This years triple j unearthed High Finalist from NSW chats to Indent about the Unearthed High experience, the Byron Shire from which they hail and of course all things music.
Who is Domini Forster and band, how would you describe your sound?
The girls and I are students at the Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School (currently finishing our last year) and our music teacher plays drums for us. I’d call our sound contemporary folk but with a pop/rock twist.
Does the group work together to write songs and organise where you want to go as a band or is it more of an individual project with the band as support?
I write the songs independently, but the band (Chapei, Amy and Tom) often offer their creative input when we rehearse, especially with drums and bass, as I don’t play either instrument. The songs evolve as we rehearse them and as new ideas occur to us. It is a great process to be a part of because the songs almost take on a life of their own and are continuously changing and growing.
What is your musical background? How did the band come about and how long have you been playing together?
I have been singing and playing violin since I was a little kid and my school has always encouraged performance, which has really nurtured me. About 2 years ago, my boyfriend taught me to play guitar. Once I had that to support my voice, song writing became really natural. The band came together about a year ago to play as a support act for Duck Radio (another local band) and we haven’t looked back since.
What is your greatest musical achievement, experience or memory thus far? Name one as a performer/band and one as an audience member.
Probably hearing ‘Puppet Strings’ played on Triple J. That was definitely a buzz. As an audience member, I think I would have to say ‘Polyphonic Spree’ or ‘Sigur Rós’ at last year’s Splendour in the Grass. Both fantastic concerts.
What is the music scene like up around Byron? Are there any musical styles/genres/trends that are predominant?
There is a really strong musical community in the Byron Shire, and a lot of opportunities for local bands to perform, which has been fabulous for us. There is actually quite a lot of diversity in terms of genre amongst local musicians, from folk to minimalist to hardcore -complete with pig squeals and the whole shebang.
What was The Triple J Unearthed High experience like for you? Can you tell us a bit about the process? Did you learn anything from the experience or do you think it has opened up any doors for you?
It was a whirlwind. We got our entry in one hour before the competition closed and I basically forgot about it for a while after that. We weren’t really expecting to get anywhere in the comp. I ended up getting a call from my dad’s partner on the morning of the finalist announcement, and she said “Congratulations!” and I had absolutely no idea what she was talking about. It was a great way to find out. After that it was such a buzz. Hearing our song played on national radio was a fantastic experience, although it felt very surreal. Apart from the exposure, one of the most important things the competition has given me is confidence to pursue music when I finish school. To put my music out into the world and receive such a positive response has been really encouraging.
What does the future hold for you guys, where do you want to go with your music? Does Domini Forster and band have any plans of moving their music out of Byron?
The future is a little uncertain at this point. The band probably won’t continue in its current form after we finish school, but I am definitely planning to continue writing, recording and performing music. Its what I love to do, so why not. I don’t think I will be staying in Byron for long, Melbourne is calling. But nothing is set yet. In the more immediate future, the band and I are performing at the Mullum Music Festival in November. Last year’s festival was fantastic, so we’re really looking forward to being there this year on the stage instead of in the crowd
If you and the band could collaborate with another artist who would it be and why? Also, where would be your dream place for a performance?
That’s a hard question. Maybe Thomas Newman. Some of his film scores are absolute masterpieces (especially ‘American Beauty’). I would love to pick his brain. In terms of a dream place for a performance, I have absolutely no idea. In my experience so far it has been the audiences who have made the difference to how enjoyable a gig is, rather than the venue.
