Features
Classics: Fait
By Mess+Noise
M+N are asking bands about classic Australian albums – both the idea of a classic and some prime examples – as well as posing a few polite questions.
Answering this week is Elisa Higgins, a Perth musician who pursues cinematic and shoegazing instrumental voyages as Fait. Her debut EP Atmosphere, produced by Darren Lawson (My Bloody Valentine, White Lies), came out in May. A quartet live, Fait is heading east this month for gigs in Sydney and Melbourne; dates at the bottom of the page.
a. Your songs are obviously very cinematic. Could you name some of your favourite film scores and composers?
Michael Nyman’s score for The Piano jumps to mind first – ‘The Heart Asks Pleasure First’ is one of my favourite pieces of music. John Murphy is amazing, and Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ soundtrack for The Social Network was effortlessly cool.
b. I’m sure you get tired of people asking, but why keep Fait purely instrumental?
Well I don’t sing and I don’t hear vocal melodies when I write, so I guess it’s by default. That’s not to say I would never include vocals in my work – I just haven’t felt the need so far. I really enjoy creating vast, cinematic soundscapes.
c. What’s the next step for Fait, after this new EP?
We are about to embark on our first tour, which is really exciting. We’ll be playing in Sydney and Melbourne this month. After that we’ll play a few more shows in Perth before I turn my attention to writing some new material.
What Makes a Classic?
a. What are some defining qualities that make a classic record?
A classic record to me is timeless, evocative, cohesive and has a strong sense of direction. It’s all-consuming ... it has to make you feel something.
b. Name a recent Australian record that already feels like a classic.
HTRK’s Work (Work, Work) is flawless. Heartbreakingly beautiful, completely hypnotic and unsettling. It just gets under your skin.
c. What was the first classic Australian record someone introduced you to?
Truthfully? Peter Combe .... toffee apple nice and sticky. Thanks mum.
d. Is there a classic ‘Australian sound’? If so, what is it?
No, I don’t think there is one classic Australian sound – it’s all subjective.
e. Who’s your favourite Australian producer, past or present?
I’ve never really thought about it, as I struggle to look beyond Alan Moulder, but I’ve been enjoying Ta-ku of late. He has produced some really beautiful work.
Five Potential Classics
Tell us what these five contenders for classic album status mean to you:
Beaches Beaches (2008)
I’m glad you picked Beaches, as I hadn’t listened to this album up until now ... it’s really great! Hearing some Sonic Youth vibes in there.
The Avalanches Since I Left You (2000)
Definitely an influential album: very clever mix of quirky, eclectic sounds. The fact that there are over 900 samples in there just makes my mind boggle!
The Panics Cruel Guards (2007)
I don’t own this album but I remember it being a really slick, mature body of work when it came out.
AC/DC Back in Black (1980)
Important for Australian music history, but doesn’t mean that much to me personally.
Abbe May Design Desire (2011)
This is a killer album. Ballsy guitars contrasted with beautiful, breathy vocals. Perfect road-trip music.
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FAIT TOUR DATES
Sat, Aug 9 – FBi Social, Sydney, NSW
Wed, Aug 13 – Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Thurs, Aug 14 – Workers Club, Melbourne, VIC
Sat, Aug 16 – Revolver, Melbourne, VIC