BIGSOUND 2019 Artist Focus: Jack Davies & The Bush Chooks

Answered by: Jack Davies – vocals and guitar

Give us a short description of your music: I'm a busker who tells stories and plays harmonica. The band grew from this into a cacophonous folk-rock act, influenced by the psych/rock-orientated local Perth scene, while remaining focused on witty storytelling.

Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND? All our Perth friends! SUPEREGO, Butter, Spacey Jane, Dulcie, Noah Dillon, Flossy... But also keen for Nancie Schipper, Private Function, Mariam Sawires, These New South Whales, Mambali, Adrian Eagle, Greta Stanley, Hannah Blackburn... Kinda everyone!

Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at BIGSOUND? Well, we have a violin! We've sorta steered away from the indie-pop sound that seems to be dominating the scene, and dug into a more grungy, storytellin' folk-rock. It's just the stuff that we enjoy playing, and that feels natural – I hope that sets us apart.

What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year? I see a lot of indie music from all different genres killing it, especially indie-rock and pop. But I really think there's a growing demand for socially and lyrically intense young voices. We live in an intense time and we need to hear stories and artists who reflect that.

In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments?  Recording our EP was pretty special – it really changed the way a lot of us play. We put so much work into it and it's really beautiful to hear that come together. We're proud of it. Hearing people start to sing those songs at our gigs was even more staggering!

What industry lessons would you like to take away from the BIGSOUND conference? The music industry in Perth is pretty limited. I think the biggest thing for us to take away will be meeting and speaking to industry members who work on a larger scale, and better understanding how that scene operates. Not to mention sussing out all the other young Aussie acts.

What do you identify as the most pressing issue impacting the Australian music industry at present? I'm terrified about the excessive restrictions placed on festivals and venues that seem to be choking Australia's live scene. But first and foremost, I'd say the lack of diversity in the scene. There's certainly a lot of work being done but there's still so bloody much progress to be made.

What is the best bit of advice you've been given to prepare for your time at BIGSOUND? My best advice probably always comes from my friend Sam – he started the band with me but now works full-time as a sound engineer. He told me to plan everything! Meetings and events planned for every hour of the day... That I'll only get out what I put In.

When and where is your BIGSOUND showcase? 3 Sep, Black Bear Lodge, 9.10pm; 5 Sep, The Brightside, 9pm.