It's My Kind of Interview - I Know Leopard

Do you know I Know Leopard? Well, you should. Last year they released this track 'She' that made a whole bunch of people take notice of the Sydney-siders. This year, they released the new track 'Hold This Tight', earning them a whole bunch of new fans. We've got a feeling that their debut EP, Illumina is going to continue this trend, because if the tracks are anywhere near as good as what we've heard so far, we are in for a treat my friends. Tonight we've got a little chat with Todd Andrews from the band and we're talking tours, music videos and music (duh!). Enjoy! 

I KNOW LEOPARD'S TODD ANDREWS

Interview by Matt Bond

Hello hello and welcome to It's My Kind of Scene! How are you on this fine day and what have you been doing?

Todd: Hi! I’ve been relaxing inside and watching the rain. It’s been nice.


You're a relatively new outfit to my ears, but I'm sure your journey as a band hasn't been an overnight one. Tell us what brought I Know Leopard together and what keeps you together?

Todd: You’re right, we’ve all been musicians and playing in bands for a while. Matt, Luke and I have always played together, but the addition of Jenny and Sam to our lineup has been the most amazing additions. We are so lucky to have fallen together, it works so well on and off the stage.


The new single is 'Hold This Tight' which is just a damn fine slice of dreamy-indie pop. What's the story behind the song?

Todd: The song is about friendships, and cherishing good times. Things change in life, so enjoy what you have in the moment.


What was it like working with Ben Timony on the perfect, accompanying clip? I'm sure we'd all rather be hanging out in the water on floaty chairs!

Todd: Ben is amazing and extremely talented. He’s a really great and long time friend and he totally gets us. The clip was a lot of fun (and very relaxing) to make, and perfect vibe for the song. It just made so much sense and when Ben said he could put it together like he did, we knew it had to be done.

You've got a little March tour lined up as well! What do you love about the live music experience? And, I don't want to make this awkward, but most of us are in Brisbane and you're not coming here, so...

Todd: Haha ohhhh that is awkward, and we promise we’ll be there next time, but you know we were in Brisbane late last year.  We love playing live. It’s an amazing feeling to translate what happens when writing a song and then producing it in the studio to the live format. It’s a challenge and something we work really hard on. Performing songs you’ve been working on behind closed doors is such a great release.


We know the Illumina EP is coming soon and it's quickly becoming one of the most anticipated Australian releases of the year. Is there a certain theme that will run through the EP in the same vein as 'Hold This Tight'? And can you give us something a bit more... concrete... about the release date?

Todd: The release date is soon. Probably sooner than you think! And yeah, the EP flows really well sonically, musically and holds consistent themes of displacement, friendship and life from the first two singles, 'She' and 'Hold This Tight'. We’re really proud of it, all five tracks, and can’t wait for everyone to hear it.


Rapid Fire:

The greatest pop song of all time is... 

Todd: 'Jump' - Van Halen

Your dream collaboration would be with... 

Todd: Connan Mockasin

The best gig you've ever been to was... 

Todd: Man I saw Drenge the other day at GoodGod in Sydney and it was pretty good.

Powderfinger or Silverchair... 

Todd: Silverchair, easy.

The best piece of advice you could offer an aspiring musician is... 

Todd: practice.

Your music guilty pleasures include...

Todd: heavy metal

When they air the I Know Leopard 'Behind The Music' TV special in 46 years time, what are they going to say about you?

Todd: “He looks good for a 75 year old.”

But seriously, do any of you actually know a leopard?

Todd: Never met one. Too scary.

Thanks for the chat!

Todd: You're welcome.

And you can catch I Know Leopard live in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide in March! But not in Brisbane...