Member Since: 8/1/2006
Band Website: mp3.com.au/ashleyferaude
Band Members: Ashley Feraude including live and recording performances by:
Cris Clucas (vocals), Petra Elliott (voclas), Harii Bandhu (vocals), Cassie Malville (vocals), Louise Butcher (vocals), Paul Wheeler (trumpet), Dino Martinello (sax), Andrew Pogson (sax), Charlie Meadows (guitar), Marcus Milne (guitar), Giorgio Rojas (percussion) and Mario Gordon (percussion).
Influences:
'SOMETHING SPECIAL' - The full interview by Graham Walker from The Canberra Times 'Fly' with Ashley Feraude.
1. Something New has a very strong vocal, is there a particular approach you take when incorporating a vocal - ie. do you write the song around it or vice versa?
I write melodies first and I usually envisage that melody line will be a vocal. Sometimes when the melody lines are too complicated or do not lend themselves well to a human voice I’ll then use an instrument to execute the melody. I find the vocals in tracks bring the songs ‘to life’ unlike any instrument and, therefore, I champion them strongly in my compositions. Perhaps this has a lot to do with my exposure rather early in life to singers like Sade, Carlos Jobim or Tracey Thorn? Whatever it may be the human voice is an incredible instrument capable of amazing variations in sound and the even more amazing thing is that all of us carry this instrument around.
2. The arrangements, horns, keys, percussion, etc on Something New are lush - do you use samples, real instruments … how is it all put together?
I don’t really use samples apart from some drum loops. In that respect my productions are a bit more old fashioned in that I write and arrange every instrument myself. Using samples seems like cheating to me and then it isn’t really mine ... I mush prefer to put in the creative effort and come up with something that’s really come from me. Most instruments on my tracks are generated via the sounds in my synthetiser or my keyboard (such as the piano, strings, brass sections, bass etc) and then certain elements like guitars and trumpets are recorded organically into the computer. Mostly because no synthetiser can really emulate a realistic sounding mute trumpet or jazz guitar. I sequence everything and master it using Cubase. To be honest, if I really could have it my way I would use real instruments for practically everything apart from the drums and true synthetiser sounds in my dance orientated productions.
3. Compared to a lot of house, your sound is very rich musically … does your classical/jazz background help here?
In my compositions I’m always drawn to a rich sound, not necessarily busy, but rich in terms of the chord structure, melody line and general atmosphere. My classical and jazz influence definitely helps here in that it has taught me to appreciate that ‘rich’ sound. A lot of people will confuse rich to mean complicated but that’s really not the case. To give an example think of ‘Quiet Nights’ by Carlos Jobim and how only a few ‘quiet’ but ‘right’ chords create a very warm bossa nova track without being complicated or busy. The same goes for classical music where artist like Gorecki’s ‘Symphony No 3’ or Zbigniew Praisner’s soundtrack of the ‘Three Colour Trilogy’ use the very essence of melody to create a very simple yet powerful musical feeling. I follow these principles in my compositions.
4. Your productions span a few different genres - from more laidback funky beats to house, etc - but what would you say is the common thread that runs through them?
The common thread that runs though all my compositions is ‘soul’. As a matter of fact my first question when judging a new piece of music I haven’t heard before is ‘does it have soul?’. Is it just a collection of sounds and patterns or is there something deeper within the song ... something with meaning and substance. How is the song trying to communicate with me and what is it that it’s communicating? I don’t mind looking for it and having to work to understand it, as long as it is there. I try to turn to focus this type of critical analysis on my songs too to make sure that other listeners can get an substantial experience from my tracks and that it is something that in turn adds to their souls. There you go … there’s a nice philosophical answer for you!
5. If the Ferude DJ/live set had a manifesto what would it be?
To perform soulfully, smoothly and with passion.
Sounds Like:
Schmooze Deluxe CD OUT NOW
A soulful album compiled and produced by Phillip Jones and Ashley Feraude showcasing some of the Nation's Capital most talented and accomplished musicians, with 22 original compositions ranging from trip hop, funk, soul, disco & electronic through to roots, contemporary pop, blues, jazz and cabaret.
Artist include Chanel Cole, Quagmire, Andrea Kirwin, Cathy Petocz, Ashley Feraude, Alien Digit, Fire on the Hill, Rays Train, Jordan Best, KPI, Eytis, Nick Culvenor, Caratgold, Ethan Snow, Cris Clucas, Alice, Anton Wurzer, Mike Price, Agentkaos & Marcus St John
The CD also features exclusive cocktail recipes from two of Australia's best cocktail lounges, Hippo and the Julep lounge.
Artist information, track samples and online store at: www.schmooze.net.au
Record Label: Feraudian Slip
Type of Label: None