Age Of Iguana On the Making Of “Creature Comforts”
What was the creative process like for this particular 'Creature Comforts?'
The songs were written by Ben and Chris before rehearsing and recording. We each sing the songs we wrote. So it’s a pretty easy process. Everything was pre-written before recording with a few small tweaks here and there, except for Little Creatures and Intuition which I wrote and recorded at the same time at home and just built on it. They were fun tracks to make.
What is your personal favorite song from the 'Creature Comforts' and why?
Tough one! it would have to be Small talk. It was a really fun session at Reverie Studios and one of Chris's best songs came by surprise. It was awesome to play a genuine Rhodes piano through a fuzz into my Fender guitar amp on that tune. It was a breeze to produce, mix n master also which is always a relief. Sometimes songs can be a real wrestle to mix. We love working with Richard and Glenn at Reverie. Richard had some great vocal harmony ideas for Small talk that just made the track.
Can you share any memorable experiences or stories from performing this 'Creature Comforts' live?
Our last gig at the TOTE was defiantly the loudest we've ever been so that was a real buzz. We actually haven't played a gig yet since we released the album, but we've got a couple coming up at Bodriggy Brewing in Abbotsford Sun, Sep 10th with BIG LEAGUE and The Espy Thurs, Sep 26th with the Rinehearts. Get on down!
How did your band members initially come together?
Age of Iguana was created out of necessity for me as a vehicle to create music as a release. A way of channeling emotions and experiences into something constructive. Bernard (bass) and I go back to high school and we've worked on music together on and off for years. When we had enough material we met Aido from an ad we placed on Melband for a drummer, who has been a great fit creatively. We were the classic power trio for a couple of years until we recruited Chris Taranto (guitar, vox), who I've known for years through the St Kilda scene, and now Chris brings another dimension of songwriting to the Iguana verse.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they impacted your own sound?
The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Spencer P. Jones, Bowie, and Oasis. I'd say would be the biggest. Too many to mention really. Melt them all together and you get the mongrel which is Creature Comforts. The songwriting, the production style, everything. I wanted a more raw, garage-sounding album with the recording and mix. And we're really stoked with it. Cheers for listening!