Lewis Stephenson, musician
A lot of talented people are creating a lot of good music ...
The medley of musicians bouncing between bands in Brisbane has created a supportive artistic community where collectives borrow from each other and overlap with unaffected ease. One such band is psych-rock four-piece Moses Gunn Collective, which features members from local projects like Orphans Orphans, The Belligerents, The Furrs, Morning Harvey and The Family Jordan. The band’s dynamic stage presence and unique blend of psych-pop tunes have earned them adoration from local fans, leading to a Falls Festival slot over New Year’s and a place on the Jungle Love Festival bill this weekend. Ahead of the release of the band’s new EP Morning Shakes next Friday November 28 and a launch party gig at The Brightside that night, The Weekend Edition checked in with guitarist Lewis Stephenson to talk glitter and local hangouts.
You’ll be playing an EP launch gig at The Brightside on November 28, what do you love about playing for the hometown crowd?
We adore having our extended group of friends and family swindling our door spaces and people knowing our songs.
Who – or what – would you most love to see in the crowd?
Fancily dressed boys and girls enjoying the music.
If the music of Moses Gunn Collective was a person, what would it look and be like?
Tall, lanky and wearing colourful clothing …
What’s your personal favourite track in the Moses Gunn Collective back catalogue?
I’d probably have to say all of the new songs. From the older tunes, I’d probably say ‘Colours’, even though we haven’t played that one for about a year now.
What can our ears expect from Moses Gunn Collective’s upcoming EP?
A dazzling set of old and new songs, set somewhere between us two years ago and us one year ago.
What’s one song you wish you wrote?
‘Bang A Gong (Get It On)’ by T. Rex.
You’ve been spreading your musical talents across a bunch of other Brisbane-based bands, like The Belligerents and Morning Harvey; how would you describe the health of the local music scene right now?
I’d like to say it’s nice and healthy I suppose, so I’ll say that. A lot of talented people are creating a lot of good music.
You’re also in Orphans Orphans, which borrows members from a couple of local bands. How did you all meet and when did you first start making music together?
We met through mutual friends at parties. We had a bunch of unused songs and ideas for songs and then kinda jammed when we moved in together.
What’s next for Orphans Orphans – can we expect any new releases soon?
Yep, we’re going to have a new single early next year, followed by an album later in the year.
What’s been your most memorable gig so far?
Playing with Metronomy at Woodland a while back was pretty exciting!
What makes you happy?
A lot of different things I guess – glitter usually makes me feel pretty good.
If you could listen to only one record for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Odelay by Beck. Enough variation to keep me interested, plus it’s a double album.
Moses Gunn Collective has a bunch of festivals coming up, like Jungle Love Festival this weekend and Falls Festival at the end of the year, does the band have any pre-gig rituals?
We haven’t really developed any yet, but I like to make sure we all have glitter on and that our instruments are plugged in.
What’s your personal definition of ‘success’?
Becoming responsible enough to own a pet.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Blackstar Coffee, West End.
Relax … somewhere with air-conditioning during this heatwave.
Be inspired … my house.
