Castlecomer’s Bede Kennedy talks sacrifices going into debut album

“We wanna do huge live shows that are acoustic and electric and we want people to feel something when they listen to our music. It’s not just straight up and down rock and roll, there is funk and soul inside those beats, and it’s not just straight up pop music, there is dirt and grit in those sounds, so we wanna do whatever the hell we’re doing.”

Australian natives Castlecomer are quickly gaining track here in the U.S. before they take off on the Alt Nation Tour with Big Data and Fitness. The tour kicks off here in Detroit at The Shelter on October 14.

The bands debut, self titled album is set to release on October 5 via Concord Records. It’s currently available for pre order on iTunes.

The debut single for the album, “All of the Noise” gives a taste of what’s to come from the band. The energy that the band brings forth leaves listeners in anticipation for a high quality album. Not only that, but the band exceeded fans expectations by releasing a stripped down version of the song with Paste Magazine.

Tickets and additional dates can be found here.

We chatted with vocalist/guitarist Bede Kennedy about the sacrifices he made to write the album, the story being “All of the Noise” and what’s in store for Castlecomer on tour this fall!

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Kailey Howell: Congrats on the upcoming release of your debut album! Can you tell me a little bit about the inspirations behind it?

Bede Kennedy: Cheers Resurget Mag ya bloody legends! The album was written in a few long sessions over the last 2 years in a share-house in Surry Hills, Sydney with no heater for the winter and no fan or air conditioning for the summer. I would just sit down with a guitar and a loop pedal for a full year and try to write the best song possible. I suppose the main theme running through the album is being young and looking towards your unknown future. There’s a bit of the Australian “escapist” theme in there where so much of what is happening in the world is over the other side and you just wanna go and be a part of it.

KH: It’s noted that you quit your day job to write the album. What was it like making that leap into working music full time, something that many could be criticized for?

BK: I’m sure there are many people out there more talented than I who could do a 10 hour day of work, get the bus home, have a shower, eat dinner and then sit down and write a huge tune. But in my case, I tried that, sitting in a law firm all day doing work for other people, trying to scribble some lyrics in my lunch break. By the time I got home I was so tired that it was just bad music. It takes a lot of time and energy to write a hit! It was awesome getting this time to write, while my mates were at work.

KH: The lead single “All of the Noise” has quickly been growing in popularity. Is this the reaction you expected from the release of the single?

BK: We expect nothing but hope for everything. Bring on Wembley and God bless every human that has given us the time of day because all we want to do is play that song to as many people as possible and make them feel something while it’s happening!

KH: Can you give me a little more detail on the song and what it’s about?

BK: It’s about being young and in love and fluking it with a girl who is awesome. I have a lot of women in my life who are such strong examples of womanhood and I wanted to write a tune about them being pioneers for the future generations of women. Our generation of women are really pushing through all the bullshit from generations before that held them back and the more we can talk and sing about it the better it’s going to be for the next gen.

KH: Writing and releasing the debut album kind of sets the tone of what a band wants to be known for. With Castlecomer, what do you want listeners to get from the album?

BK: Maybe versatility. We wanna do huge live shows that are acoustic and electric and we want people to feel something when they listen to our music. It’s not just straight up and down rock and roll, there is funk and soul inside those beats, and it’s not just straight up pop music, there is dirt and grit in those sounds, so we wanna do whatever the hell we’re doing.

KH: You’re kicking off your tour with Big Data and Fitness here in Detroit, we’re excited to have you here! Are there any things you’re looking forward to on this tour in the U.S?

BK: A lot of stuff! We are absolutely loving our time in the US because for a touring band, it’s heaven. You can drive 2-3 hours and there is another town of 1 million + people there ready to party! I listen to the Jalen and Jacoby podcast sometimes to catch up on NBA news, so Jalen has really given me a soft spot for Detroit! Can’t wait to get back there!