Harvey Sutherland talks the Melbourne scene, Tom Noble, Razor-N-Tape, Icons and more
Two musical visionaries Harvey Sutherland and Tom Noble have teamed up for a sublime rework of Tom Nobles classic House of Spirits release Times are Changing. Originally released back in 2014 via Beats in Space. It has now been re-released by Razor-N-Tape as the first single from an upcoming album by Tom pulling together 15 years of his most spellbinding tracks, described by the label as ‘modern-retro soul’. Times are Changing gives nods to Mizell Brothers and Patrick Adams and is completely original recorded with live instruments and “mixed tough for the dance floor”.
Harvey has given this timeless track a funk-fuelled boogie-edged touch accentuating the brilliant vocal hook. It’s unbelievable work as we have come to expect from Harvey.
A sublime release all round, grab it HERE.
To celebrate the release we chatted to Harvey about the Melbourne scene, his musical icons and why he got involved with this 12″
Hi Harvey,
Where are you this moment and how are you spending your day?
I’m on the couch with my daughter watching the Simpsons, but only the Conan O’Brien years. Might go get a coffee later. No big plans.
What’s the most exciting thing happening on the Melbourne music scene currently?
I recently saw a clip of these guys “Tongue Dissolver” doing some great scuzzy techno punk. Also love Big Yawn, they’ve got a new record out. The soundsystem culture is pretty cool too, there are crews championing Colombian music, a very healthy roots scene, and a new Disco Hi-Fi system Newflower that I’ll be playing on in a few weeks.
What is your earliest musical memory?
My mum took me to the ABC studios to watch the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra do a “kids concert”, I guess they were doing a Leonard Bernstein thing. Mind blown.
Is there an album that sticks in your mind from when you were a kid?
The Doobie Brothers “Minute By Minute”.
If you lived in the suburbs, you were issued it.
Who are you musical hero’s and icons from the past?
They don’t really change. Prince. Todd Rundgren. Moritz and Mark.
Who do you think is making great music at the moment internationally?
DJ Python. Clairo. INVT. The Marias. Vicky Farewell. Jessica Pratt. Loved that new Mura Masa dubby house single. Mk.gee. Big Ever. Nikki Nair.
What is the most recent album you’ve purchased and why do you love it?
I’m only really buying singles / club tracks on Bandcamp, but picked up a repress of the rightly acclaimed a.s.o record from last year. Dreamy, considered and excellently produced.
What inspires you to create music on a daily basis?
Rising interest rates.
Who do you think is one of the greatest synth wizards of our time?
Suzanne Ciani.
How did you get involved on this Tom Noble release?
Been internet-friends with Tom for many years and a huge admirer of his work, we finally linked up when the HS band played in New York last year. I rinsed the original Beats In Space 12” and had always wanted to be part of the eventual follow-up. He sent me a bunch of stems and it was the first thing I worked on when I moved into my new studio.
Tell us about your interpretation of the track?
Originally I just did a mixdown of the original, then started pulling things apart. I didn’t wanna mess with it too much, just accentuate the great vocal hook and put some extra piano and handclaps in. A “light touch”, much in the way Tom would work on his own edits.
What else can we hope to see from Harvey Sutherland this year?
Some new music incoming, and a couple of fun festivals to play it!
For more info on Tom Noble, Harvey Sutherland & Razor-N-Tape please check:
Tom Noble Facebook
Tom Noble Instagram
Harvey Sutherland Facebook
Harvey Sutherland Instagram
Harvey Sutherland Twitter/X
Razor-N-Tape Facebook
Razor-N-Tape Instagram
Razor-N-Tape Twitter/X
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