Interview: The Updraft Imperative
Australia's The Updraft Imperative describe themselves as an original band with cool music and challenging lyrics. Their album 'Chair' demonstrates their aim of sharing what God has done in their lives and acts an encouragement to others. If you've never heard of this band, check out this interview they did with LTTM!
How long have you been together and how long did it take to record this album?
As The Updraft Imperative, 4 years. Josh & Murray formed the group with Pete coming on board shortly after. The album took a full month in the studio to record, split up into 2 separate weeks with Christmas / New Years in the middle, which was a nice mini-break from recording (especially if not used to being in a studio for solid full days at a time).
What inspires you in your music?
Allowing each song to almost have it's own voice is inspirational for us to continue writing and playing. Many groups have a 'signature sound' which almost limits each song to sound very similar to the rest on the album. We all have our own 'favourite influences' which come through in our playing style, but we believe they compliment each other very well. Our approach is to let each song breath, develop and grow. So our sound, while unique we believe, allows our music to have its own personality, it's own message if you will. Through this each unique song connects differently and uniquely with the person listening...that's exciting for us and them!!
Easy question first! As a group, recording the single "One Life" was a blast. "I Believe" and "Young Man" were also fun. All songs were almost too much fun to record, as getting focused on the recording of the song was very foreign to our usual 'crank up the fun' attitude when it's played live. Our producer James North was brilliant in knowing the 'fun/funk' sound we were chasing and guided us, particularly on those tracks.
Y in the Road was the most emotional in terms of being passionate and excited about mixing the right lyrics with right phrases and linking that together. All the songs were needing us to commit emotionally and we soon realised how much energy that took on a daily basis.
Where do you see yourselves in the next 5 years?
Honestly, to see ourselves anywhere other than where The Lord wants us takes a great deal of presumption. Of course we would love it if we are still sharing the ministry together. We are close friends outside of the band, so we are in an enviable position where the friendship remains whether we are busy or not, working on new material or just picking apart old songs etc. The friendship is first, the music second, so we believe both aspects of the group (music&mateship) will be sound for years to come. W e would love it also if we can continue to spread our ministry via new albums, and having at least one more recorded and released within 5 years would be excellent.
What do you want people to get out of listening to your music?
Simply put, we encourage our listeners & fans to firstly enjoy our music, and then to engage with the different messages it carries in each song.
How did you know that God wanted to use you in the music industry?
We wouldn't say we 'knew' as such, but we always had the opinion that if we recorded, produced & packaged an album to the best of our ability, it would have a good chance of being well received.
When do you expect to release your next album?
Would really like to say in the next few years....really like to say, but we have to be realistic in so much as this album we released was fully self funded, so we need to clear a few bills first and then have some in the coffers for the next before we start that discussion. That, or be sponsored for the next album....The Lord knows the timing ultimately.
What would you say your biggest support was while recording your debut album?
Twofold!! Our families, especially our wives, for releasing us for a month to record. And James North for his brilliant recording and producing of the album, his understanding of what we wanted to convey through the album & how to do it reflecting our style.
What is the most interesting experience you have had together?
We did a photo-shoot in a printing factory with massive printing machines. That certainly was strange.
Is there anything else you would like to say to people listening to your music?
Aside from the obvious 'we would love it if you bought our album', please listen and be encouraged by the music we've been given to share with you. We don't take this album or it's messages lightly, so reflecting upon both can hopefully give you a fresh perspective and take on life.
Find out more at theupdraftimperative.com
