by Helen Brown
  – Into the Rain – Felix Riebl |
Felix Riebl has made a name for himself by being one of the most enigmatic and energetic front men in modern Australian music, as part of the multi-platinum selling outfit, The Cat Empire. In 2011 he added a new string to his bow, with the release of his expansive solo record Into the Rain (in store now).
Felix chats with Life Music Media’s Helen Brown |
When did you first realise you wanted to go solo with your music? Is it something you have always considered, or was it a fairly recent decision?
Felix: I’ve always known there would come a time when I had to write different and more personal songs, but I didn’t expect this would be the first album of that kind. I suppose life stepped in and tripped me up . . . I fell and found myself somewhere new. In this case it was about 10 days intensive writing, and about 5 days in the studio, and I knew I had an honest piece of work . . . there wasn’t much time for second guessing. Now I’m trying to do the same on tour, trying not to think about it too much, and just giving the songs the life they deserve on stage.
You have enjoyed huge success as front man for The Cat Empire. But in your upcoming solo tour, you will be performing with an entirely different ensemble of musicians. How does that prospect feel? Any nerves at all?
Felix: There are nerves, absolutely. The space on stage is different, these songs are songs are closer to the bone, darker, and the band and approach to the show are very different to The Cat Empire . . . it’s like sailing into a new dark ocean. At the same time, being on stage with these songs and this band has given me a sense of calm and place I haven’t had before, even if it’s more exposed. I feel I’m really singing for the first time, and telling stories that are my own, and that’s a special feeling.
The Cat Empire is celebrating their ten year anniversary in 2011. How do your fellow band mates feel about your solo pursuits? Have they been supportive thus far?
Felix: They have been very supportive, which has been great. After 10 years, we reached the point where we realised that everyone needed space and air to express themselves in other artistic pursuits, so that when we did assemble as The Cat Empire – which will always be a part chaotic collective of styles and musicians – we would be there in the right spirit. These songs require a whole different feeling and power on stage.
For fans who have not yet heard the new album ‘Into The Rain,’ how would you describe the sound and the vibe? Were you channelling any musical influences at the time of production?
Felix: The only thing I can think to tell fans of The Cate Empire, is that the songs on ‘Into the Rain‘ are closer to the feeling of ‘Miserere’, ‘No longer there [but heavier]’, and ‘Reasonably Fine’, which was originally going to be on this album, but found it’s way onto ‘Cinema’. The shows are more intimate, and range from very quiet moments, to choruses that are much louder than any I’ve written for TCE.
‘Into The Rain’ speaks of heartbreak and has an almost nostalgic feel. Is this a personal album for you, a kind of catharsis?
Felix: It’s a personal album for sure. The stories and feelings in the lyrics, and the approach to singing are as close and dark as I could make them, but the music underneath them is strong and clear. In that sense, the downpour was a kind of cleansing when I made it. I don’t feel it’s an album steeped in to much sentimentality though, there are not many bells and whistles attached, it’s as direct and emotionally honest as I could make it.
Your mellow acoustic style seems quite different and introspective. Was this deliberate, to clearly distinguish from the band and establish yourself as a solo artist in your own right?
Felix: While there are quiet moments on this album, I don’t see its style as being mellow and acoustic. There are electric heavy songs where I’m screaming ‘Your silence makes me homesick for a place that I don’t know!’ as loud as I can . . . followed by something much quieter, though often equally as personally confronting . . . It’s the sort of album that’s meant to be a journey, a whole album that covers a lot of territory.
You are definitely no stranger to touring, around Australia and the world. Are you looking forward to showing supporters a different side of music, and maybe attracting a whole new fan base?
Felix: I am half way through the solo tour at the moment, and it’s one of the best experiences I’ve had on the road so far. It’s true, we are playing in smaller theatres, but the space and dynamic on stage is entirely different, and I’m learning every night. I’m really listening again, to the band, and a new part of my voice.
The upcoming ‘Into The Rain’ Australian tour includes members of The Bamboos as well as Ben Edgar who plays with Washington. How did this arrangement come about? Have you collaborated with them in the past?
Felix: Yes, we’ve all known each other for a long time. We’ve even got Mark Hosking, who plays guitar with Karnivool doing the tour! I feel very lucky playing with the musicians in this band, who are also great friends, also of being a part of this Melbourne music community. We were able to do the recording without any rehearsals, because there is a lot of understanding and shared history between these musicians, and that’s a rare and special atmosphere to be a part of. They’re bringing that same chemistry to the stage.
You are famous for having fun, showing truckloads of charisma and boundless energy. With the now more subdued demeanour of music, has it been a difficult transition to the new onstage persona? Have you successfully ‘calmed down’ in your performances?
Felix: It’s been great to be on stage as myself. It’s brought with it a whole other level of excitement and calm. By calm I don’t mean subdued, it’s that the energy is channeled into a different emotional place. The quite songs often have as big a presence as the loud wailing ones.
Which bands did you grow up with, and who still inspires you now?
Felix: In no particular order: Michael Jackson, Dire Straits, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Rage Against The Machine, Korn, Manu Chao, Rolling Stones, The Smiths, Sound Garden, Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Prince, Leonard Cohen, Cameron, Billy Idol, John Lennon, The Afro Cuban All Stars, Santana, Bob Marley, Pink Floyd. Many, many, many more. They all have their place . . . I suppose Bruce has a special tribute on this album with the version of ‘I’m on Fire’, that is an important reference for me.
You have been on the move for a decade, relentlessly writing albums and touring. How do you stay motivated, and how do you keep from burning out?
Felix: There have been times where it’s been very very hard not to burn out. And then, there have been moments of pure magic as well. It’s a lifestyle of extremes, and it’s best to try and keep some perspective, even if it’s by strange reminders you can call on in the bleak times. Motivation for me is about following the songs and the ideas as they arise – trying to enjoy the mystery of it all, and listening as much as I can. Away from stage my good friends and family are a great support, on stage I am able to share something with the musicians and the audiences which is something special and I try to remember that.
‘Break a leg’ is a term used quite often in the entertainment industry. Do you perform any rituals before you going on? Any lucky clothing you like to wear or a particular food you simply must eat?
Felix: I haven’t had enough time to work up any ritual for the solo shows yet, beyond saying a prayer to the god that helps me get the right chords at the piano, remember the words, and sing with authenticity. In The Cat Empire, it’s a combination of listening to live music in headphones, vocal warm ups, beer, and the odd bit of private shadow boxing… It helps to access that part of the character.
Felix, you have a great deal of notches in your belt; ten-year anniversary for the Cat Empire, and now a promising solo career. What can we expect in 2012? Any exciting collaborations and pursuits, or do you plan to take it easy and just breathe for a while?
Felix: It’s a busy patch at the moment. I feel most at home when I’m writing, and there is time to breathe in that, because it’s often a quiet, solitary process. I’m currently working on a collection of songs that are going to play at the Darling Harbour Australia Day Celebrations 2012. Fireworks music, with orchestrations, and a great, diverse collection of Australian musicians I’ve met over the years. That should be fun. Also, I’m going to go to Germany and finish another album I have been writing for some time, which I’m very excited about. The Cat Empire is assembling to continue it’s 10 year anniversary tour in Europe, the UK, Canada, and the US, and might get into creating something new at some stage. A friend is making a film in Italy and I’d like to write some music for that. So for now home is where the music is, and that’s quite alright for the time being.
by Helen Brown
– Into the Rain – Felix Riebl