Tate Sheridan Discusses The Effort Behind An Older Sound

Singer-songwriter Tate Sheridan may have studied jazz piano at the Australian National University, but don't expect a heavy jazz influence on his latest EP. "I have a jazz background but I've recently rediscovered my love for pop music," Sheridan explains.

Recently adding a tour with Sir Elton John to his already impressive credentials, Sheridan has ensured that his latest EP, Nothing Else, has a decidedly old school sound. "This was the first time I proactively thought about a theme for the entire EP... It was a deliberate throwback experiment. It sounds like something you could buy from a vinyl store in the '60s.

"I love how those early songwriters could put the very fabric of society onto a page or into a melody," Sheridan says of his decision to venture back to the 'Swinging Sixties'. Doing his homework, the Canberra native also recalls having to "listen to copious quantities of albums" to ensure an organic, '60s sound.

Striving for authenticity in 2017 is no easy feat however. "When you are trying to make something sound old but using modern technology, there are always road blocks. I had to find old organ patches and look into some vocal techniques," however Sheridan insists the challenge was "ultimately so rewarding".  

Although Sheridan is leaning more towards pop this time around, his prior musical training still comes in handy when performing songs live - "We are staying pretty true to the songs but having a jazz background, it means I can stretch out on things."