Custard bassist Paul Medew has released his first ever solo album, Echuca, after decades of making music with Custard and earlier bands including Who’s Gerald.
In this Noise11 interview with Paul Cashmere, Paul Medew opens up about why he decided it was finally time to make a solo record, how Echuca was written and recorded in his office in regional Victoria, and what it feels like to step out from behind one of Australia’s most distinctive bands.
Paul discusses his songwriting process, his struggles with lyrics and the freedom of having complete creative control. He explains how his work as a therapist fits around his music, revealing how many of the album’s songs were recorded between clients.
The conversation also looks back at Who’s Gerald, the band Paul Medew formed with David McCormack before Custard, including the unlikely musical journey from synth-pop to a Sonic Youth-inspired noise band before Custard emerged.
Paul Medew talks about working with Cameron Jones on drums, keyboards, mixing and mastering, and his collaboration with young guitarist Charlie Bedford, who co-wrote “All Stripped Down”. He also explains the idea of “swamp country”, his tongue-in-cheek description of the musical territory surrounding Echuca.
The album draws on many of Paul’s musical influences, including The Rolling Stones, Pavement and classic country music. He explains how he consciously experimented with those sounds while still trying to make an album that holds together as a whole.
Paul also reveals plans to assemble a live band and perform the Echuca songs later this year, while discussing the possibility of another Custard album.
Watch the full Paul Medew interview with Paul Cashmere and discover the story behind Echuca.
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