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Drawing inspiration from classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac, Australian surf rock band Ocean Alley proudly celebrates nostalgia in their music. Their new single “Hot Chicken” explores the temptation of the devil on your shoulder. Listen to “Hot Chicken” below. Ocean Alley’s third LP, Lonely Diamond, will be released June 19th.
Cliché: How did all of you meet?
A few of us went to school together and we met the rest of the guys growing up around Sydney where we lived close. We spent a lot of time surfing, skating and hanging out and found a passion for writing music together.
How would you describe your sound? What eras or musicians inspire you?
We all share a passion for the rock and roots music that our parents grew up on. Groups like Dire Straits, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley and The Wailers, Fleetwood Mac and Black Sabbath were staple covers during our early jam sessions before we started writing our own music. We all have very different tastes day to day however and I think this gives the music we write together it’s particular sound.
Talk about your new single, “Hot Chicken.”
Touching on themes of tension and temptation, it’s one of the more upbeat tracks on the record and hands down one of the most fun to write and record. It started from a sleazy jam we were messing around with and grew from there. We liked the feel of it and decided to build a full song. It was a good vibe for us in the studio to have a track that we were able to cut loose on and try some new ideas out.
Why the name “Hot Chicken”?
It’s Hot and it’s a Chicken. It’s a bit of a nonsense name I guess we just didn’t feel like naming this one in the usual fashion. The song is unapologetic and a bit raucous so the name reflects that.
Do you often feel as though you’re grappling with the devil or inner demons?
Everyone grapples with those things. Life is a time of love and loss and that duality is explored in a lot of our music. Music is a cathartic experience and that’s why it’s so special to us as human beings.
What do you tell yourself to convince yourself to choose “the angel” or make better decisions?
It’s not about choosing “the angel” or “the devil” , just doing things that make you and others happy is the best way to live. Back yourself and be the best you can.
Tell us about your upcoming album, Lonely Diamond.
It’s our third LP and was recorded at The Grove Studios in Sydney, Australia. Callum Howell, our long time producer was behind the desk on this one too. Together we spent almost two months in the studio in intermittent blocks during a hectic touring schedule to demo and record. Lyrically the album is an exploration in themes of escapism and temptation with sonic complementation focused on a classic rock sound tinted with psych, surf and western motifs at times.
Has COVID changed your approach to music?
Of course we aren’t on the road at the moment but everything has been put on hold so it will be a huge return for everyone when we can travel again. We’ve been at home writing together and preparing for our upcoming tours and also having some down time after our hectic 2019.
What are you doing to pass the time during quarantine?
Lots of music and surfing.
Read more Music Interviews at ClicheMag.com
Ocean Alley Wrestles with Inner Demons in New Single “Hot Chicken.” Photo Credit: The Sauce.
Ocean Alley Wrestles with Inner Demons in New Single “Hot Chicken.” Photo Credit: The Sauce.
