Out Of Focus never intended for 'Pitch Black Waves' to conclude with an instrumental chorus. It just sort of happened that way.
Ethan says, "Definitely naturally. It was something we originally looked at putting a backseat vocal in, and having something in the background but decided to leave it as it just felt right. Our performances in a live setting also influenced our decision as it just seemed to work really nicely!"
The track hovers in this strange place almost anticipating something big is about to happen. We asked if there was a specific moment or memory that inspired the track's vibe.
"Not necessarily, it metaphorically references segments, feelings and parts (good & bad) of it as a whole," Ethan reckons. "Originally in the early stages, it did reference one memory in particular, but as the song developed it changed into talking about it as a whole."
The Out Of Focus aren’t really trying to sound like anyone else in Newcastle right now. They just play what feels good.
"When we first started off all the way up to right now, we've always just played and written parts we thought sound good or cool with no real like guidelines or set genre. I think it's a good way to be as it mixes up your sound, shows and audience! And we like to think the contrast reflects in our EP."
That probably explains why 'Pitch Black Waves' leans more into the moody instrumental side than the rest of their EP. According to Ethan, it wasn’t a conscious move.
"There really wasn't a real reason to that. I remember coming up with the guitar parts at a jam session accidentally and it felt very unique and dreamy. So I wound up my RV-6 on a heavy setting with some chorus and messed around with to eventually land what we have today, but honestly, it just felt right. I guess it kinda also represents reflection and gives each listener their own chance to be lost in thoughts from their own experiences."
Touring has taken them all over the east coast. The highlight? There's a few.
"This is a hard one as there were so many amazing memories, interactions and people we met on tour, as well as some other amazing bands!" Ethan says. "Exploring Melbourne, Gold Coast, Sydney, Wollongong etc together was unreal too but one thing that stood out I guess was the group up at Miami Marketta, great people and such a cool venue to play at. Very unique setup. Will happily go back in a heartbeat. But I don't think anything will beat the big finish at home in Newcastle. The crowd, energy and vibe was immaculate. We really enjoyed ourselves! The biggest show we have played to date, and amazing to hear some of our songs being sung with us! Genuinely the best feeling ever."
Most people leave an Out Of Focus gig having experienced the switch between heavy riffs and more vulnerable moments. Is that what you planned?
"Definitely comes naturally. We write on the fly. Mostly while jamming, but I (Ethan) have also demo'd songs before the other boys have even heard it, and they'll put their own little twist on it. Our new single 'Find Me' is a perfect example of that. One or two little changes from each of the boys on their parts lifted the song so much and gave it that bit extra that it needed. But most songs are roughly demo'd at jams, just playing what feels right. I feel it also comes down to our varied music tastes as well. We all like different stuff from softer indie, right through to the heavier stuff, and it shows in what we write."
Local Sounds Radio has been spinning Out Of Focus on high rotation, and Newcastle's pretty locked in, but Ethan says they're not easing off now that the tour's done.
"For us, we are focusing on some new music for now. We will still play a few gigs here and there, but the time between is spent writing, making demos and spending time with friends and family. But I think the major focus over the next 4–6 months will be writing and putting out some new releases!"
If you want to know what Out Of Focus has on repeat, The band isn’t shy about sharing their faves and influences.
"There definitely is between the 3 of us: Silverchair, Letters To Lions, Old Mervs, The Cheaks, Cooks And Bakers, The Terrys, Mid Drift, The Colliflowers to name a few that definitely have inspired us or even just bands we love. Honestly too many to name, the music scene is booming, full of many very talented people!"
Learn more about Out Of Focus on Local Sounds:
https://localsounds.com.au/artist/out-of-focus
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