners in the set for some time, and when it came to recording, they stood out the most. ‘I’ll Try’ really jumps out of the speakers and feels raw and real. It’s a nice way to settle into the album.
You’ve mentioned acts like The Strokes and Viagra Boys as being influential on your sound. Is there anybody else you would credit for shaping your unique soundscape, and would you say your individual tastes have changed over the years?
Alex Markwell (our producer) is a massive influence on us. When we get into the studio with new songs, he really helps us shape them and creates tones for the songs that give them a sense of sonic uniqueness. A few other bands we were listening to while writing and recording would have to be Fontaines D.C., Interpol, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
I can’t speak for the rest of the band, but my musical taste is always changing. There are core bands and genres I lean toward, but I’m never stuck on just one or the other.
Can you share some insights into your creative process? How do you transform an initial idea or thought into a finished song?
Most songs start with a very basic demo I’ve written. From there, we bring it to the rehearsal space with the whole band and work it into a place where we’re happy to bring it into live shows. Then we get into the studio and shape it into its final form.
I’m a sucker for having to know the origins of a band’s name. I just can’t help myself! How exactly did EXILES come about?
As mentioned before, the band started as Josh Aubry & The Exiles. Then it became The Exiles, and eventually just Exiles. Honestly, I could come up with some cool underlying story for its origin, but the truth is, I just liked the way Cillian Murphy said “Death… by Exile” in The Dark Knight Rises. Maybe that could be the title of the next album!
If you could each claim one song in the world as your own, what would you go with and why?
‘White Christmas’ – that guy makes bank!!!
What are your thoughts regarding the music industry of today? And, if you were able to, what changes would you make to it?
Clearly, it’s tough out there – especially for guitar bands. Touring costs are ridiculous, and travelling is so much harder than even 10 years ago. I feel for young bands trying to break through the live circuit. Social media has killed a lot of creativity – bands are more focused on making a 10-second reel that, most of the time, has nothing to do with the music or the artist.
Look, maybe I’m getting old and out of touch, but this just isn’t it. It’s not the artists’ fault; the consumers are the ones feeding the beast. Get off the reels, go listen to an artist’s record, and maybe buy it. It will go a long way.
Thanks again for taking the time to chat with us guys! It’s been awesome getting to know you better! Before we say farewell, what comes next for you musically?
We’re about to tour ‘Waiting For Romance’ which we’re very excited about. Then, if we have the strength and energy (between making reels), we’ll get back into the studio and go again. Peace and love, and we’ll see you at a show!
