EXCLUSIVE: Far Away Stables - EP stream & interview

When Tim Byles and Mitch Grace, two humble, aspiring musicians met on a day out busking, they weren't aware that it would lead to more than the start of a grand friendship. It would lead them down a path of playing contemporary rock music and hours of fun, writing, touring, recording and growing. And the band that was spawned from this friendship eventually? That band is none other than homegrown Sydney based, Far Away Stables.

We got to talk to bass player and lyricist, Tim Byles over the phone about many things Far Away Stables including their upcoming EP, 'Atlantis' (which you can stream below).

"I'm looking forward to it! Looking forward to getting it out there!" Byles tells us with the release coming up next week. " We actually recorded the single, 'What Are You Waiting For?' a long time ago. It was one of those signs we sat on for awhile and I think that's how we got chosen to do the Paramore sideshow last year. AJ Maddah showed them a few songs from different bands and that's the one he showed from us and we got picked!"

Critically, Byles does however believe it is a better release than 2011's 'Behind the Bookcase'.

"I think it's a lot more structured and an all together better release than the last [Behind the Bookcase]."

"We did some work with Sony, did some recording there with a producer named Murray Sheridan. He hadn't really done much in the rock scene but he's played in some rock bands before. We did however get to do the whole thing [Atlantis] in his garage in the Blue Mountains. He was a really great guy to work with too, and he mixed it as well as I think he mastered it too. But I still hold a firm belief that masterers don't really do much."

Before you get up in arms about that statement, hear why Byles holds that idea.

"On 'Behind the Bookcase' we spent seven-hundred dollars on the guy who mastered Nevermind by Nirvana and listening to both EPs now you literally can't tell the difference. I think he gave the EP to one of his interns to master which is a shame but I could be wrong! Murray however had a style and method and we trusted him and it came out great."

With so many bands popping up like weeds on the sidewalk that all look, sound and talk the same, it's becoming a chore of sorts to find a band that has a distinctive sound behind them. You can search and search only to find the same band, just with a different name. But if you’re lucky, you'll have stumbled upon Far Away Stables whose sound is both unique and captivating.

"I think we are relatively unique, although what band doesn't say that," says Byles.

"We have a lot of influences and I suppose that a lot of them would be hard to guess, although I'm sure some would be a bit more obvious . I think we have one of the most unique vocalists in the scene, and when Mitch is writing songs simple is never the answer, we always try to throw in the weird chord or a different structure. Likewise with lyrics, we're constantly trying to flip what we did on its head."

Being the main-lyricist of the band yet not being the signer, one might be unsure how Byles feels about the arrangement but he reassures us he is a lot more than happy the way it is with Brendan Sheargold on vocals.

"I love writing lyrics, I have for a long time. But Brendan and Mitch both put in as well. But I honestly love it. I have zero ability in signing so it's awesome to see them projected with someone who is as talented as Brendan. I love it! "

With that being said, Byles was more than happy to tell us all about the concept and theory behind the EP's title and lyrical themes.

"The main concept is relating to the Atlantis mythology and we use that idea allegorically in terms of how the city was affluent and prosperous yet destroyed. The concept being that these five songs are us trying to find something that we've lost over the last year within our personal lives and what not. And I guess it's a prequel to our album with the way we're going in our lyric writing, psychologically and conceptually.

As we spoke on varying topics from touring to recording, Byles speaks fondly on many things; including spending most of your time next to your fellow band mates, whether on stage or in a tiny van.

"As much as it sucks doing the long drives, it's always fun to just be dicks on the road, mucking around and what not. But that is definitely my favourite part of being in a band; playing shows and especially the big bands. Being in a band such as us, you have your fair share of disappointments and rejections but once the wins come about, they are worth it !"

Many bands will be hard done by to find something that really exposes them. Something that shoves them into the light and demands attention. Bands will grab and gawk for opportunities to find such a gig or tour that allows them to really strut their stuff.

It can often be the downfall of such bands that never get that genuine and authentic opportunity that will define and expose them, both in the eyes of themselves and the listener. But in the case of Far Away Stables, that event may have come in the form of opening for Paramore on an exclusive sidewave (Soundwave sideshow) last year to a splendour of punters.

"It [playing with Paramore] was the best thing to happen to our band. It was a lot of fun! We all got there and didn't know what was happening exactly we walked into the backstage area and we all thought that we weren't going to get to talk to them but sure enough as soon as we're in we hear this, ' Oh hey guys, how's it going?'and all these American accents pop up." Byles tells us.

"When we played, we got a big cheer when we came onto stage; we assumed they they thought we were Paramore! But if I were to die tomorrow I can say I've achieved more than I ever thought I did. It's definitely my favourite show of all time and I don't think we'll top that."

You can stream the bands upcoming EP 'Atlantis' below and read our review here.

If you like what you hear, please go and support the band by ore-ordering it here.

-Matt Sievers

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