Jodi Phillis of The Clouds joins Paul Cashmere for an in-depth Noise11 interview about the band’s return to the stage in 2026 and the music that has kept The Clouds connected with audiences for more than three decades.
Jodi talks about the art of building a Clouds set list, including why “Souleater” can work as an opener, why songs such as “Hieronymus” and “Say It” are often saved for the end, and how the band decides what belongs in an encore.
The conversation travels through The Clouds’ landmark 1990s albums Penny Century, Octopus and Thunderhead, with Jodi reflecting on the recording process, the producers they worked with and the band’s desire to constantly experiment with different musical ideas.
Jodi discusses the production of Penny Century by Tim Whitten, the contribution of Stuart Eadie, the recording of Octopus with Paul Kosky and the creative energy Raphael Whittingham brought to Thunderhead. She also explains why “Anthem” became such an important Clouds song and why some of the band’s deepest fan favourites were never singles.
The interview also looks back at The Clouds’ international touring years, including the challenges of touring America and the disappointment surrounding Elektra’s decision to drop its international roster. Jodi recalls recording Beetroot in London and reflects on the opportunities and difficulties of taking an Australian band overseas.
Jodi also talks about The Girls From The Clouds, the later independent releases including Zaffre, “Beautiful Nothingness” and “Check Us Out”, and whether there could eventually be another Clouds album.
Most importantly, she explains why The Clouds continue to return to the stage: they are still friends, they still enjoy playing together and the songs still matter.
Watch the full Jodi Phillis interview with Paul Cashmere at Noise11 and subscribe to the Noise11 YouTube channel for more Australian music interviews, artist conversations, music news and features.
Stay updated with your free Noise11.com daily music news email alert. Subscribe to Noise11 Music News here
Be the first to see NOISE11.com’s newest interviews and special features on YouTube. See things first—Subscribe to Noise11 on YouTube
Follow Noise11.com on social media:
Bluesky
Facebook – Comment on the news of the day
