With Canadian Music Week now underway in Toronto, we’re keeping a keen eye on what musical discoveries are set to be uncovered over the next few days and nights of showcases. Continuing our spotlight series on the Australians flying the flag out at CMW, we meet Sydney’s Peasant Moon.
Introduce yourself!
We are Peasant Moon, an alt-country/folk duo from Sydney. Harvey plays acoustic guitar and sings, Josie sings and plays melodica, mandolin, glockenspiel, and hand-held percussion.
Have you played CMW before? If you have not, what are you expecting from the festival? What have you heard from others?
This is our first time at CMW and our first time playing overseas! We hear it’s a busy week, but a great opportunity to get a feel for the Canadian music scene and meet other artists. The conference is also an opportunity to hear from folk in the music industry; we’ll be learning heaps.
What are you hoping will come out of this year’s event for you?
We’re happy to have some exposure in Canada, for our music to be heard over there. We’d be stoked to meet some people who could help us with future tour or festival opportunities over in North America.
Why should CMW attendees come and see you?
Come to see diverse song arrangements with a range of instruments and harmonies, come to be drawn into the emotion and intimacy. Oh, and come for a bit of twang…
What is a track you think best represents where your band is right now, and what audiences can expect from your sound and your set?
Here’s “Fading in the Light”, the title track off our debut EP. We had the opportunity to play it live at the Midnight Sessions, run by local Sydney musos Lyn Taylor and Nick Payne in their home studio. It was great fun, although a couple of false starts meant we didn’t nail the first take!
What made you want to showcase at CMW?
We applied for a number of festivals in the US and Canada with an emphasis on showcasing. It was so exciting to get the CMW invitation; we think it’s a good fit, given the breadth of artists and styles.
Do you have any dream collaborations?
Wow, cool question!
Josie: Right now, I’d have to say Amanda Palmer. I am so inspired by what she has been doping recently, especially because she’s combing working as an artist and musician with her new baby. Her music is so raw and intense, not sure if the end product would be very alt-country though!
Harvey: Dawes; possibly the best band I’ve seen in the last 12 months. Also saw them in Austin in 2013. So tight, such musicianship and excellent songwriting. I’d love the opportunity to play live with them.
How much more international touring is on the cards for this year?
After CMW, we’ll be focusing on releasing some more music and touring within Australia. If other international opportunities arise, we would definitely consider them!
How do you think/hope the Canadian crowd will receive your music?
We honestly don’t know, although Canadians and Australians seem to share some cultural similarities – both relatively easy-going and down to earth. Some of our favourite alt-country artists are Canadian, so hopefully our sound strikes that chord, so to speak.
Josie is originally from the USA, we’re also hoping they don’t give her too much stick for that…
What other Aussie act playing CMW would you recommend the rest of the world needs to see?
They are all very talented and we feel flattered to be showcasing with them. Can’t wait to see Lo Carmen again; last time was at the Gasoline Pony and she was awesome. We’re also keen to check out Darts and HOWQUA – have you seen his video for “My Mindset”? It’s amazing.
Please list your CMW showcases (to now) and give us a link where we can find your most up to date list!
May 4th | CMW Showcase – Cameron House (Back Room) @ 8:40pm
May 5th | CMW Showcase – The Dakota Tavern @ 11:40pm
May 6th | Sounds Australia Sound Gallery – The Supermarket @ 9:00pm
All details are on our CMW Artist page!
Keep your eye out for new music from us in coming months! We’re heading to Austin after CMW to check out a few shows and hopefully record our next release. If you find us on social media or our website we’ll keep you up to date.
———-
