It’s that time again, when our man on the ground Desh Kapur Editor/Photographer All Music Magazine UK/Europe spotlights a bands or artists he thinks are going to have a big 2022 ; bands and artists we think you should check out to stay ahead of the curve
So here are SPACEY JANE an Australian indie rock band from Perth, Western Australia, who formed in 2016. The band consists of Caleb Harper (lead vocals, guitar, songwriting), Kieran Lama (drummer and manager), Ashton Hardman-Le Cornu (guitar) and Peppa Lane (bass guitar); Lane replaced original bassist Amelia Murray following her departure from the band in July 2019.
Following three EP’s including debut release No Way to Treat an Animal, the band entered Triple J’s Hottest 100 of 2019 at #80 with single “Good For You”. In June 2020, Spacey Jane released their debut studio album Sunlight, debuting at number 2 on the ARIA Albums Chart with four positions in the Hottest 100 of 2020 – “Skin” at number 15, and “Booster Seat” reaching number 2.
Their second studio album, Here Comes Everybody, was released in June 2022 following three more positions in the Hottest 100 of 2021, peaking at number 3 with “Lots of Nothing”.
Spacey Jane are on a roll. Songs, tours, national festivals and fans – their report card reads ‘Excelling’ on every line.
So we decided it was time to have a little chat with Caleb from the band, to see where they came from, what they have been up to and what their plans for the future are.
1. What is the story behind your name?
We were out one night in our first month as a band, with our friend Jane and very drunk! The exact reason it came about is a bit of a distant memory to be honest!
2. What first got you into music? or Who inspired you to make music?
My stepdad was my first inspiration for music. He taught graciously and shared generously.
3. How did you all meet?
Kieran and I met in high school and we met Ashton and Amelia (our first bassist) at college through mutual friends. We found Pep through a mutual music friend when Meils left and fit right in!
4. How would you describe the music that you typically create?.
Hmmm, it’s indie rock that’s meant to make you feel deeply and want to dance.
5. What is your creative process like?
I usually sit down and write the ‘bones’ of a song. Lyrics/melodies/progressions etc. Those ideas come from any number of places, creatively and emotionally, and it changes from song to song.
6. If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
There are so many! It would be impossible now but Talking Heads would be so cool.
7. What is one message you would give to your fans?
Thank you, thank you, thank you. We feel very lucky to do what we do and it’s all thanks to you.
8. What is the most useless talent you have?
I can make a good wookiee sound. Does that count?
9. Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
All the time- at the moment it’s a lot of Hovvdy.
10. What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
I have absolutely no idea. That’s how I know it’s exactly what I’m supposed to do.
11. Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Mostly all over Australia as well as a little in the UK, NZ and The Netherlands. One of my favourite ever shows was Electric Brixton in London, that was such a special show for us. I’m not sure if there is a least favourite that I’d want to name publicly but oh boy we played some horrible rooms in our early years.
12. What is your favourite song to perform?
It changes all the time but at the moment it’s “It’s Been a Long Day”.
13. Which famous musicians do you admire?
Many! Kevin Parker, Jeff Tweedy and Phoebe Bridgers all come to mind.
14. What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
No comment here…
15. What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Don’t listen too much to other people’s shitty advice!
16. What’s next for you?
Lots and lots of touring all over the world and hopefully a little bit of time off if we’re lucky!
Spacey Jane released their new album “Here Comes Everybody” (June 24th)
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My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago and married my childhood sweetheart and life is good.
