INTERVIEW: Ocean Alley talks 'Lonely Diamond' - their most ambitious release to date

Cherished Australian songwriters and performers Ocean Alley, who gained the number one spot in Triple j Hottest 100 back in 2018 — if you’re looking for a bell to ring,— have just released their new, highly anticipated album ‘Lonely Diamond’.

The band caught up with one of our editors, Stoney, to share an insight into their 18-month journey of album writing, plans for the 2021 tour, and what they’ve been up to in isolation.

How have you all spent your time in lockdown the past couple of months?

We’ve been enjoying some time at home hanging with friends and family, and plenty of surfing and fishing. Luckily we had this album recorded before the lockdown so that didn’t toss up any logistical issues. No live shows is a massive bummer for everyone but in saying that, we’ve had more time to plan and work on our live show for when it all kicks off again.

I've noticed some amazing album and merch art come out of this new release. Tell me the story behind it.

We love the way that visual art can complement music, so if we can have some amazing art to go along with the record that is a must for us. Our friend and artist Kane Lehanneur designed the artwork and presented us with the initial style. We worked together to refine our ideas and create something that we all believed best represented the music within the scope of Kane’s style. Kane’s work has a delicate balance between the psychedelic and monochrome structure and this interplay works well with the push and pull of our music.

It goes without saying that heading into this album there was a lot of pressure to back up your previous successes. Did this add a bit of stress to the songwriting process?

It totally did but it was expected and didn’t rattle us too much I don’t think. It made it a bit more exciting I think, like we had something to lose and that kicked us into action. It was nerve-racking trying to start the whole process but once we got stuck in it felt right.

There's obviously a lot of anticipation for artists to get back on stage again, what are some things you've missed about performing?

The thing we have missed about performing most is meeting new people and playing to different crowds. What gives our music so much purpose is to be able to go and play it live for people together as a band. That visceral moment shared between the stage and the audience is a huge part of why we love this so much.

You've said that this album draws from the nostalgia from music era's past, with tracks reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac, Dire Straits, and Pink Floyd. What are the main aspects of these legendary moments in music you want to keep alive?

We champion blues and rock music and in particular blues and rock from the ‘70s and ‘80s because we appreciate the way in which those musicians connect with their audiences and how fundamental it was to their own musical accomplishments. We like to try and create the same experience for us and for the listener. It’s about both audience and artists being challenged together and this style of music, during that era, did it best.

What is the best way your listeners can support you moving forward out of isolation?

The best thing for everyone to do is to buy tickets to shows once they all start up again. If there is a huge resurgence in people buying tickets to shows then all of the supplementary industries will see benefits from that too. I think live music could come back better than ever if everyone plays a part.

Is there a main Aus city you are most excited to visit once the tour starts up in 2021?

Well as you may know we have two incredible rock bands from ‘the wild west’ joining us when touring kicks back off in 2021. Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and Dulcie will set the mood for us each night and so I can’t help but imagine that possibly the biggest date on that tour will be our show in Perth. We always have a crazy time over in Perth and this time around likely won't be any different. We find time to catch up with friends and family whenever we are in Perth and always enjoy that beautiful part of the country.

Click here to access their brand new album merch and info about tour dates!