Isaac Gaffney is an Albany based muso. Keely Liron asked him about his practice and his musical dreams. 

You started out playing in a band, can you tell us a little about that…how you all got started, the kind of music you were putting out, and what your role in the band was?

I played rhythm guitar and vocals in a band called Morrison Forest for about two and a half years. It started out with just a few guys jamming in a bedroom, then grew to a five piece outfit consisting of two guitars, keyboard/synth, bassist and a drummer. We played gigs fairly consistently around town and we’re lucky enough to play some Perth gigs as well. Our music was mainly a muddle of different ideas coming from the surf rock scene and inspiration from early artists like The Doors.

You’re playing solo now, what made you want to go out on your own? 

I’m not to sure, I think just for the love of it. It kinda just happened.

How is being a solo artist different from being in a group? 

Being in a group was definitely a different scenario, I loved every moment and wouldn’t change anything, but it’s a lot more relaxed being able too organise yourself than a band sometimes. But I would take the chance to be in a group again if it arose again.

Tell us a bit about your process…. how do you go from concept to final song?

It’s easy to come up with a song if the meaning and emotion is already there. I’m always writing different chord progressions, riffs and lyrics, so once the process has started it seems too come pretty naturally.

How would you describe your sound? Do you have any key messages you’re trying to get across in your music?

It’s hard to say really, Australian indie/folk maybe. Not really any key messages, just a bit of the good and a bit of the bad.

What does your body of work look like at the moment? Any plans for an album, or a tour soon?

Still at the drawing board! I’m in Europe until mid August, but I’m ready to record some basic parts when I get back to town and then go from there. The plan is too tour eventually, but it’s small steps for now and I’m happy with that.

Who are your biggest influences, your musical heroes?

Artists like Dylan, Young, King Gizz, Jsemps…I could go on for a while.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 

I honestly don’t know, but if I was too take a stab, probably travelling and playing music, doing what I love with people I love. It’s all about now at the moment.

What’s the dream, what do you want to achieve with your music career? 

I want to release an EP and start playing around the Southwest, maybe join a band soon. I would love to have the opportunity to play at festival one day, that’s the dream.

You’re an Albany based musician, what’s the scene like down there? What are some of the challenges and also the opportunities that come with being a regionally based musician?

The scene is pretty dismal in comparison to the bigger picture.  It’s pretty challenging to have a wide range of gigs that aren’t pubs, but all in all it’s still really fun. Opportunity wise it’s been good lately, I got to play an original track on the ABC Radio which has helped me get noticed and being able to play gigs for some cash has been rewarding as well.

Keely Liron | @parakeelia

Keely works at Bunnings. She thinks good winged eyeliner is a talent you can perfect, but resting bitch face is a gift you either have or you don’t. 

By Pelican Magazine

Pelican is the second-oldest student publication in Australia and the only independent paper at UWA. If you like having opinions, writing, drawing, and/or free tickets to local events, then Pelican is the place for you! We print six themed issues a year, and run a stream of online content.

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